The Partnership is kicking off our 4th annual Cell Phone collection drive to support our Family Violence Shelter and Services. We are working with Shelter Alliance to recycle and refurbish old cell phones - even the broken ones.....even the ones from 1985 that are the size of a brick.

Just bring your old phone and batteries (no chargers, please) to any Partnership office beginning January 5th. We are primarily located at 1800 McCallie Avenue and 300 E. 8th Street in Chattanooga. Drop them in the blue bucket and help us toward our $3,000 goal!

It just takes $74 to cover the costs associated with providing a night of shelter for a domestic violence victim. Since some phones can bring in up to $30, just a few donated phones can help someone escape violence and find safety for their first night.

And Shelter Alliance has a zero landfill policy that assures all phones which cannot be refurbished, will not end up in a landfill. Even the cardboard boxes they are shipped in are recycled! Check out their recycling policy at http://www.shelteralliance.net/company/cell-phone-recycling.cfm.

So fufill that New Year's resolution to get more organized and clean out those old phones in your junk drawer. Help us Break the Cycle of domestic violence, and recycle your old cell phone with the Partnership.

A Partnership Christmas

What does Christmas look like at the Partnership? If you look closely behind the piles of paperwork and through the hustle and bustle in our offices, you will find true Christmas magic. And a few elves as well.

Many of the individuals and families receiving services from the Partnership require a little more assistance during the holidays, just to make sure children do not go without a visit from St. Nick and elderly have a holiday dinner. There are certain Partnership staff who really do "make Christmas" for families in need, simply by collecting up toys they have gathered all year in anticipation of the need to come. There are local businesses, such as UNUM, whose employees adopt entire families to provide gifts and food. There are volunteers, like those from the Junior League and the East Lake Neighborhood Association, who make sure those with the greatest need are provided for.

So this Christmas, we say "Thank You" to all those who contributed to the holiday cheer our clients will experience this year - all because of you.

This is what a Partnership Christmas looks like:

UNUM's Deb Kee passes a present to Katie Larue at the Partnership while UNUM and Partnership staff stand side-by-side to get all the donated items off the delivery truck and into the building.

United Van Lines donated use of their full sized tractor trailer and four staff, to help UNUM deliver a truck load of toys and food. Santa even came along for the ride.

Toys and Food for 230 individuals, arriving in at the Partnership, donated by UNUM.

The Tennessee Aquarium "Gifts for Guppies", donates toys and cheer to the Partnership every year. Our Youth Services staff above say, "Thanks Guys!"

We have named this generous guy "Biker Santa". He looks tough, but has a big, soft heart! The first annual Hamilton County toy run saw 158 bikers ride to Ultimate Cycle & Scooter with toys and goodies for Partnership families.

Hamilton County Toy Run organizers (Stephanie and Joe), pause for a moment for a group shot. Special thanks to Ultimate Cycles & Scooters and Road Rash magazine for all the support!

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Alliance puts together a fairytale Christmas party for the families of the Partnership's Family Violence Shelter every year. Pictured here are the organizers and their children, who provided extra help this year.

Beating Holiday Stress, part III

These final tips can help you enjoy the holidays and experience less stress during this busy time of year. We wish you a joyous holiday season!

18. Recruit a child wrangler. Kids underfoot can add to the stress of big events. Designate one adult to organize games and fun activities in a confined space.

19. Avoid isolation. The holidays can be a depressing time for those who’ve lost loved ones. Get out of the house whenever possible and reconnect with old friends.

20. Help someone who needs you. Nothing melts away personal troubles like helping someone else overcome theirs.

21. Pass down wisdom and tradition. Instead of mourning the passing of better times, keep those memories alive by sharing them with the next generation.

22. Review your life priorities. Combat your hectic schedule by reassessing what matters the most to you.

23. Forgive someone. Let go of past resentments to make room for future happiness.

24. Make a gratitude list. Review it whenever you’re feeling depressed, anxious, depressed or stressed out.

25. Take a time out. Indulge in things you stopped doing because you “just don’t have time for anymore” like a long lunch or a night out with friends.

Beating Holiday Stress, part II

Taking simple steps can help you beat stress during the holidays. Check out yesterday's post for the first seven pointers.

8. Cut your costs. Give inexpensive but thoughtful gifts like home-baked goods or hand-made photo albums. Bundling several small items around a theme provides a low cost, personal touch.

9. Don’t lose the meaning. If consumerism has you down, check out for awhile with inspirational literature and reconnect with what makes the holidays special and important.

10. Participate in reaffirming activities. Spend time at church and in your community with like-minded people.

11. Take some time off work. Don’t cram all errands and shopping trips into the precious little time you have outside work hours. Avoiding the weekend crowds will allow you to get more done.

12. Do a solo power shopping event. Turbo charge your efficiency by avoiding distractions and competing agendas.

13. Take advantage of the internet. Most sites offer free shipping for the holidays. Find great unique and inexpensive gifts at sites like lillianvernon.com.

14. Ask for help. If you’re playing host, assign chores and duties to your spouse and children.

15. Cheer loves company. Combine household holiday prep with socializing. Ask some friends over for a baking and gift wrapping party.

