Youth Opportunity Center
The Youth Opportunity Center (YOC)’s mission is simple and straightforward: bring organizations together to share space and integrate services to close the opportunity gap that exists for youth in Middle Tennessee. The YOC was co-founded in 2007 by STARS and the Oasis Center.
The YOC:
- Houses eight nonprofits dedicated to youth advancement in its 39,000-square-foot facility;
- Aligns existing youth initiatives, resources and expertise to meet the needs of young people;
- Ensures all young people can easily access basic needs: caring adults, a warm bed, hot meals, a safe environment, good health care, an effective education and opportunities to help others;
- Seeks to expand the services facing the greatest demand and remove barriers that prevent youth from receiving help; and
- Increases operating efficiency of agency partners through shared back-office services.
The YOC has received the Center for Nonprofit Management’s Frist Foundation’s Innovation in Action Award for its vision and commitment to young people. In 2009, STARS’ CEO Rodger Dinwiddie and Hal Cato were named Nashvillians of the Year by the Nashville Scene for this innovative project.
To schedule a tour of the YOC and to learn more about partnership opportunities, contact Erin Daunic at edaunic@starsnashville.org or 615-983-6805.
The YOC also houses the Turner Commons Training Center. Community members and organizations can choose among four small training and conference rooms ranging from 285 to 920 square feet, or one 1,830-square-foot room. To book a room, call 615-279-0058.
