yes

YES Homecoming 2025

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:30:06 GMT

Celebrating the seeds of hope sown in the hearts of our YES kids at our 2025 Annual Dinner

There are nights that remind us why we do what we do — and our Homecoming Annual Dinner was one of them. The Carpenter’s Square Center came alive with joy, gratitude, and the spirit of giving as our community gathered to celebrate the heart of YES. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted by the cheers and pom poms of our YES students, whose smiles lit the way into the Carpenter’s Square Center.

As guests entered, they were each gifted a small rock — a symbol of legacy. Throughout the evening, everyone wrote encouraging words, Bible verses, or names on their rocks. These will be placed in our YES garden as a lasting reminder of the seeds of faith, hope, and generosity sown that night.

The evening was hosted by two of our very own YES kids, Genesis and Isaiah, who did an incredible job leading with confidence and joy. The program continued with an inspiring performance by our YES students, who celebrated culture and history through a spirited TSU Homecoming-style HBCU dance. Their energy and pride lit up the room.

The night’s soundtrack came from the talented band — Madii, Dan, Riley, and Marc — whose music carried joy and warmth throughout the space.

Our Board Director, Greg Wilder, opened the night with a heartfelt prayer that reminded us why we gather — to serve, to give, and to celebrate the impact of community. We were blessed to hear from several speakers who shared powerful testimonies about the work being done through YES.

Matt from Lowe’s Hometowns spoke about how giving to YES has impacted not just our kids, but his own life and his team’s lives as well. Two of our former YES kids, now staff members, Juwann and Michael (“Mikey”), also shared moving reflections on their journeys.

“This isn’t a job I dread going into — it’s like a second home,” said Juwann.
“It feels like home every time I walk through these doors. YES helped me learn more about God,” shared Mikey.

Our Mission Engagement Director, Mr. Dave, reminded us that the staff at YES are constantly replenished by serving our youth — a reflection of God Himself. He spoke about the joy of giving, and how investing in the next generation is one of the greatest ways we can serve.

By the end of the night, we raised funds that will go directly toward our kids’ scholarships, after-school programs, meals, and homework help. Every dollar sown will help us continue to nurture young hearts and minds.

To our sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and guests — thank you. Your generosity, prayers, and presence made this night a success. The spirit of love and connection filled every corner of the room, and we truly hope everyone felt at home. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Full Circle: Mikey’s Journey with YES from Age 5 to 23

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:54:10 GMT

From after-school kid to role model, Mikey’s story is a shining example of how YES shapes lives — not just in childhood, but for a lifetime.

Some stories remind us why we do what we do — and Mikey’s is one of them.

Since the age of five, Mikey has been part of Youth Encouragement Services (YES), growing from a joyful, curious child into a compassionate young adult who now gives back to the same community that helped raise him. His journey reflects the heart of YES: building lasting relationships, nurturing faith, and creating a circle of encouragement that spans generations.

We sat down with Mikey to talk about his experience and the impact YES has had on his life.

Interview with Mikey

Q: How long have you been coming to YES?
A: I’ve been coming to YES for about 18 years — since I was 5 years old.

Q: How has YES positively affected your life?
A: YES has positively affected my life by giving me a place to go after school and during the summer, and opening my world to a family beyond my family. It encouraged me to want more for my life and introduced me to the world of sports, something I’ve always been passionate about. It also brought me closer to the Lord and strengthened my relationship with Him.

Q: What is one of the most challenging things you’ve had to deal with in life so far, and how have you overcome it?
A: One of the most challenging things I’ve had to deal with in life is losing my momma and my Grandaddy. I’ve learned to cope by giving any time that I can to the people I love who are still here. Loss isn’t something you can truly overcome, but time — and being around the right people — makes it easier.

Q: Working with the kids in the same neighborhood you grew up in, how do you hope they’ll remember you?
A: Working with the children in the same neighborhood I grew up in is great. I just hope the kids remember me for the “big brother energy” I bring, because I truly do love and care for these kids like we’re one big family. I’d also like them to remember me as one of the greatest basketball players they’ve ever seen — and as the intern that smells the best!

