Tennessee Employment
Tennessee Affordable Rentals
Tennessee Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
TENNESSEE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

Tennessee Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS HAVE CHANGED TO:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RESPONSE RELATED MATERALS ARE NOW ON OUR NEW “TENNESSEE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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Tennessee Head Start
Managing Agency Tennessee http://www.tennesseeanytime.org
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Tennessee and you must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the program, you can call the Tennessee Head Start Collaboration Office at (615) 741-4849 or visit: http://tn.gov/education/headstart/

Posted 04-09-12

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Festivals and Fun Times:

Tennessee, Gray
Appalachian Antique Farm Show
Dates: April 27, 2012 – April 29, 2012
Location: Appalachian Fairgrounds
Gray, TN
Washington County
Phone Number: 423-467-9934
Second Phone Number: 357-3619
Description: Farm Equipment, Crafts & Farm Toy Show, Quilt Show, Food, Live Entertainment, Kiddie Events

Tennessee, Bell Buckle
ARHC Mid-Tenn Open Classic Series
Dates: April 28, 2012 – April 28, 2012
Location:
Bell Buckle, TN
Bedford County
Phone Number: 615-713-7105

Tennessee, Knoxville
Billy Currington with David Nail
Billy Currington Dates: April 28, 2012 – April 28, 2012
Location: Knoxville Coliseum
Knoxville, TN
Knox County
Event Hours: 7:30pm

Tennessee, Celina
Moonshine Daze
Moonshine Daze Dates: May 3, 2012 – May 5, 2012
Location:
Courthouse Square
Celina, TN
Clay County
Description: OUTHOUSE RACE, MOONSHINE STAGGER, TRIATHALON HILLBILLY GLAMOUR PAGEANT , FIREFIGHTERS CHALLENGE FOOT STOMPING MUSC and other FUN THANGS!

Tennessee, Nashville
Jewelry Bead and Gift Show
Dates: May 4, 2012 – May 6, 2012
Location: Tennessee State Fairgrounds
Banquet Hall
Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Phone Number: 615-862-8980
Event Hours: Fri noon to 6pm Sat. 11am to 6pm Sun. 11am to 6pm

Tennessee, Nashville
PrimeXpo Jewelry & Gift Show
Dates: May 4, 2012 – May 6, 2012
Location: Tennessee State Fair Ground
Wilson Hall
Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Event Hours: 11am to 6pm
Admission: $3
Parking: $5

Tennessee, Nashville
Eric Church
Eric Church Dates: May 5, 2012 – May 5, 2012
Location: Bridgestone Arena
Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Event Hours: 7:30pm

Tennessee, Franklin
Franklin Rodeo
Franklin Rodeo Dates: May 17, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location: Williamson County Ag
4215 Long Lane
Franklin, TN
Franklin County
Promoter: Franklin Noon Rotary Club
Description: We have bronc ridin, bull ridin, ropin, steer wrestlin, and barrel racin as pro rodeo cowboys and cowgirls compete for prize money and the championship belt buckle!
Admission: Rodeo tickets are available at The Cowboy Store (615-591-7959), online at www.franklinrodeo.com, or at the gate.

Tennessee, Sevierville
Bloomin BBQ and Bluegrass
Dates: May 18, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location:
Sevierville, TN
Sevier County
Promoter: Chamber of Commerce

Tennessee, Kodak
Camp & Jam Weekend
Dates: May 18, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location: Dumplin Valley Farm
Kodak, TN
Sevier County

Tennessee, Nashville
Crossfire Live Wrestlin
Dates: May 19, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location: Tennessee State Fairgrounds
Sports Arena
Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Event Hours: VIP 5:30p Doors 6:30p Bell 7:30
Admission: VIP $15 Gen Adm $10
Parking: $5

Tennessee, Nashville
Miranda Lambert with Chris Young
Miranda Lambert Dates: May 19, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location: Bridgestone Arena
Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Event Hours: 7:30pm

Tennessee, Nashville
Beads, Jewelry and Fashion Acessory Show
Dates: June 2, 2012 – June 3, 2012
Location: Tennessee State Fairgrounds
625 Smith Avenue
Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Phone Number: 770-739-0057
Event Hours: Sat. 10 to 5pm Sun. 10 to 4pm
Admission: $4 admission, good for both days, Open to the public

