Our Work

Since 1965, SETHRA has been addressing the needs of the families, individuals, and communities of Southeast Tennessee. We began as Progress for People and evolved into the Southeast Tennessee HRA in 1985. Our presence in the community is one of uniqueness because of our committed participation to both the Tennessee Human Resource Association and the Tennessee Association of Community Action. As a member of both associations, SETHRA is able to integrate, coordinate, and provide a wide variety of services to individuals, families and communities.

The HRA title means SETHRA is one of nine Human Resource Agencies across the State of Tennessee and works in concert with the other HRAs through membership in the Tennessee Association of Human Resource Agencies (TAHRA) in providing state-wide, wall-to-wall social services promoting a uniform and comprehensive force in addressing the needs of our individual communities. The Community Action Agency status means we are one of 20 agencies actively participating in combating poverty. The funding that results from being a Community Action Agency provides for the flexibility to design programs that address the specific needs of local communities and the individuals they serve. The highest priority is placed on helping people achieve long-lasting independence and self-sufficiency.

As both a Human Resource Agency and a Community Action Agency, our uniqueness extends further as we focus on the entire family from birth to end-of-life by addressing numerous needs. Our organization can provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the distinctive needs within our communities. Our programs provide measurable results to our stakeholders who include local, state and federal funding partners, our Board of Directors, and to you, a valued member of our community.

How We Work

Our mission is carried out through a variety of means, including:

  • Community-wide assessments of needs and strengths
  • Comprehensive antipoverty plans and strategies
  • Provision of a broad range of direct services
  • Mobilization of financial and non-financial resources
  • Advocacy on behalf of low-income people and
  • Partnerships with other community-based organizations to eliminate poverty
  • SETHRA involves the low-income population it serves in the planning, administering and evaluating of its programs.
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