Welcome to GROWWTH (Growing Relational and Occupational Wealth in West Tennessee Households)

GROWWTH is a dynamic initiative that addresses the needs of low-income families across West Tennessee. Since being awarded a $25,000,000 Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative Implementation Grant in November 2022, our focus has shifted from planning to action.

What We’re Doing Now

At GROWWTH, we are dedicated to breaking down the barriers many families in West Tennessee face. Each day, we hear from parents about their challenges—transportation issues, childcare needs, financial constraints, and limited access to high-quality jobs. In response, we are actively working to improve family access to essential resources and help to enhance their economic stability.

Our Key Areas of Participant Support:

Financial Assistance and Career Development: We offer financial support and career counseling to help families achieve economic stability and advance in their careers.
Family Wellness: Our programs support the health and well-being of families, creating a solid foundation for personal and professional growth.
Transportation Solutions: We are enhancing access to reliable transportation, ensuring families can reach work, school, and other critical services.
Childcare Support: We are making strides in providing affordable and accessible childcare options, allowing parents to pursue their career goals with peace of mind.

Addressing Workforce Needs

In addition to supporting individual families, GROWWTH is tackling regional workforce challenges. We aim to align local workforce development with evolving industry demands. GROWWTH Academy is the cornerstone of this effort, offering an accelerated workforce readiness training program designed to address gaps in employment preparedness and introduce program participants to sustainable career pathways.

Community Collaboration

Our work is powered by collaboration. The GROWWTH initiative is led by the Center for Regional Economic Enrichment at the University of Memphis, in partnership with American Job Center Southwest Tennessee and Northwest Tennessee, the Greater Memphis Chamber, and various community organizations and local businesses. Together, we are making a significant impact on the lives of families in the 21 counties of West Tennessee.

Our Goals and Impact

Over the four-year funding period, our goal is to support 2,500 low-income households, with an anticipated net benefit of $850 million over the next decade. This impact includes a boost to the gross domestic product and a reduction in social safety net spending by $330 million.

Graphic of a paper cutout family backlit with the sun. The text reads "Currently Serving 1,807 West Tennessee Families

Find Out More

We invite you to be a part of our mission to support West Tennessee families. Learn how GROWWTH is moving West Tennessee’s most vulnerable households to a life of thriving.

Thank you for visiting GROWWTH. We are committed to making a difference in our community and look forward to continuing this important work together.

Learn more about the program >

For more information, contact growwth@memphis.edu.