About TN Voices

We have taken the lead in promoting the use of a coordinated system of care in Tennessee that includes family support and community engagement as key components

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Vision

Building hope for all generations

Core Values

  • Family-Driven Services: We are committed to the provision of high quality, evidence-informed services based on System of Care principles that are family-driven, youth-guided, and culturally and linguistically competent.
  • Access to Services: We believe that a broad range of mental health services should be available, without any associated stigma, to all children and young adults age 0-24.
  • Family Member/Caregiver Education: We believe that empowering family members/caregivers through effective training and education can lead to improved ability to meet mental health needs.
  • Lived Experience/Peer Support: We believe that emphasizing lived experience and peer support with caregivers and youth can produce individuals who become experts in navigating the child-serving systems.
  • Statewide Presence: We are dedicated to supports and services that produce a positive impact statewide in rural, urban, and suburban communities.
  • Leadership through Collaboration: We embrace a leadership role in the development of public policy affecting children and families and recognize that collaboration with other child-service organizations is critical in realizing success.

TN Voices Formally Organized In 1990

Tennessee Voices for Children, Inc. (also known as TN Voices) was 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. TN Voices (TNV) has progressed to become a statewide and national source of referral, support, and advocacy for families and the systems that serve them. Through the Statewide Family Network and its other ten main programs, our organization has informed, supported, and assisted parents and providers across the state. In the past fiscal year, TNV has reached more than 50,000 parents/caregivers, family members, and professionals (providers, educators, other advocates, etc.).

The collaborative leader guiding mental health transformation
Mission

We have taken the lead in promoting the use of a coordinated system of care in Tennessee that includes family support and community engagement as key components. TNV works collaboratively with parents, professionals, state and federal officials, policy makers and other key stakeholders to ensure that services provided to children and families in Tennessee are family driven, community based, and culturally and linguistically competent. TNV also serves as a critical partner in multiple national efforts focused upon transforming the system to be more responsive and inclusive of the families they serve, spanning 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 needs to ensure 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. TNV is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health as a mental health facility.

TN Voices Awards

As a result of the dedication and hard work of TN Voices staff, TN Voices has been recognized with many prestigious local, state, and national awards. Some of which are:

  • In 1999, TN Voices was awarded the first of five federal 6 year grants from the SAMHSA to develop integrated systems of care for children with serious emotional disturbance (SED). The first was the Nashville Connection and had a 98% success rate of maintaining children with SED in their communities. Nashville Connection was followed by the MuleTown Family Network (2005), the JustCare Family Network (2008), the K-Town Youth Empowerment Network (2009), and the Early Connections Network (2010).
  • In 2005, TN Voices was awarded the national “Making a Difference” award from the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health for outstanding services to children with mental health problems and their families.
  • In 2005, TN Voices received the “Excellence in Community Education and Outreach (ECCO) Gold Award” by the Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA.
  • In 2006, TN Voices was awarded the Frist Foundation’s “Making a Difference Award of Achievement” by the Center for Nonprofit Management’s Salute to Excellence for unique and outstanding services.
  • In 2007, TN Voices was honored by the Mental Health Association at their 60th Anniversary Award Celebration.
  • In 2008, TN Voices was a finalist in the Salute to Excellence, “Healing Charity Award” sponsored by the Baptist Healing Trust.
  • In 2008, TN Voices was the recipient of the “Heroes in the Fight” award by the Mental Health Association.
  • In 2008, TN Voices was awarded the “Excellence in Communications and Community Outreach (ECCO) Award” by the Center for Mental Health Services for our Networker.
  • In 2009, TN Voices received the “International Heroes of Hope” award which launched a world wide video and recognition about the services provided by TN Voices.
  • In 2009, TN Voices was awarded the prestigious “Karl Dennis Unconditional Care Award” at the National Federation of Families Conference.
  • In 2010, TN Voices was awarded the Center for Nonprofit Management’s “First Foundation Award of Achievement” at the Salute to Excellence.
  • In 2010, TN Voices received a national “Excellence in Communication and Community Outreach (ECCO) Award” for the video, Voices of Change: Exploring a Youth Guided System of Care.
  • In 2012, the Center for Nonprofit Management awarded TN Voices the “Excellence in Volunteer Engagement Award”.
  • In 2013, TN Voices was awarded the “Distinguished Service to Families Award” by the Tennessee Association for Marriage and Family Therapy at their annual conference.
  • In 2016, TN Voices received its re-certification in the “Excellence in Volunteer Engagement Award” from the Center for Nonprofit Management.
  • In 2016, TVC held its inaugural Green Ribbon Gala at The Westin in Nashville, TN.
  • In 2017, TN Voices was recognized as a “Zero Suicide Champion” for participation in the Zero Suicide Initiative at Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s Awareness Day Event.
  • In 2017, TVC received another System of Care grant award from the state, System of Care Across TN.
  • In March of 2017, TVC purchased a new home at 500 Professional Park Drive in Goodlettsville, TN.
  • In May of 2017, TVC achieved Three-Year Accreditation from the International Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
  • In July 2018, TVC received its first Victims Of Crime Assistance grant Award to begin working with victims in Memphis, Knoxville, and the Northeast region of TN, an expansion of services in those areas.
  • In 2019, TNV added Adult Services.
  • In 2020, the name change of DBA TN Voices using the acronym TNV.
  • In 2020, the DEI Committee was developed to enhance TNV’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
  • In 2021, we expanded of ILS services to West TN (Jackson) funding received through TDMHSAS
  • In 2022, we expanded ILS services in East TN (Chattanooga) funding received through TDMHSAS.
  • In 2022 TNV collaboration on Dennis’ Quad’s project.
  • In 2022, the SOCAT TANF Exceptional Program Outcomes Award.
  • In 2023, 3-year recertification for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).