2020 Beneficiary:
Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga matched very well with the mission for the Moth Ball®. For years, this organization has helped homeless families with children – largely headed by single women – and homeless veterans achieve and sustain independence. The goal of the organization is to reduce shelter stays by increasing the number of homeless families who transition to employment and stable lifestyles. Over 50 area churches and synagogues partner with Family Promise of Chattanooga to serve this community of people in need.
2019 Beneficiary:
Big Brothers Big Sisters was the 2019 Moth Ball® by CityScope® beneficiary. Big Brothers Big Sisters has a long history of supporting Chattanooga’s women. In 1961, the Chattanooga Business Women’s Club founded Big Sisters Chattanooga – one of only three formed at that time to “give girls help and guidance.” Ms. Mildred Montague of Chattanooga grew the organization into Big Sisters International. In 1977, Big Sisters International merged with Big Brothers of America to form today’s current organization. Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga creates one-to-one mentoring relationships between volunteer adult mentors and kids who want to realize their full potential, who in most cases (86%), live in households led by a single woman. Among those households, 55% of the children are young girls. The impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters on these households is impressive. Last year 64% of the children mentored showed improved grades. 84% maintained or showed improvement in their attitudes towards high risk behaviors and 84% experienced a positive change in their parental relationships. The mentoring relationships created by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga clear the path to a child’s biggest possible future, placing girls (and boys) on a path to personal growth and development and to social and economic stability.
2018 Beneficiary:
Habitat for Humanity Women Build was the 2018 Moth Ball® by CityScope® beneficiary. Founded in 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area (HabiChatt) is dedicated to addressing the lack of decent, affordable housing in Chattanooga. For low-income families assisted by HabiChatt, many are led by single mothers (75%). Women Build is an event where women and girls from varied backgrounds and stages of life come together to benefit another woman in need. Women Build positions the chosen partner family to be a successful homeowner and subsequently has a long-term, transformative impact on both the partner family and the community.
2017 Beneficiary:
Chattanooga Room in the Inn was founded in 1988 and provides temporary housing/shelter to women and their children who find themselves homeless and are in desperate need of support. Over a six to nine month transitional period, residents receive case management, coaching, life skills, daily supplies, and child enrichment activities. All services are provided at no cost to residents. Since 2010, 89% of graduates remain permanently housed without further incidents of homelessness.
2016 Beneficiary:
Northside Neighborhood House was founded in 1924 by a group of women concerned for the welfare of their neighbors living in poverty on the Northshore Ninety-one years later, the NNH is still meeting the needs of families, of which 74% have women as the head of household. Proceeds raised through the Moth Ball® were used by the NNH to fund many programs that benefit women and their families. These programs included:
1) The Emergency Direct Assistance Program which provides financial help with utilities, prescriptions, and food to women and children. It also includes a Back-to-School Shop and Christmas Program that empowers mothers in need to shop (for free) for their children at the start of the school year and during Christmas.
2) Education Programming for both children and adults. Adult Education Programming includes a GED Program that helps participants work toward earning their GED, which can open the door for better employment opportunities and better wages. The NNH also offers job-search assistance, workforce training and computer classes for women seeking employment. Their Children’s After-school and Summer Programs provide working moms with the assurance that their children are in a safe environment where they can learn and grow while they work. After-school and Summer Program fees are minimal.
3) NNH Thrift Stores provide quality clothing, furniture and other items to those in need at a minimal cost.
4) The Healthy Families Program offers Cooking Classes to women who need help stretching their food dollars.Many women served by the NNH run out of food by the end of the month. These classes teach healthy eating habits and how to shop smarter to stretch their food budgets.
5) At Family Dinner Nights, mothers seeking fellowship and support from other parents and bring their children and receive a fre e healthy meal. After dinner, childcare is provided so mothers can attend parenting sessions that provide valuable information on parenting topics such as Coping with Stress’ or ‘Internet Safety’.
2015 Beneficiary:
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County (CACHC) is dedicated to serving those affected by alleged abuse or neglect by offering help, hope, and healing. They do this by providing a safe and caring environment for child victims (most often girls) of alleged abuse in one comprehensive facility offering forensic interviews, medical examinations, therapy and family advocacy services, and community education programs.
2013 Beneficiary:
The Partnership’s Family Violence Center provides immediate shelter to individuals and their children who are victims of family violence. The Family Violence Center offers support to individuals by providing a safe environment. The shelter’s living quarters consist of dormitory style rooms with a communal kitchen, bathroom and living room. The Family Violence Center understands that the victim cannot bring all personal items with them so food, personal items, and linens are provided. The staff also recognizes and attends to the physical, emotional and educational needs of the children involved. Family Violence Center staff work diligently to educate the general public, law enforcement, and all organizations about family violence issues and encourages their support.