STARS

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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;
  • 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.

YOP-Nashville-Scene-258x300

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.

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In Their Own Words

STARS' MOVE2STAND team created a life-changing and inspiring day. I look forward to working with them again.

Courtney Fergie

STARS' MOVE2STAND opened my eyes to what is actually happening in our schools.

M2S student

STARS' MOVE2STAND let me be me. I didn’t have to hide anything. I had a voice.

M2S student

At STARS' MOVE2STAND, I was finally heard!

M2S student

At STARS' MOVE2STAND, I learned how people actually feel.

M2S student

STARS' MOVE2STAND made me come out of my comfort zone and interact with my peers. I loved the training!

M2S student

I loved sharing my story and hearing others’ stories at STARS' MOVE2STAND. I enjoyed how personal the training was.

M2S student

At STARS' MOVE2STAND, I let my guard down and realized how many people are just like me.

M2S student

STARS' MOVE2STAND has shown me what I need to do as a person.

M2S student

Because of STARS' MOVE2STAND, I better understand how to help people.

M2S student

Everyone came together like a family at STARS' MOVE2STAND.

M2S student

STARS' MOVE2STAND made me feel less lonely.

M2S student

We will continue the STARS' MOVE2STAND message in our school and community indefinitely. Positive relationships between young people are essential for student success in all areas of life. We would strongly recommend M2S for school systems looking to improve climate and build cohesive, productive atmospheres. The training created lasting impacts that will be remembered forever.

STARS' MOVE2STAND was by far one of the best student trainings I have ever seen after working in bullying prevention for eight years. The one-day leadership training had a profound impact on 150 students in grades 6-12 from Vermilion Local Schools. The students have taken the M2S momentum into their own hands and created welcoming, cross-age mentoring and community relations committees.

Our STARS’ SAP counselor is an asset to our school. So many students deal with issues outside of school that affect their ability to do their best at school. As a school counselor, my job has many parts and changes daily. I’m not always available to see a child in crisis, and I can't usually provide ongoing counseling to a student or group sessions. That is where our SAP counselor comes in. She does free individual and group therapy to help our students overcome personal issues and to succeed at school.

Christy Hood School Counselor

"Magnificent," "life-changing" and "incredible" don't give STARS' MOVE2STAND justice. The event inspired emotions, passion and realizations at Beech High School.

Jamie Greer Spanish Teacher

We have many students who have autism and ADHD, and STARS' Kids on the Block has changed how these students are understood by their peers. For example, one autistic second-grader has made great gains this year due to his classmates’ acceptance. This would not have happened without KOB.

Janet Watkins School Counselor

STARS' Kids on the Block is doing great work to keep our children safe.

Dawn Crumpton School Librarian

STARS' Kids on the Block’s puppet shows are developmentally appropriate and find a delicate balance between fun-loving and thought-provoking messages. Students like seeing a new show every year, ranging from problem solving to diversity awareness.

Deborah Finch School Counselor

STARS’ SAP program helped me be a better person, improve my attitude and work things out with my parents. STARS’ SAP program had a huge impact on me. My counselor Mr. Mayes gave good advice and helped me with a lot of problems I had in middle school.

Gra-Mar Middle School student

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STARS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, culture, religion or creed, socioeconomic status, language, age, sexual orientation, or national origin. No one shall be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any of STARS’ programs or activities. STARS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This agency is funded, in part, by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Tennessee Department of Education and by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.
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