Pictured (L to R): Cynthia Croom, President of the Community Action Agencies Association, Senator Yager, Kreda Yokley, Former Director of Mid Cumberland Community Action Agency and Lisa Gallon, with the Metro Action Commission.

Senator Yager receives state award from Tennessee Community Action Agencies
April 1, 2010

State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) has been awarded the “Legislator of the Year” award from Tennessee Association of Community Action Agencies.  The announcement was made in Nashville by Cynthia Croom, President of the organization.

Community Action Agencies statewide served 23,000 families, or 300,000 individuals, last year.  The organizations are chartered as quasi-governmental agencies to serve senior citizens, the disabled, economically disadvantaged Tennesseans and children.  To carry out these programs, they receive and administer grants from the Department of Human Services Community Services Block Grant Program.

Croon praised Yager for his legislation to add the agencies to the definition of a governmental entity under the Tennessee’s Governmental Tort Liability Act. 

“I am honored to receive this award,” said Senator Yager.  “These agencies carryout many important functions in our community in assisting people who are otherwise disadvantaged.  They often struggle to keep the doors open as they provide a safety net for people in need of services in every one of the counties of this state.  I am humbled to receive their recognition, and greatly appreciate their work on behalf of many citizens across the state who receive their assistance.” 

There are 20 community action agencies and six non-profits organizations in Tennessee which administer the Community Service Block Grant Programs and the Head Start Programs in Tennessee.  This includes area agencies like Fentress County’s LBJ & C Corporation (Head Start), Morgan, Scott and Campbell County’s Mountain Valley Economic Opportunity Association, and the Mideast Community Action Agency in Roane County.