A Full-Circle Moment

Mikey’s story is a powerful reminder that YES is more than a place for childhood memories — it’s a community that grows with you.

We’re honored to walk with our youth through every season of life, from their first day at YES to the moment they return as mentors, volunteers, and leaders. Some alumni even enroll their own children, continuing a legacy of love and encouragement that spans generations.

For us, that’s what YES is all about — a full-circle experience built on faith, belonging, and the power of community.

Lowe's renovates Lindsley Center

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 18:49:01 GMT

Lowe’s Project Day: Transforming Spaces, Inspiring Kids

For three generations, the Lindsley Center has been more than a building—it’s a safe haven where kids can belong, grow, and learn. It’s a cornerstone of our community, offering stability, hope, and a sense of home for every child who walks through its doors.

Lowe’s Project Day brought this mission to life. More than 20 Lowe’s employees worked tirelessly to renovate and refresh our arts & crafts room, homework room, tech lab, and other key spaces. They painted, organized, assembled furniture, and even deep-cleaned o ur kitchen. Outdoors, they enhanced the building’s appearance through painting, lawn care, and garden maintenance.

A child’s environment shapes how they see themselves and what they believe they deserve. By providing spaces that are clean, cared for, and beautiful, we give our kids the confidence and reassurance that they are worthy of safety and opportunity.

We are immensely grateful to Lowe’s for their volunteer work and grant support, which have strengthened the Lindsley Center as a place where children can belong, learn, and thrive for generations to come.

Motorola Solutions Foundation Builds Brighter Futures

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:23:41 GMT

We’re still in awe of the incredible work the Motorola Solutions Foundation did to upgrade our Carpenter’s Square Campus! They didn’t just show up and sprinkle a little paint around—they went to town! First, they transformed our pavilion, perfect for outdoor classes or impromptu picnic lunches.. Then they added beautiful new tables, giving our students comfortable and functional spaces to gather, study, and chat. They didn’t stop there—they put in a whiteboard outside so now our students can learn while soaking up some sunshine. To top it off, they spread mulch like pros and planted greenery that has made the whole campus feel more inviting and fresh.

The best part? The whole Motorola team brought so much joy and energy to the project, and it was clear they genuinely cared about making a difference. Special thanks to Kenny, who was there every step of the way and even came to our annual dinner to say such encouraging words. Motorola, you’ve made a huge impact, and we’re so thankful you chose us to receive your support. You’ve turned our campus into a space that feels even more like home!

2024 YES Annual Dinner

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 19:57:29 GMT

2024 YES Annual Dinner

Thank you to all of our supporters for coming out for our Annual Dinner fundraiser!
The evening was a heartfelt celebration for our kids and community.

A truly special moment was shared during our children’s dance performance, capturing the joy at the heart of our mission. Mr. Dave Barnum, one of our dedicated staff members, shared an inspiring message about the beauty of being a child of God and keeping that childlike spirit alive through giving and being present. Prayers filled the room before enjoying a hearty meal provided by Edley’s BBQ!
We want to thank Kenny from Motorola Solutions Foundation for coming to represent as a Platinum sponsor and sharing his experience with YES, including the goodness that is transpiring within this community.

We hope to continue to spread light through our daily programming and presence in the lives of our growing YES family!

Thank you to our following sponsors for making it all possible:

- @motorolasolutions
- Bouchard Fire Protection
- @woodmontchristianchurch
- @edleysbbq
- @samsclub

�� Photographer: @ghxstt.media

Nashville Predators hosts "Kids on Ice"

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:13:02 GMT

It may be hot outside, but our YES kids were keeping COOL inside the Ford Ice Center.

Our friends at the Nashville Predators extended a warm invitation to us for their highly anticipated annual summer event, "Kids on Ice." This special occasion offers a fantastic opportunity to bring our children out to the rink, where they can enjoy a fun-filled skating session and share a delightful lunch with the Predators' staff. While there may have been a few tumbles along the way, the experience was overflowing with laughter and excitement, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved. Thank you Nashville Predators!

