Milestone for TDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Resources Division

Tennessee and the United States have a rich history of major transportation accomplishments during the past 250 years. Historians estimate that between 1760 and 1850, almost 300,000 people walked, rode, or were carried through the Cumberland Gap. It was a converging point for two major pioneering routes including the “Wilderness Road,” taking pioneers into Kentucky and the “Tennessee Road” on which people and livestock moved from North- east Tennessee to Middle Tennessee.

Recently, TDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Resources Division (MMTR) hit a major milestone. In Mid-December, MMTR was instrumental in seamlessly transporting a customer across the entire state, from Clin- ton to Memphis, using only public transportation. Four of the ten rural transit agencies in Tennes- see were involved in this effort including East Tennessee, Upper Cumberland, Northwest Tennes- see, and Southwest Tennessee. Multimodal Transportation has a coordination contract with the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole funded through a U.S. Department of Justice grant of $75,000 to provide transportation services to individuals under probation or parole supervision by the board. The typical transport is for training, support groups, or job interviews. When con- tacted by the program grants manager at probation, TDOT and the rural transit agencies immedi- ately set into motion a well-orchestrated plan to transport a client in Clinton in need of transpor- tation to a special residential substance treatment facility in Memphis. Because the trip would cross multiple service areas and would require the client to be closely monitored, coordination and timing was essential. The transport van left Clinton at 8:00 a..m. and with stops in Crossville, Nashville, and Jackson, it arrived in Memphis by 6:00 p.m. that day. This act generally went unno- ticed except by a few. However, it allowed MMTR to accomplish its’ long term goal of crossing the state using only public transportation. It also may have helped change the life of one person forever.

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (WIA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

West Tennessee Workforce Investment Board and Southwest Human Resource Agency, Administrative Entity for LWIA -11, are soliciting proposals from qualified organizations for the operation of federally funded Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I Youth employment and training programs for the period of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, in the following 8 counties: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and McNairy.

The West Tennessee Workforce Investment Board and the Youth Council wish to solicit proposals from qualified agencies who can design a comprehensive youth training program that focuses on enhanced case management, counseling and mentoring, along with work preparation, soft skills training, tutoring and GED prep. Formal case management services must be in place to address all barriers which impair successful workforce development. The successfully funded program will evaluate the life circumstances of the participant and develop a plan that addresses individual needs. This enhanced case management program should be a formal design that will look at not only the educational background of the individual but the socioeconomic background.

Interested agencies, organizations and other entities are invited to submit a proposal. The administrative entity of WIA -11 shall give priority to proposals demonstrating: (1) Adequate financial resources or the ability to obtain them; (2) The ability to meet the program design specifications at a reasonable cost, as well as the ability to meet performance goals; (3) A satisfactory record of past performance including demonstrated quality of training; (4) The ability to provide services that can lead to the achievement of competency standards for participants with identified deficiencies; (5) A satisfactory record of integrity, business ethics, and fiscal accountability; (6) The necessary organization, experience, accounting, and operational controls; and (7) The technical skills to perform the work.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 4:00PM, Thursday, May 31, 2012. Proposals may be submitted before the deadline date. Providers will be selected for funding under this request for proposal depending on performance and availability of funds.

The Request for Proposal package is available for download by clicking here. You may also email a request to Betsy Pickler, Youth Program Coordinator at bpickler@swhra.org.
For additional information contact:
Betsy Pickler
Youth Program Coordinator
Fax: 731-983-3149
Email: bpickler@swhra.org

SWHRA goes to Washington

Executive Director Mike Smith and members of the SWHRA Policy Council visited our nations capitol in March. One of the main points that was highlighted during the Congressional Delegation were hopes of maintaining funding for Tennessee’s public transpor- tation through the transportation reauthorization bill.

Miss Ruby” is still shining at age 92

For, Ruby McIntyre, or “Miss Ruby” as many have affection- ately called her for years, cooking has always been a part of her life. She has been serving up Southern classic’s ranging from fried chicken and meatloaf to cobbler and pie for over 60 years. Although she started learning how to cook at a young age by helping her mother, Ruby decided to expand upon her education by attending William Jewell Culinary Arts and Hu- man Relations College. For the years following school, Ruby would continue to travel around the country cooking her famous dishes. In 1998, Ruby received an opportunity of a lifetime. She was chosen to cook for former President Bill Clinton and other officials during a anti-hate crime conference at The White House. When asked what his favorite meal was, she smiled and said “Chicken and Dumplings, collard greens, and peach cobbler”. Today you can find Ruby being a volunteer cook at the Lexington Senior Center 3 days a week. One of the larger meals she enjoys preparing is “Bean Day”, where she cooks for over 200 people. When she isn't cooking or spending time with friends and family, Ruby enjoys going to church. She was also chosen to perform in the local “Dancing with the Stars” competition recently. “Miss Ruby” truly is a star, and she contin- ues to shine bright.

