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Mustard Seed Ranch (MSR) is a community-supported, interdenominational Christian ministry designed to take children out of unsafe environments and into loving, nurturing homes. Out of the social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual support each child receives, seeds of hope begin to take root.

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Facing an unexpected pregnancy can seem overwhelming. It can feel like you don't have any options. At the Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic we want you to know that you do have options and we are here to serve you.

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Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic - Cookeville, TN - Home

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Facing an unexpected pregnancy can seem overwhelming. It can feel like you don't have any options. At the Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic we want you to know that you do have options and we are here to serve you.

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Rising Above believes every life is wonderfully made, and that God creates everyone with a plan and a purpose to glorify Him. Our mission is to bring the love of God and hope in Christ to special-needs families through support, encouragement, inspiration, and community.

The Tim Tebow Foundation has chosen nine ministries to partner with to help churches follow-up with attendees after the Night to Shine Prom. These ministries are called "Shine On" contributors. If you host a Night to Shine prom and would like resources to help your church reach individuals and families with special needs, contact us! ﻿

Common Man, Extraordinary Call

The Impactful Book co-written by Rising Above Founders, Jeff and Becky Davidson. Watch this video to see behind the scenes of how this powerful book came to be.

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The Tim Tebow Foundation has chosen nine ministries to partner with to help churches follow-up with attendees after the Night to Shine Prom. These ministries are called "Shine On" contributors. If you host a Night to Shine prom and would like resources to help your church reach individuals and families with special needs, contact us!

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We are a 501c3 non-profit organization, based in Cookeville, TN that delivers meals to local children which otherwise would not have food during seasonal school breaks. FTTR partners with local businesses, volunteers, and delivery persons to assist in distributing meals to children enrolled in our program. We currently serve the Putnam County, Tennessee area. To learn more about our organization, please visit our 'About Us' page.

According to recent studies, one in five children in Middle Tennessee does not know from where the next meal will come. There is a significant food insecurity issue in the Putnam County community. The goal of FTTR is to ensure that time away from school does not cause our local children to go hungry. Please visit our 'Get Involved' page to see how you can help us continue feeding hope to the children that need it most! Or Click on VOLUNTEER to help with our next distribution!

Your donation will help us be able to deliver food to children and their family during the 2022 school breaks!

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Want more info on child sponsorship? Click here

Please consider sponsoring a child today!

NEED SERVICE?

If you have a child or know child that you believe would benefit from our services, you may click the APPLY button to fill out an application for service.

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Our services are strictly for families who feel they qualify for our meal delivery program. To apply the follow criteria MUST be met:

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-Under the age of 18

-Over the age of 1

-A food insecure household

-Home address in Putnam County, TN

-No unrestrained aggressive animals on the property.

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If you are accepted to the program, you must confirm your address before each delivery time. Delivery varies with each break, but normally the Thursday before the break.

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Food to the Rescue Putnam County TN Cookeville Baxter Algood Monterey

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We are a 501c3 non-profit organization, based in Cookeville, TN that delivers meals to local children which otherwise would not have food during seasonal school breaks. FTTR partners with local businesses, volunteers, and delivery persons to assist in distributing meals to children enrolled in our program. We currently serve the Putnam County, Tennessee area.

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blog

April 18, 2024

NWA teams up with Third Settlements to advance Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB), supported by a grant from the Walmart Foundation. Third Settlements, experienced in cultural assessments, helps NWA develop EDIB-focused values and a comprehensive work plan, fostering internal and external cultural strength.

March 1, 2024
" More Blog Posts
upcoming events

November 19, 2024

Save the date! The 2024 Nutrition Education & Breastfeeding Promotion Conference will take place in Baltimore, Maryland on Tuesday, November 19 - Thursday, November 21!
Abstract Call Opening Spring 2024! Registration Opening Summer 2024 " View Agenda and Other Details " All Upcoming Events

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The National WIC Association (NWA) is the non-profit education arm and advocacy voice of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

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COVID-19 Holiday Update

During the COVID-19 crisis, Cookeville Rescue Mission has continued to keep its doors open for those in need. We can continue helping the homeless and hungry through any crisis with your help!

We are pleased to announce that we will still be engaging in our annual Sound of Hope fundraiser this holiday season! In an effort to keep everyone safe, some locations may not be available to sign up for. If your traditional location isn't available, we invite you to choose one of the other locations to continue to spread the Sound of Hope! If you and your family don't feel that it would be safe to do so, we urge you to consider donating to continue helping those in our community that so desperately need it.

Volunteer for Sound of HopeJoin our family and help raise money to support those in need!

