The Office of Family Empowerment Earns Silver Tier Pathways to Excellence Award, Becoming First in Tennessee and First Public Agency Nationwide to Achieve Honor
Chattanooga, Tenn. (January 6, 2026) — The Office of Family Empowerment (OFE) <https://chattanooga.gov/government/community-development/office-of-family-empowerment> is proud to announce it has earned the Silver Tier of Excellence through
the Pathways to Excellence Program with the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) <https://communityactionpartnership.com/pathways/>—marking the agency’s second consecutive year receiving national recognition for excellence in Community Action.
OFE previously earned the Bronze Tier <https://chattanooga.gov/stay-informed/latest-news/office-family-empowerment-becomes-first-tennessee-earn-bronze-tier> in 2024 and now advances to the Silver Tier for 2025, a significant achievement that reflects the agency’s continued commitment to accountability, innovation, and high-quality service. With this recognition, OFE becomes the first Community Action Agency in Tennessee to earn the Silver Tier of Excellence and the first public agency in the
nation to achieve this designation.
The Office of Family Empowerment will be formally recognized at the 2026 Tennessee Association of Community Action (TACA) Statewide Conference.
The Pathways to Excellence Program is an NCAP initiative that supports private and public Community Action Agencies in learning, applying, and exceeding the 35 Community Action Standards of Excellence. Agencies participate in in-depth self-assessments, training, peer reviews, and technical assistance to strengthen organizational practices and outcomes. Agencies that meet or exceed all 35 standards are eligible for the
prestigious Community Action Award for Excellence.
Earning the Silver Tier of Excellence signifies that an agency has taken confirmed and measurable steps toward excellence, demonstrated a deep understanding of the Standards of Excellence, and closely examined its internal processes and outcomes in at least two of the seven Standards categories.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, board, and community partners who continuously strive to strengthen our systems and better serve families,” said Rachel Howard, Director of the Office of Family Empowerment. “Earning Silver Tier status—especially as a first-in-the-state and first-in-the-nation public agency—demonstrates our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.”
The Office of Family Empowerment is home to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Family Support Program. Through these programs, OFE remains committed to advancing best practices, strengthening community impact, and pursuing the highest standards of excellence in Community Action.