Home > Our Work

Our Work

TJC seeks justice for the poor through the courts, in administrative proceedings and before legislative bodies. TJC addresses needs not met by any other agency and supports the work of other advocates for equal justice under law, both in Tennessee and beyond. We provide technical assistance to client groups, consumer advocacy coalitions and other social service agencies. The media and policymakers frequently rely upon TJC as a source of accurate and reliable information and analysis on legal matters and on public policies affecting the poor.

The current focus of our work is on access to health care and the impact of welfare reform. Since 1996, TJC has provided direct service to thousands of low-income families, helping them to obtain essential health care, family assistance and food aid. Our policy advocacy on behalf of the poor is grounded in, and informed by, the real life experiences of the many courageous and inspiring clients whom we are privileged to know and serve.

Marvin Berry

At the age of 7, Marvin Berry was the victim of an accidental shooting that left him a quadriplegic. Medical professionals encouraged his mother to place him in an institution. She refused. As Marvin grew, she could no longer lift him and give him the basic care he needed. His health was in danger. Marvin’s doctors prescribed home health services. TennCare and its MCOs denied these home health services for Marvin even though Marvin’s doctors said they were medically necessary for him. <Read Marvin's full story>

Austin

Austin is an 8 year-old who is charming, bright, and full of life. He is diagnosed with a severe language disorder that makes his limited speech unintelligible. After three years of attempting to use a communications device, Austin was only able to combine two symbols and was completely unable to navigate between pages of the device without heavy prompting and cueing. This was a source of great frustration for Austin. For three years he and his parents stressed over the loneliness caused by Austin’s inability to communicate. <Read Austin's full story>