Tennessee, Celina
Clay County Fair
Theme this Year: Family Fun for the Young & Old
Dates: June 5, 2012 – June 9, 2012
Location: Clay County Recreation Complex Fairgrounds
Highway 52
Celina, TN
Clay County
Promoter: Don Sherrell
Phone Number: (931) 261-6198
Description: Exhibits, Agricultural Products, Entertainment Fun Events for all ages.
Event Hours: Tuesday through Friday Gates open 4 PM midway starts 6 PM Saturday Gates open at noon
Admission: $2.00 Gate
Parking: Free Parking
Ticket Info: $2.00 Gate – Free Parking
Directions: Just West of the town square Celina (approx. 2 miles)on Highway 52 (also known as Clay County Highway)
Carnival James Gang Amusements

Tennessee, Nashiville
CMA Music Festival
Dates: June 7, 2012 – June 7, 2012
Location: LP Field
Nashiville, TN
Davidson County

Tennessee, Manchester
Bonaroo Music Festival
Dates: June 7, 2012 – June 7, 2012
Location: Bonnaroo Manchester Farm
Manchester, TN
Coffee County
Event Hours: noon
Get Tickets
Ticket Info: Single Day Passes Only

Tennessee, Manchester
Bonnaroo Music Festival
Dates: June 7, 2012 – June 7, 2012
Location: Bonnaroo Manchester Farm
Manchester, TN
Coffee County
Event Hours: TBD
Get Tickets
Ticket Info: Four Day Passes Only

Tennessee, Dickson
Dickson Stampede Days Rodeo
Dates: June 15, 2012 – June 16, 2012
Location:
Dickson, TN
Dickson County

Tennessee, Nashville
Roger Waters
Roger Waters Dates: June 19, 2012 – June 19, 2012
Location: Bridgestone Arena
Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Event Hours: 8pm

Tennessee, Nine Mile
Nine Mile Bluegrass Festival
Dates: June 22, 2012 – June 23, 2012
Location: Edmons Music Park
Nine Mile, TN
Bledsoe County

Tennessee, Nashville
Kenny Chesney with Tim McGraw
Kenny Chesney Dates: June 23, 2012 – June 23, 2012
Location: LP Field
Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Event Hours: 4:30pm

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Tennessee Home & Community Based Services

The Home and Community Based Services Waiver provides services for seniors and persons with disabilities in their homes. Learn about eligibility requirements and information on covered services such as minor home modifications, assistive technology and personal care assistance. For more information on how to apply for this program, call toll-free 1-866-836-6678.
For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/state/tennessee/community_life.

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MSRRC is one of six Regional Resource Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education
Programs. MSRRC provides technical assistance to state early intervention lead agencies, departments of education and other
related state agencies. The Centers works to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, birth through 21
years, and their families. Find resources for parents and educators in your state.

For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/tennessee/education

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Disability.Gov…………………

Offers services that include family support, residential living programs, job training and placement, community participation, a day
center and more for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/tennessee/community_life.

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Program Description
The Tennessee Food Stamp program, financed 100 percent by Federal funds and administered by the Department of Human
Services, provides nutritional assistance benefits to children and families, the elderly, the disabled, unemployed and working
families. Its importance as a safety net cannot be overemphasized because it provides a mechanism for stretching food dollars for
those families and individuals with insufficient income or resources to meet all of their needs. Since the nationwide implementation
of the Food Stamp program in 1964, malnutrition has been virtually eliminated; however, hunger and food insecurity continues to
exist at unacceptable levels in every state. As a result, a national campaign to end hunger has been initiated by USDA’s Food and
Nutrition Services. For Tennessee and other states in the southeast region, a goal has been set to eliminate hunger by 2005.

To receive food stamp benefits, you must first apply for benefits and participate in an interview with DHS staff. If eligible, you will
receive a Benefit Security Card or EBT Card, which allows food stamp benefits to be issued and accessed electronically.

Applying for benefits is just the first step. You will need to work with your local DHS office to confirm your eligibility.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Tennessee and fall into one of two groups: (1)
those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings
and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the
household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the
household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To apply for benefits, contact your local Department of Human Services office. A map and information on these offices is available
on our Web site at:

http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/Office_locator.html

You may contact the Family Assistance Help-Line with questions at:
888-863-6178

Or in Nashville:
615-313-5790

Applications are available in English or Spanish that you can take or mail to your local Department of Human Services Office. The
application in English may be downloaded at:

http://state.tn.us/humanserv/forms/hs-0169.pdf

The application in Spanish may be downloaded at:

http://state.tn.us/humanserv/forms/hs-2775.pdf

Managing Agency
Tennessee

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org

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Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children
by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school
lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition
standards.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Tennessee and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; $68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:

http://www.k-12.state.tn.us/weblinks/showmedistricts.asp

Program Contact Information
To learn more about the programs, please call toll-free the Tennessee School Nutrition Program office at:
800-354-3663

You can also visit a School Nutrition Program office on the web at:

http://www.state.tn.us/education/support/nutrition.shtml

You can also contact your child’s school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school meals.