16. Lighten your cooking duties. It’s perfectly acceptable to cook a main course and ask dinner guests to bring a side.

17. Get on the same page with family. Come to a consensus on what activities are most important and cut out the extras that add work and scheduling pressure.

Check back here tomorrow for the final installment of holiday stress-busters.

Beat Holiday Stress

If the thought of upcoming holidays fill you with dread, you’re not alone. Many people get stretched pretty thin this time of year by money and social obligations. Here are some ways to keep your sleigh on track this season.

1. Set realistic expectations. Things aren’t going to go perfectly and that’s ok. You can’t control every outcome, but you can prepare yourself mentally by visualizing your calm, positive response to negative events.

2. Get moving. It’s not the chores, shopping, and Uncle Stanley’s visit that’s stressing you out – it’s your anticipation of them! Act now by creating a to-do list, and tackle one or two items per week through the holidays.

3. Avoid the shotgun approach. You’ll accomplish more by tackling one thing at time and giving it your full attention.

4. Budget your holiday expenditures. Set per person limits on gift giving and stick to them. Don’t overlook special outlays for travel, decorations, food and entertainment.

5. Pay as you go. Charging your purchases may delay your bills, but knowing they’re waiting for you in January increases stress.

6. Play to your strengths. Utilize what you have the most of – time, money, or creativity.

7. Pare down on gift giving. For extended family and social groups, suggest each person give just one gift by drawing names out of a hat.

Check back soon for more holiday stressbusters.

Partnership Participating in Scenic City Half Marathon and Charity Challenge

We just got word that the Partnership has been accepted to participate in the Scenic City Half Marathon and Charity Challenge. The event is Saturday, February 28, 2009, and we're seeking runners, walkers and volunteers for the 5k run, 5k walk, and half marathon.

This is an event the whole family can enjoy, so please join the Partnership team and help us raise awareness and funds for our 23 programs that are empowering people to build better lives.

Neediest Cases Campaign is Underway!

Each year, the Chattanooga Times Free Press and the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults partner in an effort to raise funds for people in need in our community. Last year's campaign has allowed the Partnership to provide assistance to 350 individuals and families already this year. The campaign series will run on Wednesdays and Sundays through December, and you can find the articles online at http://www.partnershipfca.com/ or http://www.timesfreepress.com/.

New to the campaign this year is the ability to donate online at http://www.timesfreepress.com/.

The Partnership is thankful for this long-standing relationship with the paper through this campaign; without it, many families in our community would be unable to meet their most basic of needs.

Adopt a teen and brighten someone's holidays

Imagine how good it would feel to recieve clothing, toys or even a gift card for your child during the holidays, especially if you had no way of providing simple gifts -- or even necessities -- yourself. This is what your contribution can do for a family in need this year.

Please help us brighten the holidays for the teens currently residing in the Partnership's four group homes. At this moment, 27 teens still have not been "adopted" for the holidays, and we need your help.

A wish list is available, but any contribution you can make, no matter how large or small, will make the holidays a happier time for a youth who has little to call her own.

With your help and big heart, we can make the holiday season a joyous one. For more information, call 423.755.2785.

Nutcracker Sweets

Nutcracker Sweets is almost here! The third annual dessert tasting event, benefiting the Partnership's crisis services, is tomorrow night, from 6-8 pm at Bessie Smith Hall. You won't want to miss the live music, delectable desserts, silent auction and gift shop, and our new signature cocktail, the wintertini.

Tickets are $25 each, and can be purchased online or at the door.

Items for sale include wreaths, poinsettias, hand painted ceramic ornaments, crystal jewelry, and insulated coffee mugs, good for free coffee refills at Main & Mocha during the month of January, on sale for just $15 each and pre-decorated, ready to gift.

Have a Helping of Family Fun Leftovers

Who doesn't love Thanksgiving leftovers? You can't beat that turkey sandwich on Friday or a slice of cold pumpkin pie. But what about all of that family fun and time spent together yesterday? There's plenty of that to last throughout the year!

As National Family Week comes to a close, consider carrying that holiday spirit past the holidays. Why not start a regular Family Fun Night? Life can be pretty hectic, pulling your valuable time away from the family. Designate a special night each week to spend only with your family. Turn off the TV, put away the cell phone and get to know those people living in your house.

There are an unlimited list of things you can do.

• Have a story night and read aloud some of your favorite books together, a sort of family book club. Not only will your children's reading skills improve, but you will get a better understanding of their likes and dislikes and even expose yourself to a wider variety of literature.
• Pull out those classic board games and show them a thing or two about how to conquer Monopoly. A little competitive fun never hurt anyone, and your children will learn more about teamwork and how not to be a sore loser.
• Put on a family talent show and show off your skills. Try for the longest hula hooping, play an instrument or do a magic trick. Recognizing your child's special abilities will help boost their self esteem.

Try out a few of these website for more ideas, or post your own ideas here for others to share!

