In a year marked by milestones, few are as meaningful as this one: the YMCA of Middle Tennessee celebrating 150 years of service to our community. Since 1875, the Y has stood as a steady presence—shaping character, nurturing potential, and strengthening the fabric of our city—one young life at a time. When its founders first opened a small reading room on Church Street, they simply wanted to create a safe space for young men navigating a rapidly changing Nashville. What began as an act of care and vision has grown into one of the region’s most trusted institutions—serving more than 230,000 people each year, including nearly 75,000 children and teens.
Early in my career, I had the privilege of working for the Y. That experience helped shape not just my understanding of youth development, but my calling to public service. Like many, I saw the familiar image of the YMCA—12 bustling family wellness centers spread across six counties. But behind that public face, I discovered something deeper: a mission-driven organization that meets families where they are, builds bridges of opportunity, and helps young people see possibility in themselves.
In my first job with the Y’s Fun Company program, I witnessed its impact up close—more than 4,000 kids each day receiving safe, engaging care before and after school. And when COVID-19 brought daily life to a halt, the Y didn’t hesitate. It reimagined its spaces and staff to provide emergency childcare for the children of essential workers, offering stability to families holding our community together.
That same spirit of service continues today. The Y provides more than 10,000 youth with summer camp experiences that build confidence and connection. It offers over 5,000 swim lessons to prevent drowning and promote water safety. Through Youth in Government and Model United Nations, more than 6,000 middle and high school students each year learn to raise their voices and lead with purpose. And through YMCA Community Action Programs or Y-CAP, kids receive tutoring, mentoring, and college and career prep at no cost to their families.
Whether in a gym, a classroom, or at the water’s edge, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee continues to do what it has always done: create spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. As it marks its 150th anniversary, may we honor that legacy by recommitting ourselves to the same mission—building communities where every child has the opportunity, support, and hope to reach their full potential.
Lonnell Matthews, Jr. is a Nashville native raised in the Bordeaux community and currently serves as Davidson County Juvenile Court Clerk. Lonnell has over 19 years of experience in youth development, nonprofit leadership, and public service. He’s served on the Metro Council (where he made history as the youngest African American member), led youth programs with the YMCA, and built a reputation for connecting community needs with meaningful solutions. Lonnell holds a degree in Accounting and Business Law from Tennessee State University. He can be reached at lonnellmatthews@jisnashville.gov.
