The Tennessee Department of Human Services Participated in the National "Red Nose Day" Event to Help Fight Child Poverty

TDHS employees came together, had a little fun, and raised awareness about child poverty in Tennessee.  

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) encouraged their employees to wear red or “red noses” on Thursday, May 26, 2016 in support of the National Red Nose Day event to help fight child poverty and raise awareness about the issue in Tennessee. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in 4 of Tennessee’s children lives in a food insecure environment. TDHS employees also participated in a walk in support of Red Nose Day coordinated by the Department of Human Resources (DOHR) under the leadership of Commissioner Hunter.

“Transforming Tennessee comes in many forms, but can be as simple as participation in a charity walk,” said DOHR Commissioner Rebecca Hunter. “DOHR’s partnership with TDHS on this walk demonstrates servant leadership at its best, something the State strives to incorporate into our teams and our work on a daily basis. By participating in this walk, we are all serving Tennesseans in need, as well as demonstrating the volunteer spirit for which Tennesseans are known.”

Red noses were purchased for $1 at participating Walgreens locations or employees could wear red and raise awareness in a creative way. The proceeds from the purchase of red noses went to a variety of charities working on the ground to deliver the basic needs of kids living in poverty.

“Red Nose Day has a special focus on children living in poverty. DHS serves more than a half million of Tennessee’s children”, said DHS Commissioner Dr. Raquel Hatter. “We recently announced our 2G for Tennessee efforts, which are focused on addressing poverty by creating cycles of success in partnership with children and families. Shout out to the Department of Human Resources and the Department of Human Services wellness teams for joining forces in this effort. We thank each person for adding their strength to this very important cause by recognizing Red Nose Day. Together for Tennessee, this is what we do!”

This effort aligns with TDHS’ initiatives around a two-generation approach to creating cycles of success called 2G for Tennessee and the “No Tennessee Child Hungry” campaign. Recently, TDHS partnered with Families First parents to register over 700 high school seniors for the Tennessee Promise, a scholarship which will provide two years of tuition-free attendance at a community or technical college in Tennessee.  Additionally, TDHS has enrolled more than 1,600 children receiving child care assistance in the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation’s Imagination Library.

Please visit www.tn.gov/humanservices or click on the links for more information on “2G for Tennessee” or the “No Tennessee Child Hungry” campaign to add your strength.

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Contact: Stephanie Jarnagin
Office:  615-313-4707