About Empower Tennessee

Middle Tennessee’s Center for Independent Living

Who We Are

A Center for Independent Living providing information and referral, peer support, advocacy, skills training, transition services, employment readiness, ADA consultations, and Braille transcription to people with disabilities.

Independent living is not just a program offered by Empower Tennessee. It is a way of looking at disability and society, and a worldwide movement of people with disabilities working for self-determination, self-respect and equal opportunities. We operate according to a strict philosophy of consumer control, wherein people with all types of disabilities directly govern and staff the organization.

FAQs

  • That varies from person to person. “Independent living” doesn’t always refer to where you live or with whom you live. It’s about being in control of life choices. Maybe you need help accessing transportation options. Maybe you’d like to find work or go back to school. Maybe you’re not even sure what you need to find greater independence. Whatever independent living means to you, Empower Tennessee staff can help you get there.

  • Our staff works with anyone who self-identifies as having a disability. We serve those with mobility issues, sensory impairments, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental illness, chronic health conditions, and more.

  • We do not offer counseling services. However, we do offer individualized peer support. Please visit the Peer Support page for more information.

  • That depends. All of our services have traditionally been held at Empower Tennessee’s offices. With the realities of the pandemic, we have made some adjustments to offer online learning just like everyone else. So, while we don’t offer in-home services in person, contact us to see what we have available or can work out for you online.

  • Our Federal Funding does not allow us to own or operate housing. However, Empower Tennessee staff can connect you to valuable community resources that assist with a variety of housing needs.

  • A majority of our services are free to individuals with qualifying disabilities. However, Empower Tennessee does have a few fee-for-service programs, including Braille transcription of materials, Access Music City business and website accessibility testing, and Mental Health First Aid training. If there are costs, you will be notified before services are provided. In general, services are free to the community.

  • Empower Tennessee is always looking for people that wish to serve as Board Members, Volunteers, and Community Advocates. Check out our Get Involved page for more information.

    Throughout the year we post opportunities for you to participate at events, workshops, and in the local community. You can learn more on our News and Events page.

    We also are always looking for opportunities to expand what we do so Donations are also a great way to help us with our mission! 

Our Mission

To empower people with disabilities with opportunities for inclusion, choice, and independence

Our Vision

A community where people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully

Our Values

Empowerment       Fairness

Partnership  Accountability

Sustainability    Knowledge

Intersectionality

Meet the Team

  • Gina Lynette Outside Smiling

    Gina Lynette

    Executive Director

  • Marissa Smith-Fletcher Outside Smiling

    Marissa Smith-Fletcher

    Director of Innovation | Independent Living Specialist

  • Dan Dumont Outside Smiling

    Dan Dumont

    Mental Health Consultant and Therapist

  • Kasondra Farmer Smiling

    Kasondra Farmer

    Director of Engagement | Independent Living Specialist

  • Quoc Lam Outside Smiling

    Quoc Lam

    Director of Operations | Independent Living Specialist

  • Dottie Lynette Outdoors Smiling

    Dottie Lynette

    Independent Living Assistant | Braille Transcriptionist

Our Board of Directors

Tina Brill, President

Robbie Bell, Vice President and Secretary

Larry Walls, Treasurer

Larry Jobe

Jesee Hill

Lipika Narisetti

Missey Garcia-Smith

Sarah Rayman, Past President

Kasondra Farmer, Past President

If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors and helping to lead our organization into the future please contact us by completing the form below. If you are looking for employment opportunities or other ways to get involved, please visit our Get Involved page. Thanks for your consideration!

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