Spreading Joy: Christmas Store 2023

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 20:04:02 GMT

2023 Christmas Store

In the spirit of love, compassion, and community, the community of YES recently hosted a magical Christmas event that left a lasting impact on the lives of over 750 children in South Nashville. As a Christ-centered nonprofit, YES is dedicated to enriching the lives of young ones spiritually, academically, socially, and physically.

This year's Christmas event was nothing short of extraordinary, and we owe it all to the incredible support of our sponsors, who stepped up as true champions of hope. Their generosity allowed us to provide not just gifts, but also essential household necessities to families in need. The spirit of giving was overflowing, and the joy in the eyes of the children we served was priceless.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, who worked tirelessly to ensure every child experienced the magic of the season. Their selfless efforts, coupled with the support of our sponsors, transformed the YES Christmas event into a beacon of hope for the community.

As we reflect on the joy and warmth shared during this festive occasion, we are reminded that the holiday spirit is alive and well, thriving through the collective efforts of a compassionate community. YES is immensely grateful to everyone who played a part in making this event a resounding success. The memories created and the smiles inspired by YES's Christmas event will resonate long after the decorations are packed away.

We look forward to continuing our mission of spreading love, joy, and hope to Nashville's youth in the years to come, with gratitude for the unwavering support of our sponsors and the entire YES community.

Thank you for being the driving force behind the magic of Christmas for over 750 children and their families!

With heartfelt appreciation,

The Youth Encouragement Services (YES) Team

Bright futures ahead: How Nashville's fundraising event impacted children in need

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:22:31 GMT

Making A Difference Together

In a moving start to the evening, two promising young members of our organization, Genny and Isaiah, led the gathering in prayer. Their thoughtful words set the tone for an evening of unity, compassion, and shared dreams.

Our 2023 Fall Kickoff, was a resounding success. This fundraising event, aimed at raising funds for children of Nashville to have access to after-school scholarships, a new playground, and more.

We saw a large turnout of supporters and donors of nearly 150 in attendance! Our guests were treated to a night filled with entertainment, delicious food, and inspiring speeches. A memorable highlight of the evening was when scholarships were bestowed to those who have relentlessly pursued their dreams and who have flourished under our wings since childhood. We are filed with gratitude for the presence and continued support from our donors. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting YES’s mission and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

We look forward to keeping you updated about the impact your contributions are making!

"Promise Keeper" 2023 Bible Camp

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 22:06:12 GMT

2023 YES Bible Camp

When you hear the word ‘promise’, what comes to mind? Honor? Commitment? Covenant?

Psalm 145:13 says ‘The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.’

Our 2023 YES Bible Camp theme was ‘Promise Keeper’. Our kids had the opportunity to learn more about God’s promises to them. How He cares for us, loves us and keeps our hearts delighted Him. Combine that with the beautiful front row view of His creation and you have dozens of children enjoying nature, building friendships and being led by God’s word.

Upon arrival, our YES children beamed with fresh excitement! It’s a big shift to escape the walls of Nashville’s inner-city to the refreshing solitude of the outdoors. The bright stars substituted city streetlamps. The hum of cars and sirens were replaced with the tunes of frogs and crickets. For one week, YES kids were offered a break from the urban bustle. They enjoyed playing water-kickball and ziplining through the woods. Traditional activities such as tye-dying, basketball, wading through the creek and devo by the campfire are always a must at YES Bible Camp. The time spent was full of many firsts and memories to last a lifetime.

By the week’s end, our staff saw a visual relief of stress and tension fall from our children’s shoulders. The trouble of growing up too fast melted away and the innocence of just wanting to be a kid prevailed. God’s love and His promises led to restoration, connection and friendships that were life changing.

Thank you for praying for us, sponsoring our children and helping us

teach God’s children that He truly is a Promise Keeper!

YES's Good Friday Blessing

Tue, 16 May 2023 18:03:21 GMT

Rio Grande Fence Co. blessed our kids with safety for their Good

Friday Project!

YES has inhabited the wonderful building that is Carpenter's Square off of Nolensville Pike for close to 3 years now. We are grateful to be located in the neighborhoods that we serve. But with homelessness, drugs, and gun violence on the rise, it was settled that a fence would give us the peace of mind needed to protect our angels!