• http://kidsactivities.suite101.com/article.cfm/family_night_fun_ideas_without_tv
• http://childparenting.about.com/od/activitiesandfun/a/gamenight.htm
• http://www.learningtreasures.com/article_1004.htm
• http://frugaldad.com/2008/02/01/planning-a-frugal-family-fun-night/

Pass the Turkey - Hold the Stress, Please

There are now less then 24 hours until Thanksgiving Day, and hopefully your stress levels are still within normal range. Unless, that is, your normal range is over-stressed anyway. If your family is like the rest of ours, and not exactly up to Rockwell standards, then you are probably already stressing over tomorrow's Thanksgiving Day scene. But stop -- there are things you can do to lower your stress and actually enjoy the holiday with your family.

• Do not expect perfection. The day does not have to be perfect, and most likely will not be.

Many people feel extreme pressure to present the perfect holiday to their family. Television commercials and glossy magazine ads would have us believe that the perfect Thanksgiving dinner is attainable with enough decorations and smiles. But it's really okay if the napkin rings do not match the centerpiece, or if you don't even have a centerpiece (and who really uses napkins rings anyway?). The point of the holiday is to spend time with family, not turn your home into a Southern Living photo shoot.

• Have a plan in place for difficult relatives.

You can almost guarantee that Aunt Edna will make a veiled attack on your yams, and your cousin Susan will likely reveal way too much about her current boyfriend. These things are as much of a holiday tradition as the pulling of the wishbone, so get ready. For those fairly innocent yet annoying issues, simply think of a response that will diffuse the situation so you can move on quickly. For Aunt Edna, perhaps saying "I hope you like the dish, I try my best. Maybe you have some tips for me that will improve it even more", will stop the passive aggressiveness.

If more serious issues are expected to arise, such as a relative who is verbally abusive, set the expectation with that relative before the big day that absolutely no aggression will be tolerated. By telling that person that you will be forced to leave the celebration, or that they will have to leave, you are letting them know there are consequences to their actions. The outcome may be that they leave the anger at the door this year. If that doesn't happen, and things get out of control, it is in the best interest of your family to remove that person or yourself from the situation and seek professional family counseling. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem and suffer through the stress of it year after year.

So if you're facing the minimal conflicts that come along with simple personality clashes, just take a deep breath and roll with it. Family quirks are what they are and should not be reason to ruin the holiday. But if you are facing serious issues that affect the entire family, consider seeking professional assistance. The Partnership for Families, Children and Adults offers individual and family counseling to work through the issues of depression, anxiety, stress, anger and many other mental health issues that often debilitate a family. Visit www.partnershipfca.com or call (423) 755-2822 for more information and assistance.

So pass the turkey, hold the stress and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Caring for Elderly Family Members at the Holidays

The holidays just wouldn't be the same without grandma's pecan pie and grandpa telling old family stories before the holiday dinner. Or maybe you have a great aunt who completely "runs the show" and the family wouldn't even know how to set the table without her instruction. So what do you do when these beloved family members, because of age, are no longer able to carry out these time-honored family traditions?

It can be difficult to handle the reality of an aging family member during the holidays. Suddenly those holiday traditions you've carried out your entire life seem at risk. You may even be facing depression, stress and anxiety from both yourself and your elderly family member at the thought of changing your holiday traditions. What do you do?

First, remember that all families go through this at some point. Change is inevitable. It's just a matter of how you handle it.

• Talk to your elderly family member about sharing the responsibility, or passing the responsibility, of carrying out the tradition.
• Include other family members in the discussion so you are not taking on all the responsibility, which means all the stress as well. You may gain a fresh perspective by including siblings, cousins or other family members.
• Consider the possibility that you may have to change the tradition altogether and be prepared to consider new family traditions to take the place of old ones. This can be a way to honor your elderly family member by remember together as a family all the fond memories you've had. Make sure to again include other family members in considering new traditions.

If your elderly family member has passed away, make sure to take time to honor that family member. Consider a moment of silence, a prayer or other gesture of respect that fits in with your family's values. Share stories, pictures and talk about that family member. If yourself or others are experiencing extreme grief, consider talking to a professional counselor for help. Loss and grief can be magnified during the holidays and may affect your relationships with family and friends.

If your elderly family member is in assisted living and not able to attend traditional family gatherings, make sure to take the family to that person. Pay a special visit to make sure they feel included in the celebrations.

Need more advice or referrals to local services? Call the Partnership's Elderly Services at (423) 755-2822 for help.

National Family Week This Week!

It's National Family Week this Thanksgiving week, and what better time to reflect on your own family's strengths and connections? There are many things you can do with your family that will help you build stronger relationships not only with each other, but also with your community. The Partnership is offering tips and suggestions this week on celebrating National Family Week, including:

• How to honor senior family members and celebrate old family traditions.
• How to have a stress-free Thanksgiving holiday.
• How to keep the holiday spirit past the holidays and celebrate your family throughout the entire year.
• How to start a new family tradition with a Family Fun Night.