I Want to Volunteer

Donate OnlineOur ministry is funded by giving from our generous community. We can't help others without you!

Helping the Impoverished Since 1976

Founded in 1976, Cookeville Rescue Mission has been committed to meeting the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the homeless and hungry within reach of our ministry.

To serve Christ by addressing the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social wellbeing of the impoverished and destitute by providing Christ-centered rescue, recovery and restoration to those whom God leads to our doors.

Through the demonstration of the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, we seek to restore broken lives by providing a safe and reputable haven of hope for all who enter. We glorify God through helping shape and transform lives, in the name of Jesus Christ, by meeting people at their physical, emotional and spiritual points of need with the goal of returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens.

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cookeville rescue mission homeless shelter rescue mission help hope

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COVID-19 Holiday Update During the COVID-19 crisis, Cookeville Rescue Mission has continued to keep its doors open for those in need. We can continue helping the homeless and hungry through any crisis with your help! We are pleased to announce that we will still be engaging in our annual Sound of Hope fundraiser this holiday season!

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Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

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Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN: 62-1049447

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Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency At the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, we strive to improve the quality of life through out the region. Through our diverse array of services, we connect and provide individuals, families, and businesses with resources they need. Our services reach

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The TANF Opportunity Act offers a pathway to self-sufficiency for TANF recipients, provides for an investment in community partnerships through both the spend down of the TANF reserve and plans for recurring dollars, while also strengthening the protections against fraud, waste, and abuse. Click Here to Learn More.

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The TANF Opportunity Act offers a pathway to self-sufficiency for TANF recipients, provides for an investment in community partnerships through both the spend down of the TANF reserve and plans for recurring dollars, while also strengthening the protections against fraud, waste, and abuse. Click Here to Learn More.

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UPPER CUMBERLAND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY UCHFH RESTORE
(931) 528-1711 (931) 528-1709
1546 E. SPRING ST. STE B 560 S. Jefferson Ave, Suite 1-B

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Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry in Tennessee offering individuals the opportunity to change their lives through affordable home ownership. It happens thanks to the support of our community of volunteers and donors!

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Helping Hands of Putnam County is a charitable non-profit organization that provides emergency services (such as food, utilities, medical expenses, rent and gas vouchers to doctor appointments) to low-income Putnam County persons and their families.

What We Do

We provide the following services to low-income families and families in emergency situations in Putnam County. We are open 9am-12pm and 1pm-3pm, Monday through Friday, by appointment only. Please call 931-526-3838 to make an appointment.

Contact Helping Hands of Putnam County

421 E. Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501

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Helping Hands of Putnam County is a charitable non-profit organization that provides emergency services (such as food, utilities, medical expenses, rent and gas vouchers to doctor appointments) to low-income Putnam County persons and their families. What We Do We provide the following services to low-income families and families in emergency situations in Putnam County.

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HELP STARTS HERE

Step 1: Choose a ZIP code or city. Step 2: Select a need category below.

If you do not see a need category that fits what you are looking for please use the custom search field at the bottom of this page.

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Online directory of local service providers.

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Our food pantry serves hundreds of families in Putnam County on one Tuesday afternoon each month. In partnership with Second Harvest, our team of dedicated volunteers works to make sure those in our community who are food insecure have their basic needs met. If you are interested in volunteering or in need, please call our Servant Ministries team or email: servant@cookevillefumc.org.

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Our food pantry serves hundreds of families in Putnam County on one Tuesday afternoon each month. In partnership with Second Harvest, our team of dedicated volunteers works to make sure those in our community who are food insecure have their basic needs met.

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Tennessee Promise provides Tennessee high school graduates the opportunity to attend a community or technical college free of tuition and mandatory fees. Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program.

It will provide students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover tuition and fees not covered by the Pell grant, the HOPE scholarship, or TSAA funds. Students may use the scholarship at any of the College System of Tennessee's 13 community colleges or 24 colleges of applied technology.

While removing the financial burden is key, a critical component of Tennessee Promise is the individual guidance each participant will receive from a mentor who will assist the student as he or she navigates the college admissions process. In addition, Tennessee Promise participants must complete eight hours of community service per term enrolled, as well as maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 GPA) at their institution.

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Tennessee Promise provides Tennessee high school graduates the opportunity to attend a community or technical college free of tuition and mandatory fees. Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program. It will provide students a last-dollar scholarship, meaning the scholarship will cover tuition and fees not covered by the Pell grant, the HOPE scholarship, or TSAA funds.