After expressing our needs to Rio Grande Fence Co., we were absolutely amazed of their decision to highlight YES as their pro bono project of the year! They installed a premium fence around the entire Carpenter's Square campus out of the love for the future generation and their safety. On Friday, April had a communal ribbon-cutting ceremony where we were able to honor the hardworkers who made this fence possible.

Our spirits here at YES are truly moved by this act of generosity. Thank you to Rio Grande Fence Co. for constructing our new fence and Hutchison Tree Service for clearing the path!

ROBOTS in READY

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:16:25 GMT

ROBOTS in READY

The ultimate goal of READY ( a twice weekly program) is to encourage students to have a lifelong positive attitude towards reading and to increase literacy skills.

This past week in READY and Middle School Clubs, our students had the opportunity to put their robotics skills to the test, as they built tin can robots! Students worked in groups of 3:1 with an adult volunteer to help assist with assembly and delegating tasks. Each of our future roboticists participated in the project from reading directions to installing nuts and bolts, connecting various wires, or even sticking on googly eyes. The staff and volunteers were in awe of not only how skilled our students were at building, but also how well they worked together!
You can only imagine the anticipation and pure joy radiating from each team as they installed the last bolt, and flipped the switch to make their bots come to life.

2022 Reflections

viva@youthencouragement.org (Viva Price) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:18:25 GMT

Summer STREAM

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 17:28:10 GMT

Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Math

Our summer program, STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Math)

served students from first grade through high school this summer. Introducing a new theme each week for seven weeks, students dove into everything from the physics behind roller

coasters to the chemistry involved in launching rockets. Reading and writing was

tactfully incorporated into each activity for a dynamic approach to literacy!

We enjoyed many field trips that revolved around the weekly STREAM themes including, but not limited to, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Kentucky Kingdom, the Nashville Zoo, and the African American Music Museum!

YES Bible Camp 2022

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:01:03 GMT

Loving, unique, integrating, legendary: these are only a few words to describe this year's bible camp.

YES collaborated with JOY Productions to create a spectacular week of connecting with nature, each-other, and God above all else!

We enjoyed plenty of fun activities like kickball, tie dyeing shirts, and even zip-lining!

Faith over Fear was the theme of the week that carried us through this journey with confidence in the Lord and faith in the Holy Spirit! Everyday started off with a bible verse that enveloped a lesson of love. We danced, sang, rejoiced in the name of Jesus!

We are so grateful for our supporters who helped in cultivating memories that our children will hold for a lifetime..

Soul train fun

Our first night of camp was cele brated with family dance time!

Miss Eva explaining how camp is the best place ever!

The Unplug Challenge

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 16:57:08 GMT

The Unplug Challenge

Technology is wonderful and has made our lives easier, more efficient, faster, and more interesting but it also has its downfalls. Some of these include unhealthy family dynamics, decreased workplace productivity, lack of communication skills, and social disconnection , which increases sadness, isolation, and anxiety. Human beings are created to be together and live in community with other people. We require the companionship of other humans to make progress, be happy, and do well in life. Being socially connected with others can relieve stress, anxiety and loneliness but lack of social connection can lead to serious risks to mental health. Social connection increases our quality of life, favorably impacts our physical health, helps us live longer, boosts our mental health, decreases our risk for suicide, loneliness and depression.

Technology and social media have become an important part of our lives and have many enjoyable and positive benefits but can also lead to mental health problems. Social media has a built-in system of reinforcement by activating the brain’s reward center and releasing the “feel-good” chemical, dopamine, which is linked to pleasure centers in the brain. Social media platforms are designed to be addictive and are curated by AI to use our data to keep us captivated and coming back for more hits of dopamine to feel good.

A 2018 research study linked social media use to decreased and disrupted sleep, which is associated with memory loss, poor academic performance and depression. Social media use can directly affect physical health with nausea, headaches, muscle tension and tremors caused by anxiety and depression. Research from Cal State University shows that the frequency of social media use correlates with higher levels of depression, loneliness and feeling socially isolated. Technology and all forms of media need to be handled properly and not become an addiction in our lives or our children’s lives.

