By the Numbers: The Impact of Our ChanceTN through three years
Since launching in 2023, the Our Chance TN pilot has supported caregivers across Middle Tennessee by pairing them with Family-Centered Coaches and Community Resource Navigators who help connect families to employment, education, and essential resources.
To date, 1,301 caregivers have enrolled in the pilot, participating in 8,749 coaching conversations, 1,747 employment and education meetings, and 1,978 resource navigation sessions and follow-ups. Through this individualized support, 67% of participating families experienced an increase in overall family stability.
Employment outcomes have also been significant. A total of 768 enrollees increased their employment, with an average annual income increase of $37,313. Collectively, Our Chance TN participants have earned $1.1 million in cumulative annual increased wages since the program launched.
In addition, 98 enrollees moved above 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, an important benchmark that can impact eligibility for public benefits such as free and reduced-price school lunches and childcare subsidies.
These outcomes highlight the impact of coordinated support, strong partnerships, and caregiver-centered coaching in helping families navigate benefits cliffs, increase income, and move toward long-term economic stability. By pairing consistent coaching with access to the right resources at the right time, caregivers are better equipped to make sustainable progress and achieve meaningful economic mobility.
Our ChanceTn looks to continue this trend of success for its caregivers in the coming year.
Our ChanceTN is a part of a study funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services which is being conducted to determine how these pilot programs help people improve their economic well-being. During the study, all new eligible applicants will be randomly selected into one of two/three groups that receive a different mix of program services.
The Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative (TOPI) is brought forth by the Tennessee Department of Human Services and TANF Opportunity Act. This initiative will help individuals, families, and the state of Tennessee by creating a new vision for the Tennessee social safety net and is dedicated to helping low-income families grow beyond their vulnerabilities. TOPI empowers all Tennesseans by partnering with local organizations to reach deep into their communities and work shoulder to shoulder with individuals and families, growing their capacity to take on life’s challenges and reduce their dependence on the social safety net.