Friday, May 23, 2008

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.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

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.

Friday, May 9, 2008

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.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

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.