Try to unplug this season- you can start with an hour a day and increase it to a few hours a day or one day a week. Make a commitment as a family and set goals for limiting media use. Choose fun activities to do instead of looking at social media, mindlessly scrolling, texting, or playing games on your phone; try board games, cards, swimming, taking a walk, reading, listening to music, going outside to soak up Vitamin D or to look at the stars at night . Celebrate your victories in being able to unplug, no matter how small.

Summer Camp 2022 : Embracing Community

Wed, 25 May 2022 20:47:36 GMT

2022 Moosic City Dairy Dash

samantha@youthencouragement.org (Samantha Johnson) — Mon, 09 May 2022 02:42:15 GMT

We did it!

One cow... dozens of happy kids... and one thousand plus runners. Add in freezing temperatures in the 30's, and what do you have? The greatest day EVER!

The Purity Moosic City Dairy Dash invited YES to be the 2022 Benefactor of this family friendly event that helps shine a light on some of the most important work happening in Nashville. Our children trained for the Glenn Wunder Mighty Mile and crushed it!

They enjoyed crafts, ice cream and lots of dancing. Memories were definitely made!

Drumroll..... as the benefiting organization, YES received $165,000!! None of this would be possible without our friends at Purity and dozens of amazing sponsors.

Alley-Casse)y Company, Inc.

Baker Charitable Fund

BakerWest Properties

Barry and Lisa Allen Family

Brian & Robin Edwards

Dollar General

Kell & Maria Holland

LBMC Wealth Advisors

Mid-South Wire

M-S Logistics

NWP - Nashville Wire Products

Poss Sleep Apnea and TMJ Solu?ons

Regions

Rush Truck Center

Servis 1st Bank

Sprint Logistics & Warehousing

Stansell Electric, Inc.

Wilbur and Lucy Sensing

Zander Insurance

Vanderbilt University

Ford Classic Homes

Joe & Anne Russell Charitable Fund

Fleet Feet Nashville

Belmont University

Cal Turner Family Foundation

Corley Agency

CRI Carr Riggs & Ingram

David Thomas Crea?ve

DJR-T

Ezell Foundation

GBT Realty Corporation

Mark & Martha Ezell

OneEleven Digital

Phase:3

Purity

RJ Young

TKS

TNT Advertising & Design

Zeke & Jamie Gaskins

Thank you!!!

Women's History Month: The Women of YES

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:06:31 GMT

March. The month of spring, new beginnings, and let us not forget - Women's History Month.

Here at YES we have been busy bees planning for the upcoming Moosic City Dairy Das h , but we certainly took the time to r ecognize the strong women on our administrative team that keep YES going.

The female administrative staff were individually asked who their female icon is and why. Their responses alone show you how passionate and strong each being is.

yes

YES Homecoming 2025

Celebrating the seeds of hope sown in the hearts of our YES kids at our 2025 Annual Dinner

Full Circle: Mikey’s Journey with YES from Age 5 to 23

From after-school kid to role model, Mikey’s story is a shining example of how YES shapes lives — not just in childhood, but for a lifetime.

Interview with Mikey

A Full-Circle Moment

Lowe's renovates Lindsley Center

Lowe’s Project Day: Transforming Spaces, Inspiring Kids

Motorola Solutions Foundation Builds Brighter Futures

2024 YES Annual Dinner

2024 YES Annual Dinner

Nashville Predators hosts "Kids on Ice"

It may be hot outside, but our YES kids were keeping COOL inside the Ford Ice Center.

Spreading Joy: Christmas Store 2023

2023 Christmas Store

Bright futures ahead: How Nashville's fundraising event impacted children in need

"Promise Keeper" 2023 Bible Camp

2023 YES Bible Camp

YES's Good Friday Blessing

ROBOTS in READY

ROBOTS in READY

2022 Reflections

Summer STREAM

Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Math

YES Bible Camp 2022

Soul train fun

The Unplug Challenge

The Unplug Challenge

Summer Camp 2022 : Embracing Community

2022 Moosic City Dairy Dash

We did it!

Women's History Month: The Women of YES

Meet

The Women of YES