Statements
Mission
TN Voices seeks to be a collaborative leader guiding mental health transformation.
We teach families to advocate for themselves, we educate them on the resources available to them, and then we teach them to help other parents/caregivers that they meet along their journey. Our qualified staff go on-site to schools, churches and other community centers to administer mental health prevention, screening, and supportive services. We identify domestic, child and sexual abuse, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, etc.
We map out an ongoing plan that is inclusive of all the systems touching the family's life.
TN Voices has been serving children, families, and transition age youth, as well as adults and caregivers for over 30 years. As we grow we recognize the importance of expanding our brand to be inclusive of the adults we already serve as well as those in the future who need our advocacy services.
Background
TN Voices formally organized in 1990 by Tipper Gore as a statewide coalition of individuals, agencies and organizations working together as a Steering Council to promote children's health and education services. Since then, it has progressed to become a statewide and national source of referral, support, and advocacy for individuals with mental health needs, their families and the professionals that serve them. Through the 13 main programs, TN Voices has informed, supported, and assisted individuals across the state. In the past fiscal year, TN Voices has reached more than 50,000 parents/caregivers, family members, professionals (providers, educators, other advocates, etc.), and decision makers. Through our policy advocacy work, we have taken the lead in promoting the use of a coordinated system of care in Tennessee that includes peer support, clinical treatment, and community engagement as key components. TN Voices works collaboratively with individuals, parents, professionals, state and federal officials, policy makers and other key stakeholders to ensure that services provided to Tennesseans are driven by the individuals served and their family members, accessible within their local community, and are delivered in a manner that is culturally and linguistically competent. TNV also serves as a critical partner in multiple national efforts focused on transforming the system to be more responsive and inclusive of the individuals and families they serve, spannin multiple programs, populations, and states. TNV is a not for profit with 501(c) 3 status and the statewide chapter of the National Federation of Families. TNV's board consists of 51% parents of children with special, much like our philosophy of effective support through peer services. This approach ensures that all services and programs are family driven and youth guided. The majority of TNV's staff are parents or caregivers of special needs children, or individuals with their own lived experience. TNV is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health as a mental health facility TN Voices has recently expanded its services to include adults who need treatment as well.
Impact
TN Voices works tirelessly serving those with mental health needs by providing hope and healing. We believe that supportive care from peers and clinicians will allow healing for past hurts and current emotional distress. Furthermore, we continue to advocate for all people by working to overcome challenging systematic issues that restrict individual's access to mental health care. We continue to promote the power of peer support both in our direct support services and our advocacy efforts. Lastly, we remain committed to seeking collaborative solutions to individual and systemic challenges. With our approach to hope, we believe that children and adults can address their mental health needs in a unique way leading to effective and efficient results.
Needs
We believe that individuals today with mental health concerns need hope. We focus on hope through:
Healing past hurts through supportive care
Overcoming challenging systemic issues
Promoting the power of a peer
Engaging in collaborative solutions in mental health care
CEO Statement
For the last 9 years, I have served TN Voices. I originally sought out a position in the organization because I believe in the system of care philosophy which truly boils down to success by collaboration. We believe that partnering with individuals and families seeking support; professionals in the field as well as those in other fields that serve the individuals; and decision makers and stakeholders who can impact change, is a successful approach to long term positive change. The reality is, I am here because I have loved ones with mental health needs. I get it. I stay here because I see transformations occurring each and every day, because I work with a group of people who care deeply, and because I think everyone we serve is worth it. We won't stop until everyone gets the help they need.
Rikki Harris
CEO
TN Voices
Board Chair Statement
It has been my pleasure to serve TN Voices for the last four years. From my early involvement as a gala chair to my current role as President, I have seen TN Voices do exactly what they claim, to provide hope and help to the people of Tennessee who are seeking support for mental health needs. I am also proud to be part of an effort, the Megaphone Campaign, that seeks to bring mental health into the public conversation. I see how much our society benefits when we address mental health needs as early in one's life as possible. I hope you will consider giving to TN Voices during the Big Payback. With the funds received we will be providing counseling services to those without insurance coverage or ability to pay for their care.
Patrick Sims
Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Mental Health & Crisis Intervention - Mental Health Disorders |
| Secondary Category: | Mental Health & Crisis Intervention - Alliances & Advocacy |
| Tertiary Category: | Human Services - Children's and Youth Services |
Areas Served
TVC has an office in Memphis while the state-wide office is located in Goodlettsville.
| TN |