How will you celebrate National Family Week this week? Post a comment and share your own fun ideas and activities with us! Or visit any of the links below for great ideas:

http://www.funology.com/

http://familyfun.go.com/

http://www.familieswithpurpose.com/

http://www.familyeducation.com/home/

You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent

November is Adoption Awareness Month, and we want you to know that there are thousands of teens in foster care who would be happy to put up with you as parents, even though you're not perfect. In fact, the Partnership is currently working with nearly 50 youth in foster care who need the love and stability a permanent family can offer.

Statistics indicate that it would take less than 1 percent of the American population to give every waiting child a home!

If you'd be interested in adopting a teen or becoming a foster parent, contact the Partnership today at 423.755.2725.

Super Market, Super Impact

EVERY TIME YOU SHOP AT BI-LO AND USE YOUR BONUSCARD® WE EARN MONEY!

SIGN UP AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Simply sign up by giving the enrollment form to the cashier the next time you shop.After that, every time you shop at BI-LO with your BONUSCARD®, you will be helping us earn money. One percent of your purchases will be donated to us. Sign up for this program and your BONUSCARD® does all the work. (You can raise money for up to 3 charities on the same card). It’s that easy!

Pumpkins Against Violence

Yes, pumpkins can be advocates too. And a group of about 15 unique gourds proved it Thursday night when they were auctioned off to support the Partnership's Crisis Resource Center during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The design fest and auction was hosted at Chattanooga Office Supply. COS invited their designer friends with artful eyes, as well as other business colleagues, to a casual get-together the evening of October 23rd. Having never been inside their massive desginer showroom, I was blown away at the beautiful office furniture inside! This is stuff you would want in your house...seriously. The staff at COS graciously hosted the entire event, organizing the food, drinks, guest list and fantastic decorations. Several zombie-like figures wore spooky attire and COS staff name tags and one particularly friendly mechanical tree was perched by the entrance, unexpectedly raising a branch now and then to greet guests.


All of the designers did an outstanding job decorating their pumpkins, eventhough a few felt they needed a little extra inspiration. What began as scraps of designer fabric and globs of paint, ended up masterpieces to complement any Halloween doorstep. Special thanks go to Joy Love and Keith Dupree of Chattanooga Office Supply, Kathryn Love of Design Tex, Miranda Atwood of Groupe Lacasse, Lew Moore of Krug and Shelley Cash of Chattanooga Office Supply. Thanks also to the several ladies from Unum's Facilities Department for offering their pumpkin decorating talents.

Onelia Jewelry Show Raises $300 for Crisis Resource Center

Nohemi Manuel and her Onelia Jewelry creations occupied the parlor of the Partnership's Crisis Resource Center for much of the day last Friday, October 17th. The full-time Crisis Center turned into a part-time jewelry boutique, complete with beautiful Swarovski crystals, delicious food from Midtown Music Hall, gorgeous decorations by VFrances and curious shoppers.


Ms. Manuel, Onelia Jewelry owner and designer, wanted to give back to the community - and specifically to women and children affected by Domestic Violence - by sharing her talent for design. Not only did she donate a generous portion of sales, but she designed a complete line of jewelry inspired by the Partnership mission and logo. The line includes full length necklaces, bracelets and an assortment of earrings. Red crystals represent courage, purple - strength, white - clarity, green - renewal, yellow - joy.

The jewelry show raised $300 for the Partnership's Crisis Resource Center, which would cover the expenses for approximately 4 nights of shelter for an abused woman.

It's not too late to shop! Just visit http://www.oneliajewelry.com/ and 25% of your purchase will still benefit the Crisis Resource Center. Each piece is presented in a lovely gift bag, enclosed with a card explaning the meaning of the stones and its benefit to the Partnership. Or attend the Partnership's Nutcracker Sweets dessert-tasting event at Bessie Smith Hall on December 2nd from 6-8 p.m. Onelia Jewelry will have a display of the line in the gift shop - making your holiday shopping easier than ever! Call (423) 697-3829 for event details.

Consumer Credit Counseling Comments on "Tightening" of Credit Grip

The Partnership's Consumer Credit Counseling Director, Charles Hixon, commented in a recent Chattanooga Times Free Press article that "credit is going to be much harder to get and more expensive when you get it", referring to the recent financial crisis on Wall Street and throughout the American economy. Read the Article picked up by iStockAnalyst.com.

Mr. Hixon also added that perhaps the credit tightening isn't all bad, considering many Americans have been "rewarding themselves with...expenses they can't afford". This statement is supported especially in Tennessee, where we have the country's most bankruptcies, per capita.

Some individuals and families have indeed been living beyond their means with no idea what the repercussions would be on their financial stability and their family. However, some were laid off from their jobs and used credit as a crutch to help them through the tough financial struggle of unemployment, or were injured and used credit to help balance medical bills with everyday living expenses. Still many are barely getting by on minimum wage with families to support and are simply unable to make ends meet.

There are countless individuals and families locally who have accrued large debts they cannot pay back, for whatever reason. This financial strain not only threatens the stability of their credit scores and bank accounts, but the stability of their families. Financial stress can affect families on many levels - creating a toxic atmosphere full of anxiety, stress and depression. So what can be done to correct the situation?

