Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Human Services has announced the first round of grant recipients for its inaugural Fatherhood Grant Program, an initiative investing approximately $5 million to support organizations serving fathers across East, West, and Middle Tennessee.
After receiving more than 120 applications, TDHS selected ten organizations to receive funding, including East Tennessee State University, Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services, Signal Centers, Inc., First Things First, Inc., and the National Football League Alumni Association – Tennessee Chapter. Other recipients include New Vision, Inc., United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis, Agape Child and Family Services, Inc., and Southwest Human Resources Agency.
TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter emphasized the importance of fathers in family development, stating, “Fathers are not a luxury; they are not merely nice to have—they are essential.
Essential to the development, health, and well-being of their children, families, and all of Tennessee. It is for this reason we launched the Fatherhood Initiative and this transformative grant program.”
The Fatherhood Grant Program aims to strengthen families by funding services such as mentorship, co-parenting support, skill-building workshops, educational programs, employment assistance, and financial literacy training.
A full list of grant recipients and details on their services can be found on the Tennessee Department of Human Services website.