🌱 Second Chance Job Fair + Choices Baby Shower Donation Drive

Hello again, Chattanooga! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Chattanooga Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Chattanooga Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Chattanooga long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Clouds breaking and cooler. High: 49 Low: 27.

Here are the top three stories in Chattanooga today:

1. To help former felons in Chattanooga get a fresh start, the American Job Center on Brainerd Road held a job fair yesterday specifically geared toward candidates looking for a second chance. Today (Feb. 18), several businesses will stop by the center to meet with formerly incarcerated individuals who need to get back on their feet with steady employment. The job fair organizers say events like this could help reduce Tennesee's recidivism rate. (foxchattanooga.com)
2. Yesterday (Feb. 17), the nonprofit organization Choices held a "Baby Shower" donation drive to help expecting parents in Chattanooga get free baby supplies for their new arrival. Community members donated everything from diapers to cribs, and parents-to-be in need were able to stop by and take what they needed throughout the day. Choices, located off of Eastgate Loop, provides family and medical services for expecting mothers and fathers. If you want to help local parents, Choices also has a year-round Amazon wish list to benefit the community it serves. (WTVC)
3. In honor of Black History Month, Bethlehem Center and Lil’ Mama’s Chicago Style Hoagie restaurant are working together to support Chattanooga's youth. The local eatery donated a portion of its profits on Feb. 17 to the Alton Park-Based community and social services center to help fund its programming geared toward helping children and families, especially in South Chattanooga. Those who did not attend but still wish to donate can do so on the Bethlehem Center's website. (WDEF News 12)

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Today in Chattanooga:

• Outdoor Story Time At Southside Community Park (11:00 AM)
• Happy Hour At Moxy Chattanooga (1:00 PM)
• Brandon Davis Live At 107 Chattanooga (10:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Today may be chilly, but the local weather forecast says Chattanooga can expect things to get warmer and sunnier through the weekend. (Chattanooga Patch)
• Calling all Chattanooga prospective homeowners: These three gorgeous local properties have just hit the market! (Chattanooga Patch)
• What's happening at the Chattanooga Chamber next week? Check out their calendar of events for Feb. 21 through 25. (The Chattanoogan)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Kayla Harrison

About me: Kayla Harrison is a Writing Arts professor, as well as a freelance writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, writing poetry, and visiting local coffee shops.