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Office of Family Empowerment

Our Mission

The mission of the Office of Family Empowerment (OFE) is to change the lives of Hamilton County residents by collaborating with our partners to provide support and coaching to help individuals achieve well-being and economic independence.

Our Vision

All families in Hamilton County are empowered to live the lives they want.

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Office of Family Empowerment logo with colored figures and slogan 'MOVING FAMILIES FORWARD'." "image1.png: Green, blue, and orange abstract figures with Office of Family Empowerment text and slogan.

About Us

Assistance Programs

The City of Chattanooga is committed to building a thriving and equitable environment for all its residents. Explore a range of assistance programs and support services accessible to citizens and families in need:

Office of Family Empowerment Programs:

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
  • Family Support Program

See Assistance Programs

Office of Family Empowerment (OFE) Outreach Schedule

Staff at the Office of Family Empowerment (OFE) are taking their talents on the road and into the community centers! Representatives are setting up at selected community centers once a month to help residents with all services they provide. Stop by to talk with a representative about your case or apply for assistance.  See schedule below:

Avondale Community Center

Schedule

September 19, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

November 21, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

December 19, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Westside Community Center

Schedule

September 12, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

November 14, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

December 12, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

East Lake Community Center

Schedule

August 20, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

September 17, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

November 19, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

December 17, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Glenwood Community Center

Schedule

September 3, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

November 5, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

December 3, 2024 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Northside Neighborhood House

Schedule

August 27, 2024 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

September 24, 2024 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

November 26, 2024 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Shepherd Community Center

Schedule

September 5, 2024 12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

November 7, 2024 12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

December 5, 2024 12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

South Chattanooga Community Center

Schedule

September 10, 2024 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

November 12, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

December 10, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Take Our Survey

If you received LIHEAP assistance from us last year, please complete our survey to tell us how it impacted your family.

Responsibilities

As the Community Action Agency serving Hamilton County, OFE impacts thousands of families each year through various assistance programs, resource navigation, and community outreach.  

Because our programs and services are grant-funded, our offerings may vary based on available funding, and eligibility requirements may change.

Leadership

Established in 2022, the OFE Advisory Board is the advisory body for the Office of Family Empowerment. The Advisory Board provides support and guidance for OFE’s programs and services and input on major initiatives including strategic planning and community needs assessment. The Advisory Board is organized in a tripartite structure and includes representation from the low-income community, community partner groups, and appointments by elected officials.

2024-2025 Board Officers:

MC
Micah Chapman
Chairperson
HM
Harlee Milligan
Vice-Chairperson
KP
Kate Parsons
Secretary

OFE’s leadership team consists of the following staff:

RH
Rachel Howard,
Executive Director, MA, NCRT, FDS
LA
Linda Astacio
Assistant Director
TA
Taneka Albert
Program Coordinator, LIHEAP
KD
Kent Dickson
Program Coordinator, Family Support, BA, CCACM
RS
Rasha Salib-Mobley
Navigation Specialist, CCM

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Contact Us

Call
(423) 643-6434 (423) 643-6434