YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee

Women of Color have long been at the forefront of social change, yet their leadership journeys are often marked by unique challenges, heightened scrutiny, and the experience of being “the only one in the room.” What does it take to lead with resilience, authenticity, and impact in the nonprofit sector? This Women's History Month, join us for a powerful conversation with women of color leading some of Nashville’s most impactful nonprofit organizations - Jen Bailey, Exec. Dir. of the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund, Danielle Barnes, Pres. & CEO of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, LaRhonda S. Dingle Magras, Ed.D., CEO of the Tennessee Food Bank Association, and Sabina Mohyuddin, Exec. Dir. of American Muslim Advisory Council. Our own Pres. & CEO, Sharon Roberson, will lead the discussion that will explore the barriers, breakthroughs, and bold visions shaping the future of leadership for Black women and women of color in our community. Huge thanks to #NissanFoundation, The Harnisch Foundation, & AllianceBernstein for supporting our webinar series. Register today! https://bit.ly/3DAueGS

The Nashville Predators Foundation and YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee proudly marked a decade of collaboration in advancing violence prevention through AMEND Together on Thursday, March 6, at the Bridgestone Arena. This groundbreaking initiative engages and educates young men and boys on the importance of respect, healthy masculinity, and ending violence against women and girls. Over the past ten years, the Nashville Predators Foundation has contributed $1 million to this critical program, creating a lasting impact in schools, communities, and beyond. Two hundred students, family members, and staff from YWCA’s AMEND Together and Girls Inc. programs were invited to celebrate this achievement as the Preds took on and defeated the Seattle Kraken at Thursday night’s game. Read more about this transformative partnership here: https://lnkd.in/ej5hqzjc

Metro Nashville Council’s Minority Caucus hosted its annual reception during this last week of Black History Month. Our own President & CEO, Sharon Roberson, was recognized with the Pioneer Award for her unwavering advocacy for our work and mission and leadership of our 125-year-old organization. THANK YOU to all members of the Minority Caucus. We were honored to be recognized and stand alongside so many dedicated leaders in our community, including Lonnell Matthews, Ashford Hughes Sr. , Tamika White and Rasheedat Fetuga!

Join us on Thursday, February 27 for a special Black History Month lunch and learn. From the Civil Rights Movement to present-day activism, faith and spirituality have long been pillars of resilience, resistance, and radical change in the Black community. But how have these traditions evolved, and what role do they play in today’s fight for justice? Join us for our first?in-person Lunch & Learn since the pandemic?as we engage in a powerful Black History Month conversation on the intersection of faith, spirituality, and social justice. Our panelists include: Taqiyyah Elliot, M.Ed., MDiv, Doctoral Student, Vanderbilt University, a scholar and spiritual care practitioner; @Rev. Dr. John Faison Sr.,?Senior Pastor,?Watson Grove Baptist Church, a national faith and community thought leader; Phyllis Qualls, Ed.D., Chief Advancement Officer, American Baptist College, a trailblazer in?advocacy, education, and?media; and Rev. Kelli X, Pastor, The Village Church, a radical faith organizer and activist.?? We're thankful to the #NissanFoundation, The Harnisch Foundation, and AllianceBernstein for supporting this social justice initiative.?RSVP for the in person lunch here https://bit.ly/4jYWZ0c and https://lnkd.in/eBKi7FkU to join us via Zoom.

Our first Stand Against Injustice webinar of 2025 kicks off on Thursday, January 23. Join us for Childcare Matters: Equity in Early Childhood Education, a compelling conversation about the urgent need for affordable, equitable childcare and its impact on families, communities, and the workforce. Our panelists - Melanie Shinbaum with Nashville Early Education Coalition, Dionne Blue, PhD with YWCA USA, Katie Growden of Save the Children Action Network, and Alyssa Garnett Arno with St. Mary's Villa Child Development Center - will explore barriers to access, systemic challenges, and actionable solutions to ensure all children and families can thrive. Huge thanks to #NissanFoundation, The Harnisch Foundation, and AllianceBernstein for supporting this webinar series. Register TODAY for the FREE event here: https://bit.ly/40sJSN3 #Childcare #Equity #StandAgainstInjustice #AffordableChildcare #QualityChildcare

A message from YWCA's President & CEO Sharon Roberson: Dear YWCA Community, As 2024 comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible impact your support has made possible. Every dollar you have invested in the YWCA helps us break cycles of abuse, lift spirits, and create brighter futures for those in need. This year, I received a touching message from a former resident of our Weaver Domestic Violence Center. Nearly 25 years ago, she and her mother found safety and solace at our shelter during a time of great turmoil. She remembers fondly an outdoor play area where she could ride bikes and experience moments of joy amidst the challenges. Today, she is the first in her family to graduate high school, earn a college degree, and build a successful career and family of her own. Her words say it best: “My family would not be the same without you all. Thanks to your support, I have gone on to live a successful life and break the cycle of abuse.” Stories like this remind us why we do what we do. This year alone, despite the rigorous renovations at the Weaver Center to create a warm, welcoming space for survivors, we provided over 10,600 nights of safety to more than 300 adults and children. These renovations, made possible through significant community and grant support, will ensure that future generations find the same refuge and care this young woman and her mother experienced decades ago. Your generosity also fuels our other life-changing programs: Dress for Success: Empowering 264 women with professional attire and career development resources. Girls Inc. and AMEND Together: Inspiring and educating 842 girls and 680 boys to lead lives of purpose and equity. Family Learning Center and Career Services: Supporting 169 adults on their journeys to education and career success. Social Justice and Advocacy: Engaging over 3,000 individuals through our racial justice challenge and advocacy initiatives. Thank you for standing with us to create a world where every individual can thrive. As we look to 2025, your continued support is vital to our mission. Please consider making a year-end gift to help us sustain and expand our programs for those who need them most. On behalf of the entire YWCA team and the countless lives you’ve touched, thank you for your unwavering support. With gratitude and hope, Sharon K. Roberson, President & CEO P.S. The image accompanying this message is of tricycles on our new Weaver Center playground—a symbol of the joy and healing your contributions provide to families in their time of need. If you would like to make an end of year donation, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eX8C7Nvv #YWCANashville #WeaverDomesticViolenceCenter #DressForSuccessNashville #GirlsIncNashville #AMENDTogether #FamilyLearningCenter #EndDVNow #Thankful #Grateful

