COOKEVILLE – An action filled agenda would be the description of the August meeting of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) Policy Council and Board of Directors Executive Committee.  As the UCHRA prepares for the provision of services to the residents of the Upper Cumberland during the FY 2010 program year, the Agency’s Committees and staff are involved in reviewing the results of activities of the past year and the provision of ongoing programs, as well as the implementation of new programs. “The Agency has had a very good year and the Stimulus Program has made it possible to offer additional opportunities to the residents of the Upper Cumberland during a time when many individuals are faced with difficult economic situations,” stated Phyllis Bennett, Executive Director, Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency.

The highlights of the committee reports were as follows: 

The Manpower/finance Committee, chaired by Overton County Mayor Kenneth Copeland, reported that the Summer Youth Employment & Training Program served more than 710 youth with funding in the amount of $1,036,768 made available through the Economic Stimulus Program.  The Adult program received Stimulus monies in the amount of $479,614 to serve 160 participants; through the Dislocated Worker Program, $683,843 will be available to served approximately 128 individuals; and the Title V Older Workers program will have some additional funding to employ individuals 55 years of age and older.

The Transportation Committee, chaired by Cannon County Executive Mike Gannon, reported that the committee reviewed and approved proposals for current transportation programs and that a number of new vehicles have been purchased as a result of the Stimulus Program.  In addition to the ongoing implementation of the district wide transportation program, the UCHRA will be initiating the Cookeville Area Transit System (CATS) in early 2010.

The Aging/Community Services Committee, chaired by County Mayor Michael Nesbitt, reviewed and approved 15 ongoing programs and their budgets.  Many of the programs, including the Nutrition Program, Weatherization Assistance, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, and Community Services Block Grant, have additional funding available to expand services as a result of the Stimulus Program.

The Finance Committee Report given by Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill addressed the UCHRA’s Residential Programs for Youth including the continuation of services at the Indian Mound Center located in DeKalb County, the Chance Center located in Bloomington Springs, and the Youth Impact Center located in Cumberland County.  This year, the Agency will be initiating the After Care Program designed to continue working with residents that complete their stay at the residential facilities and their families in an effort to assist in making a positive transition back into the home and community.

The FY 2009 Year End Report for Lakeside Resort and Educational Complex reflected a positive cash flow even though we have had a time of economic downturn.  The committee reviewed and approved the FY 2010 budget for the ongoing operation of the many activities and educational programs administered by Lakeside.

The UCHRA Policy Council, chaired by Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan, heard and adopted the reports from the committees.  “The Upper Cumberland is very fortunate to have an agency like the UCHRA that goes the extra mile to make sure that services are available to the residents of the 14 county area.  During the past year, I have had more contacts than ever before from individuals needing help,” commented Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan.

The UCHRA Board of Directors Executive Committee meeting was called to order by DeKalb County Executive and Chairman of the UCHRA Board of Directors Mike Foster.  After hearing the recommendations of the Policy Council with time being spent discussing each of the items on the agenda, the Executive Committee approved the actions taken by the Council.  “As Chairman of the Board, I have had an opportunity to work closely with the UCHRA staff and the different Program Committees.  Phyllis Bennett, UCHRA Executive Director, provides outstanding leadership to the Agency; the staff and the Board of Directors are committed to continuing existing services, finding resources to initiate new services, and to continuously make improvements in the delivery of services.  I am happy to serve as the Chairman of an organization that is committed to assisting individuals needing help,” stated DeKalb County Executive Mike Foster.

Submitted by UCHRA