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“Outcomes That Matter: Employment, Independence, Community.”
At Brenda Graceful Living (BGL), we proudly support individuals and families navigating Tennessee’s Employment and Community First CHOICES (ECF) program through TennCare. This program provides long-term services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a strong focus on independence, inclusion, and employment.
ECF is designed to assist individuals in reaching their personal goals—whether that’s gaining meaningful employment, increasing independence, or living successfully within their community. It also offers valuable support to families who are caring for loved ones and need additional resources to ensure stability and growth.
For individuals who require a higher level of support, ECF includes services such as residential assistance, day services, and other community-based supports. These services are structured to help individuals build life skills, maintain stability, and actively participate in their communities.
A key strength of the ECF program is its emphasis on employment. Individuals have access to a wide range of services that support every stage of their career journey from discovering their interests and strengths to securing a job and maintaining long-term success in the workplace. Ongoing supports, including job coaching and career development, help individuals grow and advance over time.
In addition, the program offers wraparound services that promote full community integration. This includes opportunities for volunteering, skill-building activities, and engagement in community settings that encourage independence and social connection.
ECF includes three main benefit groups to meet varying levels of need:
• Essential Family Supports (which may include employment services)
• Essential Supports for Employment and Independent Living
• Comprehensive Supports for Employment and Community Living
At BGL, we take a person-centered approach to helping individuals access and benefit from these services ensuring they are supported every step of the way as they work toward a more independent and fulfilling life.
· Exploration
· Discovery
· Situational Observation and Assessment
· Job Development Plan or Self-Employment Plan
· Job Development Start Up
· Self-Employment Start Up
· Job Coaching Integrated Comp Emp
· Job Coaching for Self-Employment
· Co-Worker Supports
· Career Advancement
· Integrated Employment Path Services
Employment and Community First CHOICES (ECF) is a program through TennCare that began in 2016 to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program focuses on helping individuals gain employment and live as independently as possible within their communities. For those not yet ready for employment, services are available to help prepare them for future job opportunities.
Because program capacity is limited, not everyone can begin services immediately. Individuals may be placed on a referral list. To be added, a self-referral must be completed through the TennCare website at tn.gov/tenncare or directly at:
https://tcreq.tn.gov/tmtrack/ecf/index.htm
Need help completing the self-referral?
If you are enrolled in TennCare and your health plan is Amerigroup or BlueCare, you can contact them at no cost for assistance. Let them know you need help completing a self-referral for ECF.
📞 Amerigroup: 866-840-4991
📞 BlueCare: 888-747-8955
If you are not enrolled in TennCare, or if your plan is UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, you can contact your local Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) Regional Office for assistance:
📞 West Tennessee Regional Office: (866) 372-5709
📞 Middle Tennessee Regional Office: (800) 654-4839
📞 East Tennessee Regional Office: (888) 531-9876
For additional details, visit:
http://www.tn.gov/tenncare/article/employment-and-community-first-choices-referral#sthash.DySBRJr8.dpuf
At Brenda Graceful Living (BGL), we assist individuals and families through this process and help connect them to the services they need to move toward independence and meaningful employment.
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