The Resilient Tennessee Collaborative Statewide Summit 2025 showcased innovative community engagement efforts aimed at supporting families across West Tennessee. A highlight of the meeting was a presentation from Healthy Families Tennessee, which shared insights into their successful community baby showers, designed to connect expecting parents and families with essential resources.

Over the past five years, Healthy Families Tennessee has adapted its outreach strategies, particularly during the pandemic, when they transitioned to drive-through events to ensure safety while maintaining high participation rates. These events not only facilitated connections between families and local service providers but also helped identify families in need of support. Despite facing challenges such as inclement weather, the initiative proved effective in fostering community ties.

In 2023, the program shifted back to in-person events, focusing on enhancing the quality of interactions between families and service providers. Feedback indicated that while participation numbers slightly declined, families valued the deeper connections formed during these gatherings. The organization has successfully hosted around 40 events, serving hundreds of families, thanks to strong partnerships with local health departments, community organizations, and educational institutions.

Looking ahead, Healthy Families Tennessee plans to involve partners more actively in event planning and to introduce monthly parent groups, fostering social connections among families. Their vision emphasizes creating welcoming spaces for families to engage, learn, and build relationships, ultimately enhancing community well-being.

The summit underscored the importance of collaboration and community-driven initiatives in addressing the needs of families in Tennessee, setting a positive trajectory for future programs and partnerships.