Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Nashville Youth Through Education & Recreation
Youth Encouragement Service (YES) has been a cornerstone of Nashville's community since 1956, dedicated to empowering youth through Christ-centered educational and recreational programs. Our mission focuses on bridging educational gaps for underserved youth, offering after-school tutoring, summer camps, mentorship, and sports leagues that foster academic, spiritual, and social growth. With decades of experience, we provide a safe, inclusive environment where children develop life skills, build confidence, and receive individualized support. Our programs, staffed by trained professionals and over 600 volunteers annually, address critical needs like literacy, physical health, and career readiness.We collaborate with local partners to deliver resources that extend beyond our centers, ensuring families receive holistic support. Recognized for our commitment to equity, we serve areas with high poverty and crime rates, transforming lives through consistent mentorship and community engagement. Our track record of success includes measurable improvements in academic performance and graduation rates, reflecting our unwavering dedication to nurturing future leaders.
Services
After-School Programs
Summer Bible Camp
Mentor NET
Tutoring Services
Sports Leagues
Volunteer Opportunities
Christmas Store
Field Trips
Computer Learning
Job Skills Training
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We have served Nashville's youth for over 65 years with proven educational outcomes.
- Our Christ-centered programs integrate academic support, mentorship, and character development.
- We operate two fully staffed youth centers in high-need areas of Nashville.
- Our READY tutoring program improves literacy rates through personalized 1:8 student-coach ratios.
- We offer unique opportunities like summer camps and career exploration field trips.
What people say
Dedicated staff
Life-changing programs
Safe environment
Academic improvement
Community impact
Services
After-School Programs
Our after-school programs serve 150+ students daily with academic tutoring, character development, and recreational activities. Students receive personalized support in literacy and math while engaging in faith-based learning. The programs bridge educational gaps for children in underserved communities.
Summer Bible Camp
This week-long camp provides outdoor experiences and spiritual growth opportunities for inner-city children. Activities include nature exploration, Bible study, and team-building exercises. The program aims to create lasting memories while fostering faith development.
Mentor NET
Mentor NET connects youth with positive role models through monthly one-on-one sessions. Mentors guide students in personal development, career exploration, and academic goal-setting. The program emphasizes building confidence and expanding social networks.
Tutoring Services
The READY tutoring program offers twice-weekly literacy instruction for grades 2-5. Small group sessions focus on reading, phonics, and character education. Trained tutors work with students in a 1:8 ratio to improve academic performance.
Sports Leagues
Our winter basketball league and other sports programs teach teamwork, discipline, and healthy living. Children participate in organized games while learning Christian values. The leagues promote physical fitness and positive social interaction.
People
Viva Price
Executive Director
Viva Price leads YES with over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She oversees strategic operations and community partnerships, ensuring alignment with YES's mission to empower Nashville youth through educational and spiritual development programs.
Siboney Acosta
Marketing Coordinator
Siboney Acosta manages YES's outreach initiatives and public relations. With a background in communications, she develops marketing strategies that highlight program successes and engage donors, ensuring the organization's mission reaches wider audiences across Nashville.
Tanesha Stenson
Carpenter's Square Director
Tanesha Stenson directs operations at the Carpenter's Square location. She coordinates after-school programs and community events, leveraging her educational background to create impactful learning experiences for students in South Nashville's underserved communities.
Jamarius Williams
Lindsley Center Director
Jamarius Williams oversees the Lindsley Center's daily operations. He implements educational programs and mentorship initiatives tailored to downtown Nashville's youth, focusing on academic support and character development through structured after-school activities.
Dave Barnum
Mission Engagement Director
Dave Barnum connects volunteers with YES programs and builds community partnerships. With extensive nonprofit experience, he develops engagement strategies that strengthen the organization's network of 600+ annual volunteers and corporate supporters.
Questions
What age groups do YES programs serve?
Our programs serve children in grades K-12 during after-school hours and summer breaks.
How can I volunteer with YES?
Apply through our website to tutor, mentor, or assist with events and daily programs.
What educational support does YES offer?
We provide tutoring in literacy, math, and English through our READY program with 1:8 student-coach ratios.
Are donations to YES tax-deductible?
Yes, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations to YES are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Does YES offer summer programs?
We operate a week-long Summer Bible Camp and daily summer activities at both youth centers.
How does YES support families?
We provide school supplies, Christmas gifts, food assistance, and community resources to enrolled families.
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