Chattanooga State-Human Services Specialist Club

2015- More phenomenal students at our community service project, today. I love my profession.

Students at Oktoberfest 2013! We had a great time and generated funds to assist Elderly Services clients from PFCA and children with Angel Tree. Great Job!

Learning about Social Justice

SJR ChSCC Students

Eastlake Free Store Volunteers

Social Justice Retreat "privilege walk"

Thank you so much for participating in the 8th Annual Social Justice Retreat and the Eastlake Free Store Activity.
You guys are Awesome!

Welcome!
We have New officers for the year: President Reginald W., Vice President Charles M., Secretary Brittany J., and Media Team Kittie K., and Katie C.
Thank you in advance for representing the program and supporting the value of "Service".
Please do not forget to bring your items for the Eastlake Free Store. We will be delivering them next Friday between 1:30p. and 2:00p.
Have a relaxing weekend!

Food Stamp Challenge

As promised, here is some information in preperation for the activity.

It would be great if we all participated in this, but if you have medical restrictions, please do not endanger your well-being.
Please begin the process on Sunday, February 24, and continue until March 1st. The goal is to live on the average food stamp benefit of $5.00 per day.

You will be able to share your experience(s) on-line during the week. Please read the information below, courtesy of Dr. Radu, for background. You are certain to gain a new perspective and appreciation for the people you could potentially be serving in the future.

Please let me know if you plan to participate. If you would like to celebrate with goodies on March 1st, we can bring items to share. I will circulate a sign-up sheet.

In Chattanooga, 60,000 city residents live in food deserts, defined as areas in which one-third of the population, or more than 500 people, have low access to healthy food; there are only 2 grocery stores in this food desert (Times Free Press, 6/19/12)

Why the Challenge Matters
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the nation’s most important program in fighting hunger. But SNAP benefits are often too low for families to afford nutritious food and make balanced meals on a daily basis. The SNAP Challenge gives participants a view of what life can be like for millions of low-income Americans. Most participants take the Challenge for one week, living on the average daily food stamp benefit (about $4 – $5 per person per day). Challenge participants find they have to make difficult food shopping choices, and often realize how difficult it is to avoid hunger, afford nutritious foods, and stay healthy.

November 2012 Summary by USDA of SNAP Recipients Nationwide

UTC Social Work Students in a social policy course will be participating in this challenge as an assignment; Chattanooga State Human Services students will also participate as part of class activities. Students will be sharing their experiences via social media (Twitter, Facebook, blogging) during the 5 day challenge.

http://frac.org/pdf/food_hardship_2011_report.pdf

Volunteer Opportunity:
Jessie Steele (643-5716) of the City of Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreational Services, has volunteer spots for people interested in working with mentally and physically challenged youth.
Please contact her at you earliest convenience; it sounds very interesting. The flyer is in our classroom.

Due to the weather forecast of icy weather, the training has been cancelled tomorrow. Please reach out to Lisa Maguire for the future date: [email protected]

Thanks; be safe and warm.