The Program
The Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency (UETHDA) is tackling poverty in a unique way through its Head Start and Community Services Programs. This collaboration supports Head Start families by providing education, financial support, and social resources to improve their overall well-being to help them become self-sufficient. The program offers Head Start parents the tools to reach their goals through a series of four weekly classes. These sessions cover topics such as income management, job skills, educational opportunities, and kindergarten readiness. Mental health professionals also provide guidance on parenting and self-care. A key focus is financial literacy, helping families break the cycle of poverty and avoid predatory lending practices.
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Participant Demographics
25-44 Most common age group
68% High school graduates
64% Female
54.76% Live in deep poverty
I am writing to share my experiences with the Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency’s First Steps Program. They have included me in the Financial Education portion of their program for over two years. During that time, I have presented workshops to their clients that discuss credit improvement and money management through debt reduction and budgeting. Following the workshops I am available to their clients for one-on-one consultations. One client just reported to me that their credit score has improved from 541 when we first met to 665 as of November 14,2024. This client will soon be ready to get a loan for a reliable automobile which will improve their overall self-sufficiency.
Curriculum
The speakers at each class are experts in their fields and will provide helpful
information to the students to help them reach their goals.
Income Management
Financial Literacy
The working poor are people who spent at least 27 weeks in the labor force (that is, working or looking for work) but whose incomes still fell below the official poverty level. Obtaining self sufficiency begins with income management and financial literacy.
Mental Health
and Parenting
The mental health of parents and children is connected in many ways. Parents often have their own mental health challenges may have more difficulty providing care for their child.
GED and Secondary
Ed. Opportunities
Education can open the door to jobs, resources, and skills that help a person thrive. An estimated 420 million people could be lifted out of poverty if all adults completed secondary education.
Job
Opportunities
What does it mean when an employer offers a living wage? A living wage is defined as the minimum amount an employee needs to earn to meet basic needs, such as food, housing, and transportation.
The First Steps Program is an awesome resource for families in our Northeast TN communities! I appreciate the opportunity to assist the class participants with their educational needs. I’ve been able to assist several First Step participants with their FASFA, the admissions process, and academic performance and financial aid appeals. In today’s society, higher education certificates and degrees can be a major boost to a family’s self-sufficiency and economic advancement. It is a joy to partner with First Steps to positively impact people’s lives.
Testimonials
Ongoing Support
After graduation, there will be on-going support for the students to help them along their path. The First Steps to Self-Sufficiency classes will be offered throughout our service area and are free of charge. After graduation, there will be on-going support for the students to help them along their path. The First Steps to Self-Sufficiency classes will be offered throughout our service area and are free of charge.
For more information text or call Kylie Sutherland,
First Steps Manager 423-732-2874.
This project is funded under a grant contract with the state of Tennessee.