The Constitution of the United States in Article II directs the President “to give to the Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their consideration” necessary and expedient measures. While this report is not as monumental or the audience as broad, we have an exciting “state of Partnership” to share with you, our stakeholders, about our plans to serve the growing number of vulnerable neighbors in our region.

Rape Crisis Center
You may have heard that sexual assault remains high in our community. Recently we announced a partnership with the City of Chattanooga to move our Rape Crisis Center to the Hamilton County Chattanooga Family Justice Center. In this new location, we will have two exam rooms, which will double our clinical capacity to serve victims.

We are also in conversations with Parkridge Medical Center to establish a second location in Parkridge West to serve Marion County.

Youth Services
In January 2025, Belmont University’s Innovation Lab released a study commissioned by the state of Tennessee on youth aging out of foster care. The study reveals data showing:
• 861 youth aged out of Tennessee’s foster care system in 2024.

• 70-80% of youth aging out of the system, without proper support, face homelessness, addiction, imprisonment, or trafficking by age 21.

• The presence of at least one stable, consistent adult is key in improving long-term outcomes.

• With targeted support, these young people achieve stronger outcomes.

Partnership provides this desperately needed support through our extended foster care Supervised Independent Living program (SIL), now called Brighter Futures by the State. Tennessee lacks capacity to meet the demand for Brighter Futures as youth age out of the system. Because of this, we are happy to announce a partnership with Christ Episcopal Church to open four apartments on their church campus later this fiscal year.

In addition, we are close to design completion for the first dedicated SIL group home for girls aging out of foster care in East Tennessee. This 10-bedroom home will provide the stable environment and adult mentoring that is critical to success. In addition, just as with our boys’ program, girls will receive coaching on daily living skills, such as hygiene, cleaning and cooking, and life skills, including financial literacy. Our case managers will mentor them on education and employment so they can reach their full potential.

With these additions, we will nearly triple the number of youths we serve through this critical program.

HOPE Initiative
While studies show that children impacted by trauma due to violence are at high risk of repeating the cycle of violence, either as a perpetrator or victim, the impact can be mitigated. This is the purpose of our HOPE Initiative children’s programs. This year-round program, which includes our annual Camp HOPE, has grown over 700% since its inception six years ago.

This year, we are excited to announce the program will expand to serve the children in our Domestic Violence Shelter. For these children, the experience of trauma is fresh; their families may have an active abuser and face the threat of great bodily harm. Therefore, we will meet them where they are to begin the healing process. Our HOPE Initiative case managers will bring our powerful HOPE programming to children in the Domestic Violence Shelter.

We are proud to profile our HOPE Initiative team on our HOPE Initiative page.

Domestic Violence Shelter
A year ago, the state of the Domestic Violence Shelter was challenging for our staff and residents. Water damage and the necessary remediation meant tight quarters and a less than homey atmosphere. Today, thanks to your support and construction expertise by Pillar Construction, we are excited to showcase some “after” photos of the newly renovated spaces, including the remodeled hallway and kitchen.

Deaf Services
For nearly 51 years, Deaf Services has provided advocacy, support, and ASL Interpreters for Deaf, Deaf-blind, and hard of hearing individuals. In the past three years, we have seen this team grow the impact of these services. Now, with a grant from Journey Health Foundation, we are pleased to announce a dedicated Accessible Technology Program to empower individuals with the tools and resources they need to thrive in education, employment, and community engagement. This innovative technology will be especially beneficial to those Deaf individuals living in rural areas who are largely cut off from resources.

We have much for which to be thankful. These resources and facilities will provide Partnership’s world-class team with the matching capabilities to deliver the essential services our growing community and vulnerable neighbors need to achieve safety, stability and hope for the future.

Without your steadfast support, this would not be possible.

Thank you!