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;
- Increases operating efficiency of agency partners through shared back-office services.
The YOC has received the Center of 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 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.
YOC Agencies & Services
In addition to offering stars programs and services, the YOC also houses:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters offers mentoring programs for the community and schools. This includes offering high school bigs and couples’ programs and includes its Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and Amachi program, which serves children of incarcerated parents.
- Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee provides children ages 6 to 18 with a safe, exciting and engaging place to learn, grow and succeed. The club teaches character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness, and recreation.
- Anne Fottrell is a psychiatrist in Nashville, treating mental well-being, such as anxiety and depression.
- Chance Allen, APN, LMSW, PMHNP-BC, offers psychiatric services and psychotherapy. He incorporates personalized medicine using genomic testing.
- Diane Allen, APN, PMHNP-BC, offers psychiatric services and psychotherapy. She incorporates personalized medicine using genomic testing.
- Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency assists youth with employment, occupational training and postsecondary education through its YouthCan Program.
- Nashville Prevention Partnership (NPP) prevents substance abuse by connecting and uniting individuals, organizations and institutions. Through school-based student assistance programs, community initiatives and media campaigns, NPP strives to change young people’s perceptions of social norms and, in turn, reduce the use of drugs and alcohol.
- Oasis Center offers crisis and residential services, such as counseling, emergency shelter, street outreach, a drop-in center and Harwell Lofts. It also offers a youth program for high-risk middle school students, Youth Engagement and Action, and helps low-income/first-generation college students with college access and workforce preparation.
