“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done,” said Bryan Stevenson, lawyer and social justice activist. It’s a thought that Pamela Madison, Chief Executive Officer of Monroe Harding nonprofit, lives by.
Madison has worked at Monroe Harding (MH) for 16 years, four years as the CEO. Their mission is straightforward: to transform the lives of young people. As foster youth age out of the foster care system, sometimes, they are struck with the lack of resources and support they need. MH aims to alleviate that stress and help its young people become successful individuals.
There are three main programs available: Foster Care, Supportive Housing, and the Resource Center, which is located in downtown Nashville. With the Foster Care program, MH recruits and trains families within Middle Tennessee to become foster parents for children from birth to 18 years old. The ultimate goal of foster care is to ensure children have a safe and stable home while their birth parents prepare for reunification.
The next program, alongside the foster program, is their Supportive Housing program. Through the Supportive Housing program, young adults over 18 years old gain the stability of a safe home while building the skills and confidence to live independently. There are 44 beds across seven homes located in North and West Nashville. Each home offers young adults their own bedroom, private bath, and full walk-in closet, along with a shared common area that promotes community. Currently, 41 of the 44 beds are occupied. The young adults are provided “wrap-around” services, including assigned case managers, career and educational skills training, as well as an on-staff therapist to work through any trauma for which they may need counseling.
The Resource Center helps young adults who have aged out of foster care and unhoused youth reach their educational and career goals, whether that means earning their HiSET degree, formerly known as GED, graduating from college, or building a career that inspires them. Many of the young adults from MH have gone on to achieve degrees from Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and technical programs. One such individual earned a Master’s from Columbia University. Another MH student completed the program, going on to establish a career of interest in cosmetology. She is now an adamant supporter and volunteer of MH while owning her own barber shop in Midtown.
If you are curious about how to support MH’s mission, there are many needs that can be met. MH is looking for volunteers for the upcoming holiday season. MH hosts their annual holiday party every December, named “Calling All Elves,” for current and past fostering families within their care. Santa Claus will be there, making this one of the nonprofit’s favorite holiday traditions. The community can make the holidays brighter by sponsoring a child to help fulfill their Christmas wishes. Local businesses, organizations, and churches can also support by hosting the party, and volunteers are welcome to help wrap gifts.
Not just during the holidays, but throughout the year, MH could use speakers to teach classes, companies to host job shadowing and internships, as well as tutors.
How can we help change the world to make it a better place? Madison reminds us that when we choose not to judge children by the tragedies they’ve experienced, we create a world that is kinder and more compassionate.
To become a foster parent or attend MH’s virtual monthly Q&A session, visit their website or call.
615-298-5573