'Here to Change Lives' at the Office of Family Empowerment

'Here to Change Lives' at the Office of Family Empowerment

In the latest episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to staff members at the Office of Family Empowerment. Rachel Howard, Rasha Salib, and Taneka Albert discuss the programs offered by OFE, the impact of these resources for people in need in the community, and the unique environment that keeps the small staff engaged in this important work. Links: * Office of Family Empowerment [https://chattanooga.gov/government/community-development/office-of-family-empowerment] * Strategic Plan [https://chattanooga.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/2025-2030-Strategic-Plan.pdf]

Creating Community with the Office of New Chattanoogans

In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to Miles Huff, the director of the office of new Chattanoogans. We dive into what makes Chattanooga attractive to those considering a move, how new residents can get involved locally, and the special sauce that makes Chattanooga not just a great city, but a great community. Miles also shares resources for new Chattanoogans and info for city employees on how to help new residents acclimate. Links: * Office of New Chattanoogans [https://chattanooga.gov/stay-informed/new-residents]

Building One Chattanooga, with Katie Mullaney and Aliyah Swilley

In this episode of City Chatt, the podcast for City of Chattanooga employees, we talk to Katie Mullaney and Aliyah Swilley about the LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group. They discuss a vision of greater inclusion for all kinds of people at the city, as well as in the Chattanooga community more broadly. From allyship to activism, they talk about how everyone can get involved in making One Chattanooga a reality. On May 28, the group will host a listening session at White Duck Taco from 5-7 p.m. The purpose of the event is to better understand what support looks like right now for LGBTQIA+ people and allies in Chattanooga, where there may be gaps, and what the ERG can do to help. This event, like their monthly meetings, are open to all. Links in this episode: * LGBTQIA+ ERG channel on The Landing [https://landing.chattanooga.gov/channels/266775381/LGBTQIAEmployeeResourceGroup] * City of Chattanooga Pride shirt [https://stores.inksoft.com/city_of_chattanooga_web_store/shop/product-detail/1003209] * Register for the event on May 28 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXwssg3HsKWV4DlsF027EWK17_JRmfDfGlt0IwfledTaVJzA/viewform]

Eating Well, with One-to-One Health Dietician Jaimee Cooper

Keto, Mediterranean, Carnivore...what's the best diet? Is protein maxxing necessary? And is there a way to make lima beans delicious? In the latest episode of City Chatt, the podcast for employees at the City of Chattanooga, Jaimee Cooper, the dietician at the WellAdvantage Center, discusses the services she offers. From diabetes classes, to monthly cooking demonstrations, to personalized sessions, Jaimee is ready to help employees meet their health and nutrition goals. Episode Links: * WellAdvantage [https://well-advantage.com/]

Down Payment Assistance Program Launch, with Megan Miles and Jacki Madding

It's been under wraps and in the works for six months, and now (drum roll, please)...the City of Chattanooga Down Payment Assistance Program [https://chattanooga.gov/pay-and-apply/down-payment-assistance-program] has launched! The City of Chattanooga is offering up to $15,000 in down payment assistance to help first-time homebuyers overcome the upfront costs of purchasing a home. Through a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), eligible buyers may qualify for up to $21,000 in total assistance when combining City and THDA programs. Learn all about this program in the latest episode of City Chatt, which includes an interview with Megan Miles, Director of Housing Policy, and Jacki Madding, a consultant who works on housing issues. Links: * Program details: chattanooga.gov/dpa [http://chattanooga.gov/dpa] * Press release [https://chattanooga.gov/stay-informed/latest-news/chattanooga-launches-new-down-payment-assistance-program-first-time]