Consumer Credit Counseling offers a solution both to those who are already in debt, trying to recover, and those who are in danger of losing their financial stability. This local, nonprofit, face-to-face counseling program provides free budgeting counseling as well as services provided by accredited counselors who can help most families repay their debt and regain their financial freedom from collectors. Think you might need their help? Give them a call at (423) 490-5620 or visit http://www.mycreditcounselors.com/ to learn more and to set up your appointment today.

Teen Dating Violence is Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and anyone can be an advocate to stop the violence. Visit our website by clicking the title above to find out what you can do to help end domestic violence.

So what about teen dating violence? Teen dating violence happens when two teenagers are in a relationship and one person uses physical or emotional or sexual abuse to gain power and keep control over the other person. Teen dating violence is very common today. It may include hitting, punching or slapping, but it doesn't have to be physical. It can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter what race, religion, level of education or economic status.

As parents and caregivers, how do we protect and talk to our teens about dating violence? How do we identify abusive behaviors or victimization in our son's or daughter's relationships?

As parents, our values and beliefs are the ones that matter the most and we are the best ones to make a difference in the lives of our teens. We are not their friends, we are their parents. We should know their friends, know when/where they go online, know where they are at all times and ask questions - which could make us very unpopular at times, but may save their life!

It is critical that we talk to our children about healthy relationships before they begin dating and model healthy relationships to them.

Fact: Approximately 80% of people who are abusive in relationships say that domestic violence was part of their family life growing up.

A parent's role in influencing adolescent dating behaviors is crucial. Parents set the example by how they manage their own conflict. Your interaction with your partner and the pattern of parenting you use can either increase or decrease the probability of your child using aggression with others. You can help to interrupt a pattern of violence by intervening if you suspect your adolescent is involved in an abusive dating relationship.

What is a health relationship?

• Calm, rather than frantic
• Has both friendship as well as physical attraction
• Accepts the need for privacy on both sides
• Allows for differences of opinion
• Doesn't pressure anybody to make a commitment before they are ready
• Involves two people who already feel good about themselves
• Allows time for getting to know each other
• Involves two people who carry good feelings over into the relationship
• Won't destroy either party if there is a breakup
• Has equal sharing of power and control - neither one dominates, neither one constantly submits
• Doesn't make unrealistic demands on either partner
• Involves no "ideal" expectations
• Involves no stereotypes

Talking to teens about healthy and abusive relationships is important. Teens very rarely report dating violence and may view it as a normal part of a relationship.

Resources: For parents and teens, there are lots of resources to assist in learning about how to discuss this issue. The point is: just do it! One resource is www.loveisnotabuse.com, which is for parents to help begin the discussion about dating violence with your teen. The website www.Tnblue.org also provides valuable information for both teens and parents.

Regina McDevitt

Director, Crisis Resource Center

Building Stable Lives East Lake program Offers Free Community Classes

Residents in the East Lake community, and those who work with them, now have more resources available. Weekly classes are being offered through the Building Stable Lives East Lake office, including:

• Spanish Language Classes for Beginners
• ESL (English as a Second Language) Classes
• Parenting Classes

These classes are desgined to offer needed skills and tools to the East Lake community and are all available for free. For class availability and additional information, contact Raquel Hidalgo at (423) 867-9784 or rhidalgo@partnershipfca.com. For more information about the Building Stable Lives East Lake program, click here.

Dare to Dance Videos On Sale

If you couldn't attend Dare to Dance but don't want to miss Manny Rico's disco moves, Frank Burke's moonwalk, or any of our other celebrity dance performances, visit http://www.communitv.org/ to purchase a video of the event for only $20.

Proceeds from video sales benefit the Kidney Foundation and the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults.

Our Celebrity Dancers -Catch Them While You Can!

Our Dare to Dance celebrity dancers will be making several appearances over the next two weeks in the Scenic City. Continue visiting www.active.com/donate/daretodance to keep up with practice videos and pictures and to vote for your favorite dancer to win the People's Choice Award. Newly added video includes: Keith Cawley (WRCB Ch. 3) and Rachel Withers (WRCB Ch.3), who are, incidentally, engaged to each other! But that doesn't stop them from competing for that shiny disco ball trophy. WRCB Channel 3 will cover updates on the event, including video of Rachel and Keith, each morning at 6:20 a.m. Make sure to check it out! And check out Rachel Withers' blog at www.rachelwithers.blogspot.com.

You can also tune in on Tuesday, August 26th at 8:00 a.m. to WGOW Talk Radio 102.3 with Jeff Styles to hear Frank Burke, Manny Rico and Rachel Withers talk about their practice sessions and the event. Check out the Talk Radio Live Studio Webcams for a bird's eye view of our dancers at http://www.americainter.net/webcam/.

Check out Kim Carson's blog at http://www.us101country.com/pages/us101kimcarson.html and her latest practice video by clicking here. US101 is her proud "Dancer Champion"! Go Kim!

Rachel Oesch at WDEF Ch. 12 continues to promote the event each morning, and continues to practice her routine - which rocks! Visit WDEF's website each day after noon to see video of the morning show and to catch up. Go to www.wdef.com.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE DANCER????

