Statements
Mission
Mission: The mission of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee is to enable African Americans, other minorities and disenfranchised groups access to economic self-reliance, power, parity, and civil rights by building better lives, stronger families, and connecting Middle Tennessee to employment, education, and support services
Background
Background: The Urban League of Middle Tennessee was chartered on April 15, 1968 by a group of diverse business and community leaders to "carry on programs of social service that improved the economic welfare of the Negro in the greater Nashville area". In 2023, the Urban League of Middle Tennessee celebrates 55 years of service in our nine-county service area of Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties. The Urban League of Middle Tennessee has built a strong reputation in the community by working to ensure that residents of Middle Tennessee have the opportunity to reach their full potential as contributing members of our community. We have accomplished this by offering an extensive range of economic, social, and development services to a diverse group of Middle Tennesseans.
We have worked successfully with dozens of area employers in helping to secure employment for thousands and worked to move families from dependence to sustainability. For many years now, we have provided programs to address housing, financial literacy, after-school education and enrichment for children and youth. We continue to offer programs for youth and adults in the greater Nashville community in efforts to empower communities and change lives.
Impact
ULMT offers programs for youth and adults in education and workforce development. ULMT is a part of a National Urban League consortium for execution of the Equity and Excellence Program (EEP). Goals focus on building capacity at local, state and national levels to convene and participate through informed advocacy in policy and educational reform discussions. Youth / Educational Services: ULMT offers Project Ready a National Urban League leadership development and college prep model designed to encourage civic engagement, reinforce and enhance math and language skills. The ULMT supports personal development through social and cultural enrichment and family education on how to support a family member at college both financially and emotionally. Since the implementation of Project Ready the ULMT has served over 350+ students grades 9 - 12 along with our partners TSU, Fisk, Argosy, Lipscomb Universities, Vanderbilt and Belmont. To date, we have had 50 students to graduate out of the program and testing results show that students participating in our ACT prep programs have a one to two point gain consistently. Youth and adult workforce development services: The Nashville Youth Training and Employment program at Maplewood High School funded by local businesses and Foundations offers students opportunity to experience work and careers with major automotive companies, like Firestone Auto Care. Over 200 students have been served since 2009. In 2022, ULMT served over 2,000 adult job seekers with resume preparation, interview/personal presentation, technology support, and job offers afterschool digital learning in partnership with a local non-profits, and three churches. Through ULMT's Social Justice and Civic Engagement initiatives, we strive to expand families' networks and connections; increase the number of registered voters in Middle Tennessee; and increase voter education activities. Finally, the ULMT's Real Estate Developers (RED) Academy, supported by the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, provides equitable and diverse financial opportunities for developers of color; improves and broadens skills of developers of color; and increases the availability of affordable housing. Currently, 12 real estate developers or "Fellows" are participating in the program, with half of these individuals currently in the development stages for major residential projects.
Needs
The Urban League of Middle Tennessee is seeking funding to expand the organizations capacity in five strategic areas. Those strategic priorities are the results of in-depth discussions with key stakeholders, analysis of fundraising data, current operations, internal and external organizational challenges, community and client's needs. Your support provides immediate opportunities for growth to position the ULMT as a strong operational, programmatic and financially solvent organization. The ULMT strategic priorities are: Enhance visibility and messaging within the community; Continue to develop and engage Board leadership; Increase annual support from current donors and identify new prospects; Expand programming and partnerships throughout our nine-county service area; and Invest in capacity-building infrastructure.
CEO Statement
The Urban League of Middle Tennessee is growing its footprint and impact in the Middle Tennessee area. Our commitment to advancing education, connecting people with opportunities through workforce development, and promoting education and a healthy lifestyle are integral to our success. We strive to create and maintain opportunities for achievement and progress for those we serve throughout our nine-county service address. The needs of the African American community reflect the values of the American Dream: the need for our children to thrive; the need to earn a living; the need to own a home; and the need to prosper. The Urban League of Middle Tennessee continues to serve as a bridge and operate from tenants that support the realization of the American dream for many of our citizens.
Board Chair Statement
On a spring day in 1968, a charter was granted by the National Urban League for a group of diverse and like-minded business and community leaders to become officially affiliated with the Urban League's movement. This group's single mission and purpose was to ensure that its members continue to "carry on programs of social service improving the economic welfare of Negroes". Today, that organization, the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, celebrates 55 years of existence. As we celebrate this year we have a unique "opportunity" to reflect on our past and ensure that we are continuing to fulfill that mission and purpose, to "carry on programs of social service improving the economic welfare of not only improving "the economic welfare of African-Americans, other minorities and disenfranchised groups in Middle Tennessee but also ALL residents who seek assistance in our communities As we, the ULMT, continue to build on our capacity to move "the economic welfare" of Middle Tennesseans by leveraging corporate and personal relationships in our community, throughout the states and across this great nation of ours we are looking forward, strategically focused on enhancing our programs and services to "Empower" our constituents through our "Pillars of Empowerment": Education, Workforce, Social Enterprise, Community Initiatives, and Organizational Vitality.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Employment - Employment Preparation & Procurement |
| Secondary Category: | Education - Adult Education |
| Tertiary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development Programs |
Areas Served
ULMT services are available to all residents of the Middle Tennessee community.
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