Head Start celebrates “Read Across America”

For the past 12 years SWHRA’s Head Start center’s have been participating in “Read Across America”. The program is an annual reading and motivational program that en- courages children across America to read on March 2nd, which is also Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Local officials and parents help participate in the event by reading to the children. By par- ticipating in the program, each child receives a special certificate stating that they were a part of the special day.

Round Table Discussion with ECD

Tennessee Department of Eco- nomic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty attended a roundtable discussion at the SWHRA Central Office in February. The main focus of this discussion was for Com- missioner Hagerty share some of the visions that Governor Haslam has for this economic area.

Community Service Center Updates

Be safe and stay connected with a free government-supported cell phone and up to 250 free monthly minutes. Free minutes every month for: local and long distance calling and text mes- saging. Plus: FREE 411 Directory Assistance, FREE 911 Emergency Tracking, NO contracts, NO credit checks, NO fees.

Southwest HRA is a sponsor of the SafeLink wireless cell phone service. You may apply at your local Southwest HRA Community Service Center and get your phone faster. Our cen- ters are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:40 p.m.

Commodity applications are now being taken at the Community Service Centers in each county. The upcoming schedule for Commodity Distribution is:

• May 10, 2012 Haywood County
• May 17, 2012 McNairy County
• May 24, 2012 Madison County
• May 31, 2012 Decatur County
• June 7, 2012 Henderson County
• June 14, 2012 Hardeman County
• June 21, 2012 Hardin County
• June 28, 2012 Chester County

Head Start Enrolling for 2012-2013

The Southwest HRA Head Start Program has started its 2012-2013 recruitment of 3 and 4 year old pre-school children. Head Start is a free pre-school program for low income children and their families.

Head Start focuses on getting a child ready to attend Kindergarten by providing age appropriate activities that enhance their social, emotional, cognitive and physi- cal development. Disability services are provided to children with special needs.

Southwest HRA Head Start also provides free breakfast, lunch, health care assis- tance, social services, emergency help, and parent involvement.

Services are provided in the following counties: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson and McNairy.

For further information on how to ENROLL your child contact: Carrie Buck, Assistant Director of Family & Community Partnerships at 1-731-989-5111 or 1-800-372-6013, ext. 1166 or visit swhrahs.org and click LOCATIONS.

Meeting Notice

West Tennessee Workforce Investment Board Meeting
Date: April 26, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Courtyard Marriott
200 Campbell Oaks Drive
Jackson, TN 38305

Job Opening

Southwest Human Resource Agency’s Office of Public Transportation is accepting applications for a Transportation Dispatcher/Scheduler. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. CST, April 24, 2012. Salary is dependent upon experience. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must have the computer skills necessary to schedule and dispatch trips and vehicles. Applicants with dispatching experience and knowledge of Routematch Scheduling Software and Ranger Mobile Data Terminals are preferred. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively with customers, co-workers, and supervisors. Applicants possessing a Class D Tennessee Driver’s License with the F Endorsement or a CDL with the P Endorsement are preferred. Employees of Southwest Human Resource Agency’s Office of Public Transportation must submit to a criminal background check and a pre-employment drug test. Submit applications to: Transportation Director, P. O. Box 264, Henderson, TN 38340. No phone calls please. SWHRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

State Appropriations back in Governor’s Budget

Governor Haslam has placed the State of Tennessee direct appropriations for the Human Resource Agencies and Community Action Agencies back into his budget proposal to the Legislature. These funds are used to provide services to many deserving people across the State of Tennessee through the Human Resource Agency network of delivery. The appropriations are always used to help leverage other services and allow us to match federal dollars four to one. Our statewide umbrella of services, in many cases provides the last safety net for those that have been affected by these tough economic times, increasing our agencies’ demand for assistance. Our agencies have an excellent track record of meeting the state and federal requirements for compliance and accountability.

Mike Smith, TAHRA President, and other officers of the board recently met with Gov. Haslam’s staff to request the re-instatement of the funds into the governor’s budget. The governor and his staff have agreed to place the funds back into the budget as a non-recurring budget item. Mr. Smith stated, “He plans to keep working toward establishing these funds as a recurring item each year in the state’s budget.

