Statements

Mission

TAK meets essential needs to comfort children, empower youth, and offer hope to families impacted by foster care in Tennessee.

Background

Tennessee Alliance for Kids (TAK) was founded to address the needs of at-risk children, those currently in foster care, and youth transitioning out of the foster care system. Serving various agencies, including the Davidson County Department of Children's Services (DCS), Mid-Cumberland DCS, South Central DCS, Office of Independent Living, Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes, and CASA Nashville, TAK plays a crucial role in supporting family preservation, reunification, and the well-being of relative caregivers and foster families. By providing essential resources and assistance to aged-out youth through the Extension of Foster Care Program, DCS offices, and transitional houses, TAK strives to enhance the lives of vulnerable children and families in the community.

Impact

In Tennessee, approximately 8,000 children are in foster care, often due to circumstances beyond their control, such as abuse, abandonment, endangerment, or neglect. When these children are removed from their homes, they typically leave behind their belongings, arriving in foster care with few or no personal items to meet their immediate needs.

In response to this urgent situation, Tennessee Alliance for Kids (TAK) was established in June 2016, following a call from the Governor and Tennessee Department of Children's Services for dedicated individuals to form a nonprofit focused on supporting these vulnerable children. Since its inception, TAK has received hundreds of requests for assistance, making a significant impact on the lives of children and families affected by the foster care system.

Through our FosterLove Program, TAK has become an essential partner for children in crisis throughout Middle Tennessee, providing resources such as new beds, car seats, clothing, food, school supplies, and gift cards for groceries and fuel. We aim to ensure that these children not only receive immediate care but also experience a sense of comfort and dignity during challenging times. Together, we are helping to restore hope and stability to the lives of those who need it most.

Needs

Here are the top four needs for Tennessee Alliance for Kids (TAK):

1. Funding for Essential Resources: Increased financial support is crucial to provide necessities such as clothing, food, bedding, and hygiene products for children and families impacted by foster care. Essential needs must be met first to provide a foundation of stability in uncertainty.

2. Volunteers for Program Support: We seek dedicated volunteers to assist with our TAK PAK Program, helping to pack and distribute the backpacks.

3. Partnerships with Local Businesses: Collaborations with businesses can help secure donations of goods, services, or financial contributions, enhancing our capacity to meet the diverse needs of families impacted by foster care.

4. Awareness and Advocacy: Raising awareness about the challenges faced by children in foster care is essential. We need advocates to help us promote our mission and engage the community in supporting these vulnerable populations.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Human Services  - Foster Care
Secondary Category:	Human Services  - Children's and Youth Services
Tertiary Category:	Human Services  - Alliances & Advocacy

Areas Served

Tennessee Alliance for Kids (TAK) serves the Davidson County Department of Children's Services (DCS), Mid-Cumberland DCS, South Central DCS, Office of Independent Living, Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes, and CASA Nashville. These agencies cover 24 counties across Tennessee.

TN - Davidson

TN - Dickson

TN - Rutherford

TN - Montgomery

TN - Williamson

TN - Wilson

TN - Cheatham

TN - Robertson

TN - Sumner

TN - Trousdale

TN - Bedford

TN - Coffee

TN - Giles

TN - Hickman

TN - Lawrence

TN - Lewis

TN - Lincoln

TN - Marshall

TN - Maury

TN - Moore

TN - Perry

TN - Wayne

TN - Franklin

TN - Other