Expectant mothers Ashley Harris and Rishunda Bryant, right, talk with Melody Chambers, left, of the Signal Centers as they attend a health fair at the Brainerd Complex in Chattanooga.Chattanooga officials announced this afternoon that Signal Centers has been chosen to head the city's initiative to start a baby college for parents with children from zero to 2.
"We've selected a very able and very professional partner," said Lurone Jennings, director of the city's Youth and Family Development Center.
The Council voted 9-0 on Tuesday night to to award the nonprofit $250,000 for a year-long contract to head a program to get parents access to early childhood education and prenatal care.
A proposal from Signal Centers shows that the organization will target 75 families in the East Lake area surrounding Eastside Elementary School and partner with at least 11 local nonprofits or government agencies, including United Way, the Hamilton County Health Department and the Chambliss Child Care Center.
Signal Centers currently offers services for adults with disabilities and early childhood development for all children, including kids with special needs.
Signal Centers is asking for $325,000 to run the program in the first year, which includes $250,000 from the city and an additional $75,000 donated by BlueCross BlueShield's foundation.