DHS outlines its Two-Generation approach to creating cycles of success for Tennessee families

Today the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) launched its two-generation approach to poverty with an informational webpage named “2G for Tennessee.”

The new webpage outlines the Department’s strategy for implementing the 2 Gen strategy that creates cycles of success for Tennessee families utilizing the two-generation approach.

The two-generation approach has a specific focus on partnering with parents and children together to support them in realizing a pathway toward self-sufficiency and a better quality of life. As an organization, DHS has adopted the strategy and is working to align its programs and services to better serve individuals and families in a manner that supports a lifetime of success.

“We are really excited about ‘2G for Tennessee.’ It offers the state an excellent strategy for intentionally partnering with children and families across Tennessee,” said Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner Dr. Raquel Hatter. “The two-gen approach is a tested innovative strategy to build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Tennessee.”

The webpage features an in depth description of the two-generation approach from the Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington D.C. It also includes a more granular view of how DHS is implementing two-generational strategies in the primary component areas of education, economic supports, health and well-being, and social capital.

“In launching its Two-Generation website, the Department of Human Services has taken a bold step forward in its mission to improve the lives of Tennesseans. By implementing and sharing the two-generation approach, specific strategies and outcomes via this dynamic website, Commissioner Hatter and her staff are setting the pace for other human services departments across the nation. Ascend at the Aspen Institute is honored to partner with Commissioner Hatter and support the vision DHS has for families in Tennessee,” said Anne Mosle, Vice President, the Aspen Institute and Executive Director, Ascend at the Aspen Institute.

As an example, the Department partnered with Families First parents to register over 700 high school seniors for the Tennessee Promise, a scholarship which will provide two years of tuition-free attendance at a community or technical college in Tennessee.  Additionally, DHS has enrolled more than 1600 children receiving department administered child care assistance in the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation’s Imagination Library.

The webpage is an excellent tool to navigate through with post-secondary students, practitioners, lawmakers, community partners, neighbors and citizens in general.

Visit the 2G for Tennessee webpage at: http://www.tn.gov/humanservices/topic/2gen-approach