Economic Mobility

Reaching your goals takes dedication and a team that has your back. The East Tennessee Collaborative program helps families reach financial stability and independence.

A thriving community is where everyone can earn a livable wage, grow their savings and achieve economic mobility.

Economic Mobility At-A-Glance

According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, most people born into poverty live their entire life stuck in poverty. This is not because they lack motivation or work ethic but due to a
system that does not support achievement of self-sufficiency.

In Knox County, 14 percent of people earn below the federal poverty level while another 26 percent are considered ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed). This means 40 percent of our Knox County neighbors cannot make ends meet on their income alone.

Supporting Families on their Journey to Financial Independence

United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) is helping families overcome hurdles to reach financial independence and break the cycle of poverty through our East Tennessee Collaborative program (ETC). ETC empowers parents and caregivers to achieve their goals and create a brighter future for their family. It is a collective effort of local organizations committed to supporting people on their journey to financial freedom. 

Through ETC, participants have access to resources such as mentoring, career planning, basic needs assistance and skill enhancement. Whether people want to get out of debt, become homeowners, buy a car, pursue higher education or change their career path, ETC is there to help.

Interested in learning more about this free program? Contact our team at etc@unitedwayknox.org.

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Impact Stories

Impact Stories & Features
We launched ALICE@Work to help employers understand and tackle financial barriers for their workforce. For Hillcrest Healthcare, participating in ALICE@Work[...]
Impact Stories & Features
The East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) program offers a network of support that fosters growth and resilience for participants and mentors[...]
Impact Stories & Features
Erika's journey with the East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) program began during a challenging chapter of her life. Through her work[...]

Thank you to our ETC Partner Organizations

East Tennessee Collaborative is a part of a study funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services which is being conducted to determine how these pilot programs help people improve their economic well-being and become self-sufficient. During the study, all new eligible applicants will be selected by lottery into one of two groups that receives a different mix of program services.

Have a question?

Email our team at info@unitedwayknox.org.

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