Mr. Smith and the TAHRA association are grateful for the leadership and willingness of Governor Haslam and his staff along with Commissioner Hatter of the Department of Human Services to support the network of the Human Resource Agencies across the great State of Tennessee.

Monogram Refrigeration receives Award

From left is John Greeter, State Workforce Dev. Board, Chad McAllister, Monogram Refrigeration, Jimmy Bell, Director, LWIA 11

The Jim Alford Memorial Award is given in memory of Jim Alford, Director of Employer Services for the Tennessee Department of Labor/Workforce Development. The award publicly acknowledges the outstanding efforts of a Tennessee business that has provided a good mix of training that enhanced job skills & personal development, trained in a demand occupation, provided training that resulted in a certification, helped with Layoff Aversion, create new jobs, prevent relocation while increasing the profitability of the company and improving short and or long term wage levels of the employees being trained.

Monogram Refrigeration in Selmer, TN was the 2011 recipient of the award. The award was presented at the Tennessee department of Labor and Workforce Development’s State Workforce Board Meeting in Nashville on December 2, 2011.

The Incumbent Worker Training Grant was secured through Local Workforce Investment Area 11 from the Tennessee Department of Labor/Workforce Development. Local Workforce Investment Area 11 has secured two Incumbent Worker Training Grants for the current program year; one at Design Team in Savannah, and one at ThyssenKrupp in Middleton. They are currently in the application process for awarding additional grants to interested companies throughout the eight counties of LWIA 11.

SCSEP Success Story

Southwest HRA sponsors the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in four of our counties – Chester, Hardeman, Hardin and McNairy. The mission of the program is to provide job training and placement for people with limited financial resources who are age 55 or older, and to provide employers with trained motivated workers.

Two ladies involved with the SCSEP program from McNairy County were recognized for their hard work in the McNairy County Archives. Helen King and Dorothy Smith keep the Archives open four days a week. They arrive bright and early with a cheerful attitude to help any customers looking for history and genealogy data. Patiently they help these history seekers look through all necessary files and books.

Both ladies started in the Archives room when it was just a big pile of papers. They sorted and filed all loose documents which filled approximately 9 filing cabinets. Hundreds of books were categorized according to department. After several years of hard work, they had the room ready to open and available to the public. The fact that they have accomplished so much and documented so many records is amazing, considering Dorothy and Helen had never even typed on a computer until they started. Without their dedication McNairy County would not have Archives for people to find historical facts and preserve this information for our children of tomorrow.

Thank You for Successful Projects

Community Outreach would like to say “THANK YOU” to all those who participated in the Let Us Have a Little Christmas fundraising projects throughout the last year. We had another successful year, over $6,000 was raised and 169 food and gift boxes were distributed to homebound senior citizens during the holidays.

Southwest HRA held its annual United Way campaign this past fall. Eighty-two (82) employees were “fair share” givers and earned a United Way Day-off this coming calendar year. Also, a $100 Wal-Mart gift card was given away for participating. Eddie Lee Herndon, United Way of West Tennessee Director, attended our Open House and graciously drew the winning name for the gift card. Tahesia Owens, College Hill FCM, had a little brighter Christmas.

Community Service Center Updates

Be safe and stay connected with a free government-supported cell phone and up to 250 free monthly minutes. Free minutes every month for: Local and Long Distance Calling and Text Messaging. Plus: FREE 411 Directory Assistance, FREE 911 Emergency Tracking, NO contracts, NO credit checks, NO fees.

Southwest HRA is a sponsor of the SafeLink wireless cell phone service. You may apply at your local Southwest HRA Community Service Center and get your phone faster. Our centers are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Commodity applications are now being taken at the Community Service Centers in each county. The upcoming schedule for Commodity distribution is:

• February 9, 2012 Haywood County
• February 16, 2012 McNairy County
• February 23, 2012 Decatur County
• March 1, 2012 Hardin County
• March 8, 2012 Madison County
• March 15, 2012 Hardeman County
• March 22, 2012 Henderson County
• March 29, 2012 Chester County

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has provided energy assistance to 5384 households between 7/1/11 and 1/31/12. Unfortunately, there are 3300 households on the Waiting List. Community Services Director, Lisa Smith, is hopeful additional funding may be announced but is unsure at this time. Head Start enrolling for 2012-2013 school year

The Southwest HRA Head Start program has started its 2012-2013 recruitment of 3 and 4 year old pre-school children. Head Start is a free pre-school program for low income children and their families.

