You can get involved with the YWCA by donating your time, items or money.  We encourage you to take some time to look at our available volunteer and internship opportunities.  Please visit our donate section if you're interested in making a monetary donation or donating items to our Weaver Domestic Violence Center.

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Recent Volunteers

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Judy's Story

Judy grew up in a home where it was instilled in her and her siblings that giving back to your country and community are just a way of life. Her 92 year old mother, and role model, has always been involved in public service and particularly women focused organizations. “Women’s issues really resonate with me. Supporting women to let them be independent and free of abuse and discrimination is the area I want to impact,” - Judy Wheatley Read more.

 

On Friday, March 23, the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee was one of 42 nonprofit organizations recognized by Mayor Karl Dean in the first round of the Excellence in Volunteer Engagement (EVE) certification. The initiative to recognize high-quality volunteer management by nonprofits to help increase the number of volunteers in Davidson County. It is the first such certification effort in the nation. http://www.hon.org/

Gertrude Caldwell was nominated in the Community Impact category for her amazing work with the YWCA over the past 35 years, as well as her countless contributions to other community organizations. Julie Davis and Cheryl Hays were also honored for their Innovation in Volunteerism through the creation of Re-New at the YWCA which furnishes the homes of our transitional housing clients.

YWCA volunteers were selected as finalists for two Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards this year! Gertrude Caldwell Cheryl Hays & Julie Davis

Interior Design Associates, Hoar Construction and Project Redesign partnered in the remodeling (pictured above) of the Weaver Domestic Violence Center's family side playroom.  They spent five, hardworking days volunteering time and resources to complete the renovation.  Project Redesign has also promised to restock the room with toys every six months.  Thanks to all those involved in this beautiful and much needed update!

The Tennessee Titans teamed up with the YWCA again this year for Undie Sunday! 34 volunteers collected 24 extra large bags full of socks, bras and underwear for the women and children staying at the Weaver Domestic Violence Center. Thanks to the Titans and their fans for their generous support and of course, a HUGE thank you to all of the volunteers who made the drive a success!

Bréon Hair Salon gave back this 9/11 Service Day by pampering the women of the Weaver Center.  All of our ladies were served a fabulous lunch from Schlotzsky's then treated to hair styling & cuts, manicures and a makeup class by Bréon herself!  At the end of the day they were all sent back to the shelter with kits so they could do everything they learned themselves.  Bréon and her staff are an inspiration.  We are so thankful they spent their day off giving a little extra care to survivors of domestic violence.

Members of The Women's Music Business Association were at the Weaver Center the night of November 30th to help get the residents in the holiday spirit by caroling and decorating doors!

Volunteers from Project ReDesign and Interior Design Associates, Inc. gave the single women's living room at the Weaver Domestic Violence Center a much needed makeover in November.  A huge thanks to all the companies who donated their goods and services and also to all the volunteers who brought it all together!!

Volunteers from Lipscomb University Pharmacy School were at the Weaver Domestic Violence Center on Tuesday, November 23rd to get our residents and staff ready for winter by adminstering Flu shots.

Sofia Bushen, a friend to the YWCA and Miss Ethiopia USA 2010, visited our offices to drop off a car full of wishlist items for the shelter in September. Her platform is to raise awareness about domestic violence and encourage those who are survivors both in the USA and Ethiopia. Thanks to Sofia for being an ambassador for the women of the Weaver Center and around the world!

On Sunday, volunteers from Soroptimist Club helped distribute winter coats collected at the Titans' Annual Coat Drive last month to the women and children at the Weaver Center.  Soles4Souls was also on hand with brand new shoes for the residents!

Volunteers from Vanderbilt's Alpha Chi Omega spent their Friday evening at the Weaver Center making Thanksgiving crafts with the kids!