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The Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) is a program that provides services to children ages birth up to age three who have disabilities or other developmental delays. The TEIS program is a critically important program to supporting young children and their families to reach their optimal development.

Refer a child to TEIS

You may make a referral to TEIS by completing our online referral form or by calling (800) 852-7157. The referral form can also be found in the MyTN app, available on your app store.

Please be prepared to provide the child's name, date of birth, county of residence, parent information (if someone other than the parent calls), and reason for referral.

TEIS District Offices

District

Address

City

State

Zip

Phone

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The Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) is a program that provides services to children ages birth up to age three who have disabilities or other developmental delays. The TEIS program is a critically important program to supporting young children and their families to reach their optimal development.

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TEFAP is a Federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. Under TEFAP, USDA makes commodity foods available to State Distributing Agencies. The amount of food each State receives out of the total amount of food provided is based on the number of unemployed persons and the number of people with incomes below the poverty level. States provide the food to local agencies they have selected. TDA provides TEFAP foods to 17 community action agencies which distribute foods directly to needy households, and 5 food banks which distribute foods to local organizations, such as soup kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public. These local organizations distribute the TEFAP foods to eligible recipients for household consumption, or use them to prepare and serve meals in a congregate setting. Recipients of food for home use must meet income eligibility criteria set by TDA.

Under TEFAP, States also receive administrative funds to support the storage and distribution of the USDA foods. TDA passes most of these funds down to local agencies.
List of TEFAP Agencies by County

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The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

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The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive block grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program. State TANF’s flexible funds provide benefits and services to low…

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Child Protective Services | Childcare.gov

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The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.

Program Fact Sheet

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The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.

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The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides reimbursement to states to operate nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions. The Food and Nutrition Service administers the SBP at the federal level. State education agencies administer the SBP at the state level, and local school food authorities operate the program in schools.

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The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides reimbursement to states to operate nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions. The Food and Nutrition Service administers the SBP at the federal level. State education agencies administer the SBP at the state level, and local school food authorities operate the program in schools.

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Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

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The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health coverage to eligible children, through both Medicaid and separate CHIP programs. CHIP is administered by states, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government.

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SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides monthly funds to buy groceries. It is the largest anti-hunger program in America, helping over 41 million people in 2022.

Connect with your food bank and learn how to apply

Your local food bank or SNAP office can help you find out if you are eligible for monthly SNAP assistance and help you fill out an application.

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SNAP helps millions of people buy food. Need help applying for food stamps? The Feeding America network can help you with the SNAP application.

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SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources.

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Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting

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Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting

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With the passage and signing of S690 in 2021, New Jersey universal home visiting became a reality. The legislation establishes a statewide newborn home visitation program in the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, making the state the second in the nation with this level of home visitation.

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What is Home Visiting? - Alliance for Early Success

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"Voluntary Home Visiting" is an effective state strategy that connects expectant parents and parents of young children with a designated support person, like a trained nurse, social worker, or early childhood specialist.

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Healthy Start Initiative - National Healthy Start Association

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Tennessee Labor and Workforce Development

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Tennessee Labor and Workforce Development

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The official website of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

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Parents applying for the Smart Steps program whose income is below the 85th percentile of State Median Income who have children six (6) weeks to five (5) years old and who work or go to school, or both, for 30 hours or more a week.

High school or middle school mothers who stay in school who participate in the Teen Parent program.

Parents in the Families First program who need child care to complete the work activities in their personal responsibility plan.

Parents whose Families First case has closed can receive transitional child care assistance for 18 months after their Families First case closes each parent works 30 hours or more a week.

Non-parental guardians in the Families First program who need child care for a related child the guardian does 30 or more hours of work, training, or education a week.

How do I apply? Apply Online
Complete the application below and then fax it, mail it, or bring it to your local TDHS office.

If you have questions about child care payment assistance, child care staff are located at these TDHS offices to help you.

Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (HS-3408) - Instructions
Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (Spanish) (HS-3408sp) - Instructions
Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (Arabic) (HS-3408a) - Instructions
Application for Child Care Payment Assistance/Smart Steps (Somali) (HS-3408s)- Instructions

**Make sure you submit all required verification documents with your application. The required documents are listed on the first page of the application above**

If you are applying for child care payment assistant through Families First, you will not use the above application, but will apply through the Families First link at the top of this page.
**For families who are currently receiving child care payment assistance through the Smart Steps Program, any redeterminations of eligibility that would be coming due from March - May 2020 have been suspended and the current eligibility period has been extended for 3 months. Every customer whose redetermination is coming due in March - May will receive a notice about this extension. You may also contact your child care specialist with questions.
Click here to search by county. The providers that accept child care payment assistance are listed as "Yes" under the "Child Care Assistance" column.
If I qualify, what will I have to pay?
The co-pay chart estimates your payment based on your income and the number of children you will have in child care. You will receive an exact amount that you will have to pay if you qualify. It's important that you pay the amount you owe and don't miss payments. Your child care provider may terminate your child from their program if you don't pay the amount you owe.
Are there are other helpful resources?
You can learn more here about how to choose the right child care provider, the types of child care providers in the State, and how the State assesses child care providers. You can also learn about the importance of checkups and developmental screening for children.