Head Start focuses on getting a child ready to attend Kindergarten by providing age appropriate activities that enhance their social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Disability services are provided to children with special needs.

Southwest HRA Head Start also provides free breakfast, lunch, health care assistance, social services, emergency help, and parent involvement. Services are provided in the following counties: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson and McNairy.

For further information on how to ENROLL your child contact: Carrie Buck, Assistant Director of Family & Community Partnerships at 1-731-989-5111 or 1-800-372-6013, ext. 1166 or go to Swhrahs.org and click on LOCATIONS.

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Past Articles

SWHRA Seeks Comments on Local Strategic Plan

Southwest Human Resource Agency and the West tennessee Workforce Investment Board (LWIA-11) for Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and McNairy counties would like comments on the Local Strategic Plan for the Workforce Investment System under Title 1 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Click here to review the plan and get information on submitting comments.

Executive Director named TAHRA President

Mike Smith, Executive Director of Southwest HRA was elected President of TAHRA – Tennessee Association of Human Resource Agencies during the 2011 Annual Meeting recently held in Pigeon Forge, TN. Mr. Smith stated, “I want to engage all the agencies and bring all staff members to the board with best practices and program knowledge.”

TAHRA was established over 35 years ago to deliver social services to our communities. Every day we help more Tennesseans become self sufficient through the effective delivery of financial support, job training, transportation, nutritional services and many other important social services to our friends and neighbors in need. Our proven track record of delivering a broad selection of programs, our strong and experienced network of employees and volunteers, and our cost-effective administrative structure make us your best choice to deliver hope to your community.

Our association is formed by nine Human Resource Agencies delivering social services to all 95 counties in Tennessee. In 1973, the Tennessee General Assembly established the Human resource Agencies to be the delivery system for human services throughout the state.

Our agencies have pioneered many programs to help the people of Tennessee. Our seasoned staff leads state-wide initiatives to improve efficiencies in policies and procedures, streamline processes, and train staff and volunteers. Over half of a million Tennesseans are provided services by our agencies on a yearly basis. For more information visit ideliverhope.com.

West Tennessee Megasite Releases Video

Southwest HRA hosts Annual Meeting

Southwest HRA hosted their Annual Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, October 20, 2011 at the Double Tree in Jackson, TN. The agency recorded the largest attendance ever for the event. Mike Smith, Executive Director, delivered his annual Report of Services for Fiscal Year 2011. Motivational speaker, Ollie Mannino, kept the audience attention with an inspiring personality test and speech.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation to Employee of the Year. The award went to transportation driver, David Brasfield. David became a driver in 2004 after retiring from law enforcement for 34 years. He has never received a complaint but has received numerous calls about his great service.

Transportation “Roadeo”

The Southwest HRA Rural Transportation Department recently held yearly training for all their drivers. While at the training, employees were recognized for years of service. Employees with five years of service include: DeAngelo Spight, Linda Jackson and Willie Ann Jones. Those with ten years of service included: Chester Cox, Mattie Allen and Donna Dickey. Peggy Steele was recognized for 15 years of service.

After training each day, drivers competed in a “Roadeo” with six different obstacles they had to maneuver their vehicles through. The winners of the “Roadeo” were Anna Brag and Sand Nixon. They will now compete in the state-wide “Roadeo” at the Tennessee Public Transportation Association Conference in Chattanooga, TN on November 3, 2011. Winning drivers will compete in the nationals May 20-25, 2012 in Baltimore, MD.

Thanksgiving Boxes for Head Start Families

The Southwest HRA family will celebrate Thanksgiving on Monday, November, 21, 2011 at the Central Office. Each department will provide one course for the Thanksgiving meal and each employee will be asked to provide canned goods, paper goods or cleaning supplies before they participate in the meal. These items will be collected and then distributed to Head Start families before the holiday. Between 20-25 families are served each year.

