Statements

Mission

To secure dignity and opportunity for all Tennesseans by relentlessly protecting and improving the laws, policies and programs.

Background

Supported by state bar association leaders, the Tennessee Justice Center was founded by Gordon Bonnyman and Michele Johnson, both experienced Legal Services attorneys concerned about the vast impending reduction in services to the poorest of Tennessee's citizens. The Tennessee Justice Center responds to the many threats to the health and well being of Tennesseans through the integration of traditional legal and policy advocacy with the building of broad based coalitions. We carefully strive to tie our advocacy work back into a coalition base, and complement existing community organizations' efforts by providing legal and strategic support, which they often lack. Many victories have been won since TJC began, but ongoing monitoring and subsequent action will be required as long as poverty exists in Tennessee.

Impact

All Tennesseans deserve an equal opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life. When red tape and short-sighted policies make it difficult for our neighbors to meet their basic needs, the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) is their advocate. We have been in this work since 1996, standing alongside Tennessee families and helping them gain access to the programs and benefits necessary for them to live. After Congress placed restrictions on legal services programs, effectively creating a two-tier justice system, community and bar leaders from all parts of the state and across the political spectrum established TJC to provide legal representation to Tennesseans who fall in the gap.

2022 IMPACT REPORT

CASEWORK:
Total Cases: 1,216

Total Client Benefits Secured: $6.4 M

Counties reached: 75


ADVOCACY:
46 systemic issues identified and addressed by working individual cases and in collaboration with partner organizations

4,290 new individuals added to TJCs network of advocates informed about TJC issue areas

11,950 individuals engaged in meaningful action (attended trainings, called representatives, wrote letters, volunteered, etc.)

769 new partners added throughout the state, focusing on groups led by and serving Communities of Color

795 partners actively engaged throughout the state

2,031 volunteer hours leveraged

Needs

Organization needs include:
1. Continue to grow major donations and foundation support.

2. Increase public awareness of, and support for, TJC's work in East and West Tennessee.

3. Use new media effectively to support TJC's advocacy and expand the organization's base of support.

4. Increase diversity of Board of Directors and staff.

CEO Statement

Tennesseans share the belief that all our neighbors have value and dignity, and all deserve the opportunity to thrive. Our laws and public policy should reflect these shared values:

*All Tennesseans, regardless of income, race, disability, age, or illness should have access to care and services they need to live full, independent lives and avoid financial ruin.

*Those facing hard times or unimagined obstacles should have necessary tools and support to rebuild their lives.

*Our communities, our businesses, and our health care infrastructure are stronger when everyone has access to basic necessities like affordable health care, adequate nutrition, and other support they need to be healthy and thrive.

TJC works with others to foster strong communities that honor the dignity and potential of every Tennessean. We help Tennesseans one-by-one and then take what we learn from their experiences to advocate for large-scale changes that help others in the same boat. We use the law and advocacy to ensure that Tennesseans can meet their most basic needs and have a pathway to opportunity. Our work impacts thousands of Tennesseans each year, to protect and supports strong communities. Through our individual clients and close contact with community groups and service agencies statewide, we identify and address unlawful government practices and corporate policies that touch large numbers of low-income families. Our clients not only guide our work, but inspire us with their courage and fortitude.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy  - Alliances & Advocacy
Secondary Category:	Health Care  - Patient & Family Support
Tertiary Category:	Food, Agriculture & Nutrition  - Nutrition

Areas Served

We serve clients from across the state - all 95 Tennessee counties.

TN - Tennessee (Entire State)