Go Places Expands Youth Opportunities with CHW Help

As Go Places moves into Phase Two, the free program it offers to 18- to 24-year-old youths is expanding. The program, which works to remove any barrier for youths who may have been justice-involved, homeless, or aged out of foster care, is adding even more free services to help them get on their feet and become successful citizens. Training is one area of change. Joining the training team, which already offers experts in financial literacy, mental health and mindfulness, basic car care, and life skill training, is Mrs. Janell Strong. A Mary Kay Director for over 30 years, with a background in the FBI and a career with TVA, Strong joins the team to train young people in the areas of hygiene, skin care, self-esteem, and presentation. She will train participants brought into the program by community health workers, or CHWs, a new phenomenon being introduced into Tennessee. CHWs have been around across the country for years. A vital link in communities to fight health disparities and educate marginalized communities, CHWs are trained to act as a bridge in communities bringing knowledge, resources, and empowerment. While Tennessee is just now realizing the importance of having CHWs in the communities, it...