"Our goal is to generate positive, long-term change for those facing these challenging circumstances so their quality of life can be greatly improved," said Stuart Burden, U.S. Program Director of the Levi Strauss Foundation. "The Levi Strauss Foundation focuses on the needs of women and youth, and we are pleased that this funding supports our Foundation's goals." A $150,000 portion of the overall grant will be used to establish a new, innovative Virtual Women's Center, which will include a hosted Web site offering cost-effective virtual programs that nonprofit agencies can share. The East Tennessee Women in Transition (WiT), a partnership of 16 nonprofit organizations from rural and urban locations in Appalachia, will also provide information on their services and programs and interact with program participants on the Web site. The Web site will allow individuals in crisis to access information for personal decision-making and obtain the necessary support available for problem-solving. As an example, services will include Spanish-to-English translation support for agencies experiencing language barriers working with their clients. The $150,000 grant will also be used to establish the center, which includes developing and maintaining the Web site, purchasing equipment, providing administrative management and generating additional resource networks and funding partners. The Virtual Women's Center concept emerged from a six-month collaborative effort by the WiT. The WiT conducted in-depth interviews with women experiencing personal and economic crises to determine how the community could better support individuals via access to user-friendly services, accurate information and appropriate professional support. Women participating in the research indicated a critical need for resources and programs accessible in both rural and urban locations. The isolation experienced during times of crisis and the uncertainty concerning where to go for help were described as major factors in the decline in overall well-being for the individual as well as the family system. "The Virtual Women's Center's goal is to serve as a valuable resource by coordinating services, and influencing public policy to enhance transportation, childcare and healthcare benefits for women and families involved in transition," said Ludell Coffey, executive director, Senior Citizens Home Assistance, Knoxville, one of the 16 agencies that participated in the WiT research project. Computers and mentors for those needing additional skills and support initially will be available at each of the 16 organizations. Following the development of the Web site in 2004, the Web address will be publicized across the region. Future plans include access to the Virtual Women's Center at libraries, community colleges and community centers. Other Levi Strauss Foundation Community Transition Grants in Tennessee include: -- $144,000 awarded to the WiT through the Knoxville YWCA for program planning, coordination, and research; and -- $245,000 in general support grants to partner agencies. The Levi Strauss Foundation Community Transition Grants program extends resources into communities where Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&CO.) closed facilities. The Powell, Tenn. plant was closed in 2002. The grant program is designed to help employees transition from LS&CO. to new opportunities and to help ease the social and economic impact on local communities. The Levi Strauss Foundation was established in 1952 to provide grants to community-based organizations working to create meaningful social change in communities. The Levi Strauss Foundation funds programs worldwide where LS&CO. has a business presence. The 16 WiT agency partners are:
  • Child & Family Tennessee
  • Community House Cooperative in Cocke County
  • The Florence Crittenton Agency
  • Helen Ross McNabb Center
  • Knox Housing Partnership/Knoxville Women's Center
  • Knoxville YWCA
  • Pellissippi State Community College Empowerment Zone
  • Reachout, Inc. in Hamblen County
  • Safe Space/Tennessee Network for Community Economic Development
  • Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, covering eleven East Tennessee counties
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Center
  • Tenn Corp Community Services Volunteers
  • The Salvation Army
  • The University of Tennessee Educational Opportunity Center
  • The University of Tennessee High School Equivalency Program
  • Woodland Community Land Trust, covering Campbell and Claiborne counties