You can learn more here about tips for safe sleep for babies.

Also, if you are interested in child care payment assistance, you may also be eligible for one or more of these programs to assist you with your other needs.
Customer Survey
Please take a moment to let us know about your experience applying for child care payment assistance.

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Parents applying for the Smart Steps program whose income is below the 85th percentile of State Median Income who have children six (6) weeks to five (5) years old and who work or go to school, or both, for 30 hours or more a week .

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Tennessee Association of Community Action

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Tennessee Association of Community Action

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TACA, the Tennessee Association of Community Action, is the professional membership organization for the state's 20 Community Action Agencies. TACA serves its members with training and technical assistance, facilitating collaboration, resource development, and by leading statewide efforts to increase public awareness of Tennesseans in poverty and the strategies and solutions to improve their lives and communities.

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tennessee association of community action

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Tennessee Association of Community Action

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TACA works to strengthen its members as they work to build a stronger Tennessee through comprehensive anti-poverty plans and strategies.

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What is Legal Aid? Can it help you?

Legal Aid cannot help everyone with every legal problem. There are some types of cases Legal Aid does not handle including criminal cases and fee-generating cases, like car accidents in which you want to make the other person pay for your injuries or the damage to your car.

Legal Aid can help with many civil law cases. They may be able to help you if you are having a problem with your landlord, food stamps, Families First (welfare), TennCare, Medicare; health care or family problems, especially related to domestic violence. Even if Legal Aid cannot represent you directly in a case, they may be able to tell you where to get help or give you advice that will help you handle the case yourself.

Most legal service organizations also have "Pro Bono" programs. Many private attorneys have agreed to help provide free legal help to low income persons through this program. Your case may be referred to a volunteer attorney who will represent you free of charge through the Pro Bono program.

Some people who are in low-income households can get free legal help from Legal Aid offices. When you call the office, you will be asked about your income and the income of others in your home. Your income must be under the current poverty guidelines to make you eligible. If you are within the guidelines, you will be asked about the type of legal problem that you have. If it is the type of problem they can handle, you can then talk to one of the lawyers or to a paralegal.

The Legal Aid offices do not charge for the legal help that is given. You may have to pay court costs to take a case to court. You may also have to pay for some other expenses, such as, copies of records, court reporters, and so forth. However, you will not be charged for the attorney's or paralegal's time or advice.

The website Help4TN.org and a toll-free telephone hotline at 888-HELP4TN or (888) 395-9297 both offer information and access to referrals and legal advice and T N Free Legal Answers matches individuals with volunteer attorneys.

Bar associations, the Tennessee Access to Justice Commission and legal aid and community organizations across the state also support standing legal clinics throughout the year.

There are several legal aid organizations in Tennessee. These organizations are not-for-profit law offices that give certain types of free legal help to people who cannot afford to pay a lawyer:

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Legal Aid cannot help everyone with every legal problem. There are some types of cases Legal Aid does not handle including criminal cases and fee-generating cases, like car accidents in which you want to make the other person pay for your injuries or the damage to your car.

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Tennessee Nurturing Parenting Skills Classes

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Tennessee Nurturing Parenting Skills Classes

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This is a free, 6 week (12 hour) course designed to increase parenting skills. This course covers a variety of topics, including discipline, child development, nutrition, and conflict resolution. During this community course, participants of varying experience will have the opportunity to meet other parents and to receive information about community resources. Upon completion of 12 hours, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Eligibility Requirements

Clients are allowed no more than two absences. Clients must participate in group discussions. Clients must complete basic paperwork upon enrollment and completion. ChildCare is not provided.

How to get started

1. Phone

2. Email

3. Walk-In

4. Find the location closest to you below, and use their contact information.

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This is a free, 6 week (12 hour) course designed to increase parenting skills. This course covers a variety of topics, including discipline, child development, nutrition, and conflict resolution. During this community course, participants of varying experience will have the opportunity to meet other parents and to receive information about community resources.