5 years ago I felt compelled to make a difference in helping teens avoid bad decisions and make a…read moresuccessful transition to adulthood. I realized that a mentorship was the most effective method for me. I signed up with BBBS and went through their interview and training process. It was thorough, but I respected them for it. I've now been matched with a "Little" for over 4 years. He's about to graduate from high school and go to college. I couldn't be more happy with BBBS, the staff, and the programs they put in place. Every interaction has been positive. They sincerely have a heart for this cause. They give you the support to succeed and encouragement to feel competent in your Match. They produce a constant supply of resources, events, and information to make this a rewarding experience for both you and your Little. They always need volunteers for a variety of opportunities and I would passionately encourage you to give them a call.

Did you know that for every match that Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Middle TN makes it costs them…read moremore money ongoing? They're one of the few non-profits where the more people that get involved the more it costs to run. Those dollars go to make sure the kids are not trapped in some nightmare situation, do background checks on potential matches, personal interviews, crisis intervention, matching, events, match specialists, etc... BBBS spends quite a bit of money for each successful matchup they have. I've been in the program now entering my third year. In this time I've had (and still have) one little brother, and I'm now on my third of fourth match support specialist (one moved away, one because my little changed schools) and each one of them seems to take this as more than just a job. If you've got a few bucks to spare and are looking for some place to invest in the future, I can't promise that every dollar is going to the right place, but a decent enough percentage appears to be. If you've got some time to commit and are looking to make a change in someone's life, you might be interested in getting in their programs. Be aware it's a commitment, you're not guaranteed to be matched and sadly there are an abundance of Big Sisters who will not be matched as there are not a whole lot of little sisters and too many little brothers think big sisters are icky. Sadly it's how the game goes. (Big Sisters can be matched with boys or girls, Big Brothers as far as I know are matched with boys only) They have a couple of distinct options for mentoring, a community and a site-based option. Site-based is you come to a school and visit, Community is after school / out in the world. I spent 2 years doing in-school and now do both while my little is out of school. It's been a good experience for me as a BB. There are things I'd like to change about it for my particular situation, but in general I think they're doing just about as good as they can for everyone. So yeah, that's my review - decent place to volunteer time or donate some money.

This nonprofit aims to help refugees and immigrants through education and social services…read more They offer many programs such as: - English Language learning classes - GED preparation - Citizenship preparation - Refugee integration program - Youth after school and summer programs - Workforce preparation program - Help finding jobs - Social adjustment program - Health program - And refugee resettlement This is a huge organization and yet not many people know of it. In fact, I've come across a bunch of teenagers who have lived here all their lives, except that they were born in a different country and don't have citizenship. And now they want to go to college but they can't. This program will help with the citizenship test and other youth programs can help with college prep... the resources are out there, people just have to know of them. If you want to volunteer or intern and help out, here's the page. http://www.empowernashville.org/get-involved/volunteer/ I've found them to be very receptive to ideas and volunteers.

One in 8 Nashville adults can't read?! Thats crazy! Anyway, this organization offers one on one…read moreliteracy tutoring and classes for immigrants and American born citizens alike. They also offer citizen test preparation. If you want to help, they have a lot of volunteer openings. Here's the link on their website http://nashvilleliteracy.org/volunteer/. I've found it easy to call with questions too.

I volunteered as a tutor weekly here for about 4-5 months. It is a fantastic program that really…read morehelps both the students and the tutors. Most of the students I worked with had come here from other countries (Japan, Haiti, Thailand, France) where they had professions. They typically needed to practice speaking and reading English and were highly motivated. Some students were Nashvillians who were now retired from long careers doing manual labor jobs who hadn't learned to read in school. They were highly motivated also and a pleasure to work with. So many interesting stories! Highly recommend this well-run program to all.

Truly one of the best dog shelters I've ever been to! The staff there is absolutely incredible and…read moretruly cares about the pups! They are always open on Saturdays and Sundays if you want to check out the dogs that are available for adoption.

