Dear friends and community partners,
On this Giving Tuesday, we want to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of this day and on how we can further the spirit of giving year-round. Giving Tuesday began ten years ago with a mission to build a world where generosity is a way of life, not just one day a year.
At Chattanooga 2.0, we believe being kind and taking care of our neighbors begins with our youngest residents – the children of Hamilton County. However, not all children in our community have equal access to quality health care, family support services, and quality education and career opportunities.
Early Childhood Action Plan
Last month, through a collaboration with a dedicated and diverse group of early childhood stakeholders, we launched the Early Matters 2025 Early Childhood Action Plan. As a part of the Bright Start TN Network of communities working towards a common goal, we identified strengths and barriers to early childhood resources in Hamilton County. In the action plan, we’ve also proposed solutions to fix what is broken, champion areas showing promise, and build on what’s working – all with the intention of improving early childhood outcomes for children from birth to age eight. You can find our full plan, including strategies for success and ways you can get involved, here.
Apprenticeship Innovation District
In mid-November, we also announced a new apprenticeship opportunity for students and young adults to access a pathway to a thriving wage career. View the handout with more information here.
Please Give
Many of our nonprofit partners who work together to improve systems depend on donations to continue their vital work to serve children and families in our community. If you’re so inclined, we would be grateful if you chose to give your time or money to one of our many partner organizations working so diligently to improve the quality of life for children in Hamilton County. Their future depends on us.
*There is an urgent need for support for the families displaced by the closing of the Budgetel in East Ridge. Consider donating to the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition (CRHC). The CRHC is currently providing more than 100 hotel rooms for the Budgetel families and needs additional resources to continue to provide temporary housing for the displaced families.
Hamilton County Schools Foundation
Big Brothers Big Sisters Chattanooga
Boys and Girls Club of Chattanooga
Chattanooga Public Library Foundation
Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County
Community Forward School Coordinators
Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga
Save the Children Action Network
Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral
Urban League of Greater Chattanooga