Frank Burke Takes Lead for People's Choice Award

Frank Burke has hit a homerun! Not at AT&T Field, but in the People's Choice Award contest for Dare to Dance. Mr. Burke has helped raise over $2,000 to benefit the Partnership and the Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area. Several of Frank's supporters have pledged their support by making online donations in his name at www.active.com/donate/daretodance. Mr. Burke, owner of the Chattanooga Lookouts, will also be donating a portion of the proceeds from the Lookouts' tennis ball toss at home games scheduled for August 18 - 21 and over Labor Day weekend.

But the contest is far from over! Supporters can "cast their vote" for their favorite dancer by making donations at www.active.com/donate/daretodance. The People's Choice Award will be given at Dare to Dance, on September 6th, to the celebrity dancer raising the most money. Other celebrity dancer totals are:

• Missy Crutchfield - $675
• Kim Fields - $385
• Rachel Oesch - $225
• Kim Carson - $175
• Rachel Withers - $140
• Keith Cawley - $75
• Manny Rico - $50

You Gotta Have Friends!

The Partnership's development staff attended the Tennessee Valley Fundraising Institute (TVFI) last Friday at UTC, hosted by the United Way's Center for Nonprofits. The keynote address was delivered by the Queen of Networking, Andrea Nierenberg. Check out her blog at http://thenierenblog.typepad.com/about.html to see just how she has earned her title! Her speech was reinvigorating, focusing on the basics of relationships - making friends and keeping them, and especially how to avoid losing them. As a nonprofit and a provider of social services in the Greater Chattanooga area, the Partnership understands how important relationships are. We hope our friends know just how much we appreciate them. We could never in 100 years (or in 131?) do the work we do, empower people to build better lives, without the support of our friends. So THANK YOU!

And thank you to Ms. Nierenberg for sharing her experience and wisdom with so many development professionals in our community. Perhaps, as a result, there are hundreds of donors, volunteers and community supporters receiving calls and notes of thanks across Chattanooga this morning.

Dare to Dance Heats Up!

Our Dare to Dance dancers are each twirling and swirling their way to becoming Dare to Dance Champions. But the competition isn't saving itself for the dance floor - it's out and on the loose at www.active.com/donate/daretodance. Our dancers have been gathering support from their fans to win the People's Choice Award, and fans are putting their money where their mouth is!

As of tonight, WDEF Channel 12's Rachel Oesch is in the lead with $155 in donations, US101's Kim Carson is close behind with $110, and the rest of the pack has the potential to overtake the lead at any time. The winner of this award will receive their trophy at Dare to Dance on September 6th. The deadline for fans to vote for their favorite dancer to get a shot at the trophy is September 5th.

It's easy to vote! Just visit www.active.com/donate/daretodance and click on your favorite dancer to read their bio. Then simply make your online donation. Do you want to be a "Dancing Fan" for $10, a "Dancing Partner" for $25, or a full-fledged "Dancing Queen" for $50? Give more or less - it's up to you! It's all to support two great nonprofit agencies: The Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area and the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults.

And don't forget to buy your tickets! They're going fast. Just click here to purchase.

Dare to Dance Dancers Announced

Our Dare to Dance dancers are already in the Fred Astaire studio, practicing their moves for the September 6th event! Dean Botting and Nancy Dix, professional dance instructors at the studio, have been working with our local dancers to find the dance that suits their unique personalities and displays their best moves. Our Dare to Dance dancers are:

• Frank Burke, Chattanooga Lookouts & MFIC, LLC
• Kim Carson, US 101 - check out her blog!
• Keith Cawley, WRCB Ch. 3
• Chip Chapman, WUUS 97.3/99.3 FM
• Kelly Cruise, Brewer Broadcasting
• Missy Crutchfield, City of Chattanooga
• Kim Fields, WTVC Ch. 9
• Rachel Oesch, WDEF Ch. 12
• Manny Rico, Chattanooga City Council
• Rachel Withers, WRCB Ch. 3

Check back soon for pictures and video of their practice moves!

Dare to Dance?

Calling all Dancing with the Stars fans!! The Partnership for Families, Children and Adults is co-hosting a brand new, exciting event - Dare to Dance - with the Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area!

We have well-known Chattanooga personalities paired with professional Fred Astaire dancers ready to give an unforgetable performance, as well as a very talented panel of judges! Dare to Dance is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th from 7 - 10 p.m., plus an after-party and chance to show off your own moves!

Tickets go on sale July23rd at http://www.partnershipfca.com/ or http://www.kidneyfoundation.com/ at $50 for general seating and $100 for VIP seating. Tickets will go fast, with Patron tables going even faster. So make sure to go online on the 23rd and reserve your seats!

Stay tuned for the announcement of our all-star "cast" and surprises...

A New Age of Aging Indeed

It is a New Age of Aging in America and in Chattanooga. According to most recent U.S. Census projections, 70 million Americans will reach age 65 by 2030, double the number in 2003! There will be a greater need for human services to meet the needs of this generation, and the approach of human service agencies will need to adapt to this groups's unique personality.

