Advocacy means speaking up for your needs or the needs of someone you care about. To do that, people often need clear information and help finding the right place to start. Pathfinder does not provide advocacy services, but we help Tennesseans by connecting them to programs, tools, and organizations that support their needs as they speak up for what matters.
Many people feel unsure about where to go when they need help with school, work, housing, health, or daily services. Pathfinder helps take away some of that confusion. On Pathfinder’s website, TNPathfinder.org, anyone can search for trusted resources across Tennessee that can guide them through the next steps.
Examples of Advocacy Tools You Can Find Through Pathfinder
- Legal and Rights Information
Organizations like Disability Rights Tennessee, Tennessee Disability Coalition, and Tennessee Justice Center help people understand rules, eligibility, program requirements, and the steps to take when they need to request changes or resolve issues. - Education Support
Programs like FESPED-TN (Family Engagement in Special Education-Tennessee), TN STEP, and Transition Tennessee assist families with IEPs, 504 plans, school meetings, communication with teachers, and planning for transitions throughout a student’s school years. - Health and Insurance Help
Resources such as TN SHIP (Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program), and Tennessee Health Connection explain health coverage, benefits, appeals, provider communication, medical forms, and the best ways to prepare for appointments. - Work and Job‑Related Support
These services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Employer Assistance Referral Network (EARN), and Ticket to Work Program, Social Security Administration, provide coaching, help individuals learn job tasks, explain workplace expectations, support career exploration, and guide people as they work toward their job goals. - Housing and Daily Living Support
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) helps people explore housing options, and the Community Housing Partnership assists with both housing options and helps to arrange home modifications and find community‑based supports. - Caregiver and Peer Support Groups
These groups give families and individuals a place to connect, share experiences, stay organized, ask questions, and learn practical ways to speak up for their needs. Search TNPathfinder.org to find support groups near you. - Simple Guides and Checklists
These tools help people stay organized by keeping documents, questions, next steps, and important information all in one place. You can perform an AI‑Assisted Search on Pathfinder’s website using the keywords “simple guides and checklists” to find a wide variety of helpful materials. Be sure to explore Pathfinder’s Resources Guide as well.
Pathfinder’s mission is to help people find clear direction. By connecting Tennesseans to programs, information, and tools, we support individuals and families as they take steps toward what matters most to them.
Visit TNPathfinder.org to find helpful resources and begin your search. 💚💛