Tennessee Family Support Program

Applications now available for 2025-2026! Click Here!


The Tennessee Family Support Program is a statewide grant program funded by the Tennessee Department of Aging and Disability (DDA).


Orange Grove Center is a host agency for the Tennessee Family Support Program and distributes funding for the following counties:

Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie



ELIGIBILITY


The Family Support Program provides limited financial assistance to individuals with severe and/or developmental disabilities who reside in the community. Applicants must be full time residents of the State of Tennessee and have a permanent disability that results in significant limitations in daily life. Funding is available to all ages and all income levels. 
 

 

The primary focus of the Family Support Program is to provide services to those who:

 Were born with a severe or developmental disability or acquired it in childhood and/or
Have been severely disabled by injury/trauma (brain injury, spinal cord injury, loss of limbs) and/or
Have a neurological/neuromuscular disorder (ALS, Muscular Dystrophy, or Multiple Sclerosis)

Please note: 
 

Individuals who reside in a nursing home, state funded living facility (including state funded foster care), or are receiving services through the Katie Beckett Waiver, DIDD Waiver Program, ECF Choices Program, TennCare Choices Program, or Pace Program are not eligible to receive Family Support Funding.

Mental illness and aging related disabilities are not covered by the Family Support Program

 

 For information on what is required to apply for the program, click here.


 

HOW WE CAN HELP


Funding is provided for services/supports such as:
 

  • Special equipment
  • Health/safety related needs
  • Specialized Nutrition
  • Therapies
  • Communication devices/apps
  • Sensory items
  • Assistive/adapted equipment
  • Seating & positioning needs
  • Dental & vision care
  • Minor home modifications
  • Vehicular modifications
  • Before/after school care
  • Child/adult daycare
  • Recreation/summer camp


 For more information about services and supports covered by the program, click here.
 

COUNTIES SERVED


Orange Grove Center distributes funding for the Tennessee Family Support Program in the following counties:

Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie.

For all other counties or for more information about the Family Support Program, visit the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) website.
 


APPLICATIONS


The Family Support Program fiscal year runs July 1st thru June 30th of every year. Although applications are accepted year-round, open application period is January 1st thru April 15th of every year and provides the best opportunity to receive funding. If funding is not available, eligible applicants will be added to the waitlist in their county of residence.


All funding requests must be approved by the District 3 Family Support Council. Not all who are eligible may be selected to receive funding. Funding is limited and cannot be guaranteed beyond the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. 


To apply for fiscal year 2025-2026, click here. The fiscal year 2025-2026 will begin July 1, 2025 and funding will not be available until after August 1,2025.



Questions?


Click here for a list of frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.



Kristi Tankersley, LMSW

Director of Community Supports

Email: ktankersley@orangegrove.org

Tel: 423.664.5120


Para ayuda en Español:

M. Elena Salgado

Email: msalgado@orangegrove.org

Tel: 423.664.5121


Family Support Program

c/o Orange Grove Center

615 Derby Street

Chattanooga, TN 37404


fax: 423.664.5122


Facebook: facebook.com/FamilySupportOGC



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