The Alliance for Children and Families has a new 5-year capacity-building initiative called New Age of Aging, and a new website full of resources and funding opportunities at http://www.newageofaging.com/ . Useful tools include a Senior Housing Directory, Workforce Assessment Tool, and webinars on various topics from the American Society on Aging. Grant seekers can also keep an eye on posted RFP's and mini-grants available for relevant programming. Check it out to stay up to date on the latest research and information relevant to your senior and aging clients!

The Partnership is also proud to be a 2008-09 Mentor Grant Award Recipient! Our talented Beverly Stuckey and Ellie Johnson have been paired with another agency to develop a mentor relationship, motivate leadership, and build organizational and staff capacity related to aging.

Tax Rebate: To Give or To Take?

To give or to take? That is the question that some are pondering as they receive their rebate checks now through the end of summer. Approximately 130 million Americans will receive their share of the economic stimulus package payout. So...what to do with our new found wealth?

With gas prices continuing to drain our checking accounts, and milk costing even more than gas per gallon - many are using the check to pay for basic necessities. Some plan to pay down debt or to save the money, and still others are buying electronics or other "wants" instead of "needs".

But what if your needs are met? What if you don't want that flat screen your neighbor has? What if you want your rebate to be more meaningful, to create more impact?

Consider donating your rebate to a charitable organization who is serving a population with great unmet needs. After all, the rebates were not planned - they are really small windfalls that with some careful planning and consideration, could be quite meaningful to someone in need. Your gift may even be deductible for federal and perhaps even state income tax purposes.

Check out the Partnership's Wish List by clicking here and look at our long list of items we need everyday to serve our clients. Call up any one of our programs and ask what their biggest need is and how a small donation could make a difference - or ask to come take a tour and learn more about what we do before considering a donation. Believe me when I say that you end up "taking" every time you "give" - you take a sense of community collaboration and support and the confirmation that you have helped someone build a better life.

It could be that you can't afford to make a charitable donation - but you can still give by volunteering your time and expertise. So, to give or to take? Maybe it's a little bit of both. Let us know how you plan to give.

Social Citizens Report Praises Young Activists

A new report commissioned by The Case Foundation, titled Social Citizens, recognizes the new Millinial generation for their passionate and tech-savy philanthropy - instead of the bum rap they've received lately of complacency and apathy. The 70-page paper provides insight into the motivations of young givers (Millenials are currently ages 15-29), and how their seemingly inborn ability to communicate through modern technology aides them in nurturing those passions.

The Partnership applauds Millenials for their innovative efforts to "change the world", and we would like to share this paper with others as a way to hopefully motivate people to "plug in", get connected, and stay connected . Just click here to start reading. Our agency's programs offer so much to this community; whether it's shelter for domestic violence victims, independence for the elderly, foster care for abused and neglected children, or services for the deaf and hard of hearing. There is a place for those who want to get involved to do so, and in a way that truly resonates with their core values and priorities.

Millenials, Baby Boomers, Gen X or Gen Y......contact the Partnership at 423.755.2702 or email info@partnershiptoday.org and let us know what your passion is. Together, we can empower people to build better lives.

Peyton Manning's Peyback Foundation "Peys it Forward" to Partnership Youth Services

Fans of local football favorite, Peyton Manning, have something else to cheer about - Manning's own Peyback Foundation has just awarded a grant to the Partnership's Youth Services!

The Youth Services program will soon offer new leadership training to youth served through the Gardner House for Boys and Northbridge House for Girls, thanks to a grant from the Peyback Foundation. Youth Services staff will utilize the Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program to help youth develop their ability to make positive life choices based upon sound values and a vision of a successful future. The program is also intended to help boost their GPA's and to develop positive attitudes and self-confidence, which can reduce risk behaviors. It is designed to help today's youth develop their personal leadership skills and begin to set goals and direction for their lives.

The Youth Services staff are thrilled to have received this grant award and look forward to the impact it will have on the youth they serve.

The Peyback Foundation was established by Indianapolis Colts quarterback and former UT Vols quarterback, Peyton Manning, in 1999. The foundation awarded a record $606,000 this year to charities serving disadvantaged youth in Indiana, Tennessee, and New Orleans. The Partnership's grant award was one of 34 agencies in Tennessee to receive a grant.

Volunteer Extraordinaire - Joy Gibson

The Partnership is blessed with many volunteers, all of which we would like to say "THANK YOU" to during National Volunteer Appreciation Week (Apr. 27-May 3). But one particular volunteer, Joy Gibson, was recently awarded the 2008 Community Service Award by the United Way Volunteer Center. We would like to share her story about her committment and passion for the Partnership's Family Violence Shelter and Services.

About Joy....

Joy Gibson signed up as a volunteer for the Partnership in February of 2006. After intensive training of over 20 hours, she began serving as a “Hotliner” in July and has maintained a constant service record of at least one four hour shift every week since that time.

