Ymca Of Middle Tennessee history

1909: The YWCA broke ground for a new building on Vine Street (7th Ave.) When the YWCA opened its new building, there were no integrated buildings in Nashville but the leadership of the YWCA was committed to extending programs to African American women.

Created in 1911, International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

1919: National YWCA funds a branch for African-American women in Nashville, known as the Blue Triangle Branch.

1921: Property at 5th and Gay was purchased for Blue Triangle Branch.

His grandfather, one of the world’s largest tire distributors, sold his company to Goodyear in 1928 before the Great Depression.

1941: The Nashville YWCA mobilized to support the war through Red Cross drives, sewing, dances for soldiers and donating building space for defense work.

In 1957, the YMCA's National Council’s statement of purpose no longer applied to “males only,” and Colton became the first woman professional on the national staff.

Margaret Maddox: Nashville native Margaret Huffman Maddox graduated from East Nashville High School and attended George Peabody School of Teachers; one of the nation's earliest recipients of the Certified Professional Secretary designation, and was Tennessee's Secretary of the Year in 1960.

1962: The YWCA began to offer classes in Green Hills and Donelson.

In 1963, she became executive director of the Community Branch of the Newark (N.J.) YMCA. Seven years later, she was appointed the director of planning for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (Ill.), and later became the director of manpower, planning, and staff development.

1964: The Blue Triangle Branch and the Downtown YWCA became one interracial YWCA.

The story really began in 1965 when plans were announced for the ‘Southwest Nashville Family Center.’ Two years later, 8.5 acres of land was donated by Horace G. Hill Jr. for its permanent home on Hillsboro Road.

The YMCA Foundation of Middle Tennessee was formed in 1969 to provide an endowment fund ensuring the Y has the financial support it needs in future years to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Florence Davis: Florence Davis joined the YMCA of Middle Tennessee's Board of Directors in 1972.

1974: YWCA’s Board agreed to provide emergency facilities for women referred by Rape and Crisis Center.

In 1976, Henry became the first woman to be named to a top management position on the national staff as executive director of the Organizational Development Group.

1978: The YWCA moved to Woodmont home, CABLE was established, and Career and Life Planning for Women and Girls was created.

She worked her way up in volunteer leadership and, in 1979, was installed as the very first female board chair in the YMCA of Middle Tennessee's then 104-year history.

1980: The YWCA opened the first domestic violence shelter in Nashville.

1985: A Capital Campaign of $2 million was completed for new facility at the Woodmont location.

On June 5, 1987, shortly after her death, Aveling was the first woman inducted into the YMCA National Hall of Fame.

First elected in 1991, Thelma is the longest-serving female State Senator in Tennessee history.

1992: The Academy for Women of Achievement was established to honor inspiring women in the Nashville community.

The Robertson County YMCA opened its doors in 1996.

She also served on the board of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Foundation and in 1997, Maddox was inducted into the YWCA Academy for Women of Achievement.

1998: The YWCA celebrated 100 years of service to women, girls, and families in Middle Tennessee.

2000: The YWCA opened the Weaver Domestic Violence Center in Nashville, the largest emergency shelter of its kind in the state.

2008: The YWCA became the Nashville affiliate of Girls Inc. and has served more than 4,000 girls in Metro Nashville Public Schools since programming began.

In 2010, she received the YMCA of Middle Tennessee's highest volunteer honor – The Order of the Red Triangle.

In 2012, Judge Escobar co-founded MyCity Academy, a leadership program that educates New Americans and neighborhood leaders about local government.

2013: The YWCA became the Nashville affiliate for Dress for Success.

2014: The YWCA launched an innovative primary prevention initiative dedicated to ending violence against women and girls by engaging and educating men and boys.

A passionate advocate for the YMCA, Allbritton formerly served as chair of the Annual Giving Campaign and board chair for the Maryland Farms YMCA. In 2017, the YMCA recognized her with its highest volunteer award, The Order of the Red Triangle.

Patricia Pelton: In 2018 Patricia Pelton from Canada was elected as President of the World YMCA, the first female in the YMCAs history.

Liz Wilson Allbritton: In 2020, Liz Wilson Allbritton became the chair of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s Board of Directors.