Managing Agency
Tennessee

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org

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Program Description
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is 100% Federally funded through a grant from the Federal
Department of Health and Human Services. LIHEAP provides funds to the states to help meet the utility costs of low-income eligible
elderly and disabled adults. The program is administered through contracts to a network of 20 established non-profit and local
government agencies experienced in providing energy assistance programs. Services are available in all 95 counties. Eligibility is
based on established Federal poverty guidelines. Activities consist of a special summer cooling program ($325 max. payment) and
regular and emergency heating assistance ($250 max. payment). Eligible applicants can receive assistance once per year from two
of the three programs. The assistance is in the form of a payment to the utility company or home energy provider.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Tennessee, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $13,537 if one person lives in the household;
$18,212 if two people live in the household; $22,887 if three people live in the household; $27,562 if four people live in the household;
$32,237 if five people live in the household; $36,912 if six people live in the household; $41,587 if seven people live in the household;
$46,262 if eight people live in the household; and $50,002 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add
$4,675 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact the local administering agency near you:

http://state.tn.us/humanserv/adfam/liheap/liheap-agencies.pdf

Program Contact Information
For additional program information please visit the following website:

Managing Agency
Tennessee

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org

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Program Description
Families First is Tennessee’s welfare reform plan that replaced the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. The
temporary cash assistance program emphasizes work, training, and personal responsibility. As part of the Families First program,
each participant must agree to follow a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP). Unless a participant is exempt from the work
requirement, he/she must also agree to develop, follow, and complete a work plan. The work plan is based on the individual’s needs
and skills.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Tennessee, under 19 years of age, not covered by health
insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, or pregnant, and you must have an annual
household income before taxes of less than $36,425 if two people live in the household; $45,775 if three people live in the household;
$55,125 if four people live in the household; $64,475 if five people live in the household; $73,825 if six people live in the household;
$83,175 if seven people live in the household; $92,525 if eight people live in the household; and $101,875 if more than eight people
live in the household. For larger households, add $9,350 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income level, you
may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state’s program information for details.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact the Department of Human Service Adult and Family Services office near you:

http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/Office_locator.html

Program Contact Information
Please call the Family Assistance Helpline to speak with program representatives:
888-863-6178

Managing Agency
Tennessee

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org

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Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children
by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school
lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition
standards.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Tennessee and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; $68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:

http://www.k-12.state.tn.us/weblinks/showmedistricts.asp

Program Contact Information
To learn more about the programs, please call toll-free the Tennessee School Nutrition Program office at:
800-354-3663

You can also visit a School Nutrition Program office on the web at:

http://www.state.tn.us/education/support/nutrition.shtml

You can also contact your child’s school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school meals.

Managing Agency
Tennessee

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org

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Program Description
In Tennessee, the WIC program provides nutritious education, health care referrals, breastfeeding support and supplemental
nutritious foods to nearly 150,000 women, infants, and children under the age of five through departments in 95 counties. The
program services to certify participants and issue vouchers for the foods are provided at approximately 155 local health
departments, primary care, and hospital sites throughout the state. Vouchers are issued in three month increments, and can be
redeemed at one of the approximately 1,200 participating grocery stores in Tennessee that have contracts with the Tennessee
Department of Health to redeem WIC vouchers.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Tennessee, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition
risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family
members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:

http://doh.sd.gov/LocalOffices/CHS.aspx

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on WIC in Tennessee, please visit the WIC website:

http://health.state.tn.us/WIC/

You can also call toll-free:
800-342-5942

Managing Agency
Department of Health (TN)

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast
Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have
access to a school meals program. The program reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Tennessee, your household’s
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $75,388 if eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.

http://snp.state.tn.us/TNSNP/

Program Contact Information
Please e-mail Sarah White, State Director, of the State Department of Education office at:

State Director
sarah.c.white@state.tn.us

Or to ask about the Special Milk program call:
615-532-4744

You can also contact your local school district to learn how to receive Tennessee Special Milk benefits.

Managing Agency
Tennessee

http://www.tennesseeanytime.org

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Townsend, TN
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Cabins, hotels, motels, bed/breakfasts, campsites, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fly fishing, golf, arts/crafts, historical sites and museums.

800-525-6834
smokymountains.org

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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!