Signal Mountain Social Services received the Governor's Award of Excellence at a special ceremony on Aug. 29. SMSS board members and staff were honored to attend the event at the Mountain City Club. Elizabeth Neal, executive director, accepted the award on the agency’s behalf.
The Governor’s Award of Excellence recognizes and highlights great work being done by faith communities, nonprofits and community initiatives across the state that effectively changes the lives of citizens of Tennessee. SMSS was selected by a regional committee for decades of commitment to serving families in need on Signal Mountain. They were recognized for their provision of emergency services, food, hygiene products, educational services and other life-changing services.
SMSS is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the unique needs of families and individuals living within the 37377 zip code during times of financial challenge and crisis, with a longer -term focus to provide clients the services and guidance they need to become self-reliant.
“We are so honored to receive this recognition from the Governor’s office,” says Mrs. Neal. “SMSS served 135 households in 2021 through various programs that provided emergency assistance, life skills counseling, tutoring services, school supply distribution, educational scholarships, senior support, home repairs, and our community Christmas basket program. The issues our clients face can be very complex. Therefore, we strive to provide fully encompassing services in order to meet their unique needs and work towards stability. We could not do this work without the tremendous help we receive from over 100 volunteers and our generous donors.”
The 15 organizations selected for the Governor's Award this year were selected from large metropolitan areas and rural areas. They were recognized for their work with seniors, families, children, education, healthcare, housing and workforce development.