The Crisis Hotline serves the community as a “basic” resource for those seeking a broad variety of resources to meet needs, but it is the primary point of contact for those who are facing domestic violence or who have been sexually assaulted in this greater Chattanooga community. “Hotline volunteers are critical to the function of the Crisis Resource Center”, says Regina McDevitt, Director of the Crisis Resource Center. “The Crisis Hotline (423.755.2700) is available 24 hours per day to ensure all victims of violence have someone to turn to. We would not be able to provide the level of care and attention that we do without our volunteers.” The Crisis Resource Center provides crisis intervention services, emergency hotlines, counseling, shelter, and advocacy and referral services to individuals and families in crisis situations. Last year, 5,023 people were served through the Partnership’s Crisis and Emergency Services.

In July, 2007, as the Hotliners were in desparate need of additional volunteers, Joy stepped up not only by covering additional shifts each week, but by agreeing to serve as “team leader” and assume a major role in the complete updating of the Hotliner resource manual. Thanks in large part to Joy's hard work and leadership, the Hotliners are now stable, revitalized and growing. In addition to serving many shifts on the Hotline, she leads each monthly meeting, puts together the monthly calendars of service, and facilitates communications among the team and with the PFCA staff. She averages over 50 hours of service every month.

As a person with lupus, she is a role model for all people with disabilities demonstrating that they too can serve effectively and meaningfully in meeting the needs of our community through volunteer service. John Sims, Partnership Volunteer Coordinator, also notes : "Family call her ‘Joy to the world’ and she is a person who not only lives up to that name by bringing joy to all the staff and volunteers at FVSS with whom she works, but she brings hope through her compassion for callers and the helpful resources offered.”

For more information on how you can volunteer with the Partnership, visit our website or call (423) 755-2702.

Celebrate Earth Day and Support the Partnership

Earth Day 2008 will be celebrated throughout our community on Tuesday, April 22nd, and it is easy being green! Being a good steward of our environmental resources is as easy as turning off lights when not in use, carpooling when possible, and buying products made with recycled packaging. But did you know that you can "go green" and support the Partnership at the same time? That's right! You can help the area's largest social-service agency in two ways:

• Donate your used and unwanted cell phone year-round to the Partnership to be recycled or refurbished and keep them out of landfills! Just drop your phone and battery off at any Partnership office location, including 1800 McCallie Ave. or 300 E. 8th Street in Chattanooga. All phones received are turned into funds that support the Partnership's Family Violence Shelter and Services. Call (423) 697-3829 to find out more.

• Become an ePartner and upgrade your Partnership quarterly newsletter subscription to be emailed to you, instead of sent through the mail. You'll save paper, postage, and a trip for the mailman while still getting the latest Partnership news. Simply send your email address to lgilder@partnershipfca.com with Email My Newsletters! in the subject field.

The Partnership would also like to say a special "Thanks!" to community partner Greenlife Grocery for helping raise money for the Partnership's Family Violence Shelter & Services through their Donate a Bag campaign. They raised over $300 by asking customers to bring their own shopping bag and/or donate one back to the store. This helped to save nearly 6,000 bags! Thanks, Greenlife, for supporting the Partnership.

National Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Partnership wants the community to know about the available resources through our Sexual Assault Crisis Resource Center. Our center is the only facility in the Greater Chattanooga area that offers such an encompassing list of services all under one roof. Victims of sexual assault do not have to fear walking into a police station to report the crime, or sitting in an emergency room for hours to receive an examination. The Sexual Assault Crisis Resource Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide services in a private, secure setting. The Partnership also offers a 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 423-755-2700 to anyone in need of help.

The Partnership is also offering a support group for adult female survivors of sexual assault called Seeds of Healing. It will be held, free of charge, every Monday from April 14th - May 19th from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family, and co-workers to let them know help is out there. Visit www.partnership.com to learn more about this program and upcoming events.

A Letter from the CEO

A LETTER FROM PARTNERSHIP CEO, SANDRA HOLLETT

This is what we believe, at the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults:

When we help people, today’s problem may be successfully managed; when we empower people, their chance of independently managing future problems increases dramatically. This belief has inspired us to adopt, as this agency’s mission: “empowering people to build better lives.”

• We empower our clients:
  People who turn for help to the Partnership feel powerless: powerless to handle debts threatening their financial stability, to transcend destructive behaviors perpetuating individual and family conflict, to escape physical and emotional abuse, to remain independent and self-sufficient and to advocate for their own well-being.
  Every Partnership program is built on “best practices” models, focusing on outcome-based counseling and case management, and working with clients, to develop the skills with which to improve their lives.

• We empower our staff:
  We strive to create a work environment in which every employee feels him/herself to be a true “partner” whose opinions are valued, professional growth assisted, decision-making encouraged and need for a competitive, livable salary recognized.

• We empower our community:
  We collaborate and share resources with area agencies, businesses, religious organizations and schools, thereby empowering our community to help its citizens.
  We provide opportunities for scores of area high school, college and university students to do their internships and community service hours with Partnership programs, thereby empowering the next generation to build a better community.
  Each year, we match an average of 300+ community volunteers with the needs of Partnership clients and programs, thereby empowering both those who receive and those who give.

We invite you to learn more about the Tennessee Valley’s oldest and largest social service agency, now celebrating over 130 years of service, by contacting the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults.

Sandra Hollett, CEO