A message from YWCA's President & CEO Sharon Roberson: Dear YWCA Community, As 2024 comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible impact your support has made possible. Every dollar you have invested in the YWCA helps us break cycles of abuse, lift spirits, and create brighter futures for those in need. This year, I received a touching message from a former resident of our Weaver Domestic Violence Center. Nearly 25 years ago, she and her mother found safety and solace at our shelter during a time of great turmoil. She remembers fondly an outdoor play area where she could ride bikes and experience moments of joy amidst the challenges. Today, she is the first in her family to graduate high school, earn a college degree, and build a successful career and family of her own. Her words say it best: “My family would not be the same without you all. Thanks to your support, I have gone on to live a successful life and break the cycle of abuse.” Stories like this remind us why we do what we do. This year alone, despite the rigorous renovations at the Weaver Center to create a warm, welcoming space for survivors, we provided over 10,600 nights of safety to more than 300 adults and children. These renovations, made possible through significant community and grant support, will ensure that future generations find the same refuge and care this young woman and her mother experienced decades ago. Your generosity also fuels our other life-changing programs: Dress for Success: Empowering 264 women with professional attire and career development resources. Girls Inc. and AMEND Together: Inspiring and educating 842 girls and 680 boys to lead lives of purpose and equity. Family Learning Center and Career Services: Supporting 169 adults on their journeys to education and career success. Social Justice and Advocacy: Engaging over 3,000 individuals through our racial justice challenge and advocacy initiatives. Thank you for standing with us to create a world where every individual can thrive. As we look to 2025, your continued support is vital to our mission. Please consider making a year-end gift to help us sustain and expand our programs for those who need them most. On behalf of the entire YWCA team and the countless lives you’ve touched, thank you for your unwavering support. With gratitude and hope, Sharon K. Roberson, President & CEO P.S. The image accompanying this message is of tricycles on our new Weaver Center playground—a symbol of the joy and healing your contributions provide to families in their time of need. If you would like to make an end of year donation, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eX8C7Nvv #YWCANashville #WeaverDomesticViolenceCenter #DressForSuccessNashville #GirlsIncNashville #AMENDTogether #FamilyLearningCenter #EndDVNow #Thankful #Grateful

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is proud to share that The Frist Foundation has made an extraordinary $3 million grant to support the $7.9 million renovation of the Weaver Domestic Violence Center. Since opening its doors nearly a quarter century ago, Weaver Center has provided safety, shelter, and hope to thousands of women and children. “This pivotal gift from The Frist Foundation underscores our community’s commitment to protecting women and children from abuse,” said Sharon Roberson, President and CEO of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. "The renovation will ensure the Weaver Center remains a beacon of hope, providing survivors with the safety, dignity, and support they need to rebuild their lives." We are deeply grateful to The Frist Foundation and our many supporters who continue to make this critical work possible. Read more about this transformative grant at our website. https://lnkd.in/eXmvF4dv #WeaverCenter #EndDomesticViolence #EmpowerWomen #TheFristFoundation #YWCAImpact #CommunitySafety

Jackson's Distribution Marketing Team paused their busy workday to engage in a big holiday project for YWCA's Weaver Domestic Violence Center residents, and our youth empowerment programs – Girls Inc. and AMEND Together.?“Stuffing” was the operative word, as the team stuffed Christmas stockings and plush animals, which will soon be in the hands of the families we serve.?We are very grateful to Jackson for its longstanding and generous partnership, and their willingness to spearhead projects like this to support our life-changing programs. https://lnkd.in/e7kNMVkQ

This morning, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee was honored to be the featured charity at the Leaders United Breakfast, hosted by Cat Financial as part of their United Way campaign. Our President & CEO, Sharon Roberson, had the privilege of addressing the group, sharing insights about YWCA’s mission and the lives we touch and save daily. The event also included an inspiring conversation between David Walton, CAT Financial President, and Sean Henry, CEO of the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena. Their discussion centered on the power of leadership, the importance of valuing relationships over revenue, and how doing the right thing is not only meaningful but always pays off. The Preds’ long-standing partnership with YWCA and our AMEND Together program has been a cornerstone of our ability to serve the community. We’re also in awe of CAT Financial, one of the top five business contributors to the United Way of Greater Nashville. Your generosity fuels essential programs that make Nashville stronger, and we are grateful to be a part of this impactful campaign. #Leadership #CommunityImpact #UnitedWay #YWCA #Nashville #Smashville #CATFinancial #NashvillePredators