“Let Us Have a Little Christmas” Approaches

This year will be the agency’s third year to raise funds and provide Christmas boxes to our Senior Citizens during the Holidays. The program targets senior citizens who will have little or no family contact during the holiday season. During the last two years we have served nearly 200 Seniors with boxes of food, toiletries, cleaning supplies and gifts. This year the agency will raise funds once again to help with the cost of the boxes. We will have a “Jewelry” show/sale on Monday, November 21st from 2:00-7:00 with proceeds benefiting the program and an Agency Cookbook will be sold to raise funds for the program as well. If you would like more information about the Jewelry show or cookbook please contact Edna Johnson or Patti Pickler at 1-800-497-1286. Donations to the program can be sent to Southwest HRA, P.O. Box 264, Henderson, TN 38340

Community Service Center Updates

Be safe and stay connected with a free government-supported cell phone and up to 250 free monthly minutes. Free minutes every month for: Local and Long Distance Calling and Text Messaging. Plus: FREE 411 Directory Assistance, FREE 911 Emergency Tracking, NO contracts, NO credit checks, NO fees.

Southwest HRA is a sponsor of the SafeLink wireless cell phone service. You may apply at your local Southwest HRA Community Service Center and get your phone faster. Our centers are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Commodity applications are now being taken at the Community Service Centers in each county. The upcoming schedule for Commodity distribution is:

• October 6, 2011 Haywood County
• October 13, 2011 Decatur County
• October 20, 2011 Madison County
• October 27, 2011 Hardin County
• November 3, 2011 McNairy County
• November 10, 2011 Hardeman County
• November 17, 2011 Henderson County
• November 23, 2011 Chester County

“Wellness Works”

The Wellness Works program held a “Lunch and Learn” on Wednesday, October 5th at the Central Office. Speaking to the staff of approximately 60 was Rhonda Richardson, a breast cancer survivor. She spoke about the positive thoughts and her family support during her treatments. You can visit her BlogSpot called “Quilting, Chemo and Quiet Time”.

Staff members participated in the Alzheimer’s Walk for a Cure on Saturday, October 15th. Eight employees and family members participated in the walk and raised nearly $500 for the cause.

Voluntary Benefits Fairs will be 11/7-11/10 at various places throughout the counties. ALL INSURANCE ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES MUST ATTEND ONE OF THE SESSIONS TO MEET WITH A COLONIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO REVIEW AND SIGN A 2012 ANNUAL ENROLLMENT ELECTION FORM.

Representatives from Colonial, AFLAC, Modern Woodman of America, Life Insurance Company of Alabama and Liberty National have been invited to attend the Fair.

Get your Flu Shot before November 30, 2012 and receive credit in the Wellness Works program.

Christy McMahan, Grant Writer and Special Projects, participated in the Susan G. Coman “Race for the Cure” in Atlanta recently. She completed a 3-day, 20 mile per day walk to raise money for Breast Cancer research. There were 2400 walkers that included Christy and long-time friend Tonia Brown who is a two time breast cancer survivor.

SWHRA/SWCDC Golf Tournament Update

The SWHRA/SWCDC 4th annual Golf Tournament was held on September 20th at the Chickasaw Golf Tournament. First Flight Champions were the Southwest Tennessee Development District team, represented by: Reid Barker, Bart Barker, Jeremy Peddy and Brian Bain.

Tournament proceeds go to the CDC to help purchase low-income and handicap housing.t

Around the Agency

• SWCDC has partnered with the Jackson Community Redevelopment Agency to rehab homes in the Lambuth area of Jackson. Watch your local paper for more announcements about the project.
  
  
• The NEG program received by the Area 11 WIA program received recognition in Chester County for the work done with the grant money on the Chester County Fire Department that was flooded earlier in the year. The Chester County Highway Department added extra manpower to work on county roads in an effort to repair potholes that developed due to the heavy rains. Also, an extraordinary amount of debris and garbage has been delivered to the Solid Waste Dept from residents that were affected by the storms and flood waters. Extra manpower was also add at this department to assist in the overload.
  
  
• Several groups will step up their volunteer efforts during the holidays for the Meals on Wheels Program to assist homebound seniors. St. Mary’s Catholic School prepares a turkey dinner complete with pumpkin pie. Volunteers will deliver these meals on Thanksgiving morning. The Bemis United Methodist Church prepares and delivers meals to over 200 people, including many of our Meals on Wheels clients who live at the New Southern apartments. The First Presbyterian Church takes care of a Christmas Eve meal. The meal will be purchased from the Old Country Store. Church members will then deliver them to our homebound seniors.
  
  A special “thank you” goes to a group of ladies called Frosty Friends. These ladies provide small treats to our homebound Senior citizens for all the holidays during the calendar year. They come up with the treats to be delivered with their meals.
  
  “The caring actions of our dedicated volunteers and the Jackson community is a bright light in these sick and elderly people’s lives”, stated Maudie Dokkin, Lewis Center Director.