TCSW works hard for Tennessee. Our budget size belies our impact. Long-known as the power of social change in Tennnessee but still faced with core social change needs, we are committed to spreading the TCSW wings. Multi-issue state and local understanding leads us to recognize substantive root causes of continued social problems, and action now to build a brighter future - reducing poverty, increasing educational opportunities, and building supports for at-risk groups to achieve their potential. 

PROGRAM SERVICES  focus on Advocacy and Education.  Below are specific current programs of TCSW:

• TOGETHER TENNESSEE:  The vision of TOGETHER TENNESSEE is focused on civic engagement and collaboration- with an emphasis on local and regional policy learning, social networking, participation and action addressing critical short term challenges and long term solutions to raise Tennessee - one of the lowest ranking states in measures of well-being. To learn more, and to become involved, click here.   MyTownTN, local groups for policy and social networking, will empower constituents, providers, and leaders to communicate and act upon important local decisions to improve local opportunities. 

• STATEWIDE ADVOCACY AND ISSUE EDUCATION WITH LOCAL AND STATE LEADERS:  TCSW has been a leading force in development of needed services throughout our 96 year history. The TCSW Public Policy Council and executive director work as catalysts to educate policy-makers about best practices and proven supports for at-risk Tennesseans. We look at issues through the lens of what works and what needs to be in place to raise the well-being of Tennesseans. 

• CAPACITY BUILDING and SUPPORTS FOR A STRONGER TN HUMAN SERVICES WORKFORCE:  The crisis in the human workforce has been well documented: see www.acf.org - Annie E. Casey Foundation. Six regional and one statewide conference each year are the foundation for strengthened collaboration and knowledge of those in the field.  Building on that, TCSW is expanding activities to  monthly lunch and learns and/or free quarterly trainings, known as TCSW COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS.

• CURRICULUM BUILDING FOR A STRONGER HUMAN SERVICES WORKFORCE:   The curriculum TCSW is developing in partnership with Baptist Healing Trust will bring a renewal of mission and more caring services from nonprofits adopting the culture of SPIRIT OF SERVICE.   Please contact us at info@tcsw.org for more information if you would like to participate. With the trend of lower-cost contracts with private providers, TCSW will partner with Tennessee State University in 2010 for the devlopment of a curriculum for para-professionals focused upon commitment to and understanding of best-practices - Social Services Competencies. 

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

Today, like many nonprofits we face increasing revenue challenges. TCSW is particularly affected by the state budget. TCSW does not solicit state contracts, yet conference training revenues are affected by the level of state employee attendance. With a small budget, fluctuations are problematic.

This requires us to strategically develop our core services, reduce expenses, share costs with other nonprofits, explore mission-related products and services, and diversify our funding base - holding true to our mission and our impact on positive change in Tennessee. 

TCSW held good ground with significant improvements over the last two years, and looks forward to the cost-savings we are implementing in 2009-2010 to be fiscally stronger, even in face of the recession, as we near our 100th Anniversary.  We anticipate a budget savings of over $15,000 in the 09-10 fiscal year. 

We are vey proud of our progress and diligence. You may access the the most recent audit and 990 below.

08 Financials