Partner Spotlight: The Well Outreach
Photo Courtesy of Paul Kang
By Krista Riddle, TAEM Peer Ambassador
The Well Outreach provides food and support to individuals and families in the community who need assistance. While the organization is based in Spring Hill, TN, it does not limit support based on where caregivers live. Anyone who visits has the opportunity to receive food.
To meet the needs of those experiencing food insecurity, The Well Outreach offers four programs:
Food Bank Program allows families to choose the food they want through a client-choice model, with a personal shopper available to assist.
Mobile Food Pantries take place at nearby high schools on Saturday mornings throughout the year.
Family Coaching supports families as they work to improve their living conditions and build long-term stability.
Jetpack Program provides students in the community with weekend meal bags.
The Well Outreach also administers the OurChance TN program. Families may be eligible if they:
Live in Williamson or Maury County
Have at least one child age 17 or younger
Receive government benefits
Have a household income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level
Are U.S. residents
Caregivers in the Spring Hill or Mount Pleasant area may find this to be a valuable resource for both food support and family coaching.
Since 2019, Shelly Sassen has served as CEO. Under her leadership, The Well Outreach has grown from a small neighborhood food pantry into a regional organization serving communities across Middle Tennessee.
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.