In honor of 9/11 National Day of Service, ladies from Vanderbilt’s AXO chapter were at the Weaver Center doing everything from staining our picnic tables to organizing our donations shed. Over 30 students spent their Saturday serving our clients. A BIG thank you to AXO and Vanderbilt University for all you do for us at the YWCA!

It’s one of our favorite times of year, HCA Caring for the Community time! Approximately 30 HCA employees spent their day with us on Tuesday in order to re-new the kitchens at the Weaver Center! Residents are already reporting how much more cheerful and inviting the kitchens are with their new paint job. Thank you HCA for making our residents feel a little more at home during their stay at the Weaver Center!

 

Cute & Comfy Shoes Helps Survivors Heal         Darcy Bomer, owner of Cute & Comfy Shoes, located in Green Hills, donated 150 pairs of comfortable shoes to the Weaver Domestic Violence Center.  Bomer wanted the women in the shelter to have comfortable shoes while they are healing from domestic violence.         "Many do not have cars and therefore walk a lot.  The shoes make their steps much easier," said Tami Walker, director of the Weaver Domestic Violence Center.         Bomer's gift will make a difference in many women's lives.         "We are very grateful for the generous gift of comfortable shoes for the women we serve," said Walker.

(L to R) John Tighe (standing), Emily Spencer, Thomas Brandt

Genesco staff members hosted a Halloween Party for children of all ages at the YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter.  The party included new shoes (chucks) and "Punk Your Chucks" for the kids and Moms to decorate the shoes.  New shoes are a real treat!  Thanks to Genesco for the creative fun and generous donation!







Mission Discovery sent a group from Calvary Church in Holland, MI to the Weaver Domestic Violence Center for an entire week this June!  They did everything from giving the donations shed a make over to painting our picnic area.  At the end of the week they held THE BACKYARD OLYMPICS where the kids of the shelter competed for some great prizes!  Thanks to everyone at Mission Discovery and Holland Calvary Church for their hard work!!

View more pictures of the Calvary Church volunteers hard at work.




We are so overwhelmed with the generosity of the Women of Waller.  I could not believe the amount of donations raised at the Unmentionables Party.  Providing basics such as a clean pair of underwear to the women in our domestic violence shelter gives them back a little piece of the dignity that is so important to their healing process.  ~  Abby Sasser, YWCA Volunteer and Donations Coordinator

The YWCA is very grateful to A+ Storage for donating free storage to the Transitional Housing Program.  Their generous donation makes it possible for us to accept and store household donations for families who come in to the Transitional Housing Program.



Early in the Spring, the Women of Waller completely renovated the teen room at the Weaver Domestic Violence Center.  We greatly appreciate their work!  The Women of Waller are from Waller, Lansden, Dortch & Davis, LLP.  To view more pictures from their project, please click here.










AXO "Spring Festival"
view more pictures and info














Nashville Au Pairs from 6 countries (Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, France, Ukraine and Sweden) outfitted bears for children at the YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter.  The Au Pairs are pictured here with their bears.  To learn more about their company, Au Pair Care, please visit their Web site at www.aupaircare.com.












Volunteers from Dell were at the shelter Friday, October 3rd, to give our donations shed a much needed weather treatment.









Nineteen HCA staff members did 7 hours of transforming work at the YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter.  They built a picnic pavilion, painted and furnished the new family therapy and meditation rooms.  We are very, very grateful.















Volunteers from the Department of Operations at Dell worked to give the Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter a little T.L.C. this week including cleaning the kitchens, sorting donations and repairing cabinets.  They were amazing!"






Another group from Mission Discovery came to help out at the shelter. They drove all the way from Cornerstone Church in Crystal, MN, to work with us. They completed several projects including painting our family side hallways, organizing the basement and fixing up all the broken bicycles so the kids could use them again. They also did a day of fun on Friday afternoon with the kids, which included volleyball on the brand new net they bought and built for us! We want to thank Cornerstone Church for all their hard work and Mission Discovery for sending us two FANTASTIC groups of volunteers!