Wag is the absolute worst company to work for and use. They charge workers 20 dollars to be…read moreconsidered as an applicant. Then once yoj pay that they offer a wag pro platform if you pay them $120 dollars they will give you better jobs. As if this is not enough to make you sick , they won't pay you for the job you have done. I completed 3 jobs and at first they told me I had to complete 3 to get paid so I did . now they have told me that I have to jump through some more hoops meanwhile after driving 45 miles to do these jobs and under the impression I am getting paid , I run out of gas because they refuse to pay me. In addition to all of these sad details the owner runs a puppy mill . They are collecting all of the money but not paying the workers for their job.Disgusting people in California that think they can take advantage of TN people

Great neighborhoods don't happen by accident, there are a lot of people who work to make them what…read morethey are. These people usually work through neighborhood organizations or special interest groups. The folks at Neighbor2Neighbor (formerly NRC) help those organizations figure out what they're doing and how to survive. Having been elected the president of my neighborhood association recently, and wanting to do the job right and not just half ass it, I started on one of their programs. Basically a neighborhood organization boot camp. They also provide services to neighborhood groups wishing to maintain their tax exempt status without having to have someone in the group intimately familiar with how to run and file for a 503c1 (or whatever the number currently is.) They've helped me a lot with being handed the reigns of an atrophied neighborhood association at least knowing where to steer it and how *not* to look at the thing.

These are some of my favorite Nashville neighborhoods. This resource center nurtures neighborhoods…read morethru information and training of residents of diverse living areas in the metropolitan area. I am grateful for info from them and from the metropolitan government office of neighborhoods. NASHVILLE NEIGHBORHOODS 12south/Belmont: Nouveau shops/nabe south Belmont U. Bellevue: middle class suburb Berry Hill/Melrose: 100 Oaks, 8th Ave. Antique District Brentwood: Upscale neighbor to Cool Springs shopping Donelson/Hermitage: Founders Sam Donelson and Jackson homes East Nashville: Historic 5-Points. Artsy, gay-friendly Goodlettsville: Country living with Rivergate shopping convenience Green Hills: Tennessee's most bourgeois shopping, "The Mall" Madison: super churches: Madison C of C, Cornerstone, patriots Midtown: Over to Wedgewood/Blakemore. Restaurant/Music Row area North Nashville: home to great Meharry Medical College, Fisk, TSU South Nashville: new immigrants Nolensville road area Sylvan Park/west Nashville: 46th, Charlotte Ave. to Nashville West shopping center

Tiny but Mighty was started by Yelp Nashville community manager Marcia M. in memory of her late pup…read moreChico, the original "tiny but mighty" man. The purpose of the fund and it's volunteering opportunities is to provide services, awareness, and funds for animal welfare and rescue groups around Nashville. As the pup mother of a rescue dog, who was left in a dumpster and has been bringing happiness to my life for almost a decade, I cannot express enough how important and impacts ill this fund is. To turn tragedy into opportunities for other needed animals is absolutely admirable. Every member if this organization cares so much about what they do. If you have a passion for pups check out their website for chances to donate or volunteer. I can say that your time and money are going to make a real difference in our community and the lives of pups in need. My sincere thanks and congrats to all members of this organization and to Marcia M. for all her hard work in making this happen. Please consider supporting such an incredible venture.

Habitat for Humanity Nashville location pick-up service for donations to the ReStore is wonderful!…read moreThe 2 drivers were sweet and careful as they loaded the truck with care. They knew President Jimmy Carter's birthday was yesterday, which shows how all affiliated with Habitat are true humanitarian! And how it helps when needing to let go of things to have an outlet like this. Thanks for all they do!

They build 30-40 houses in Middle TN every year! Go on their website if you want to volunteer by…read moreyourself or have a group that wants to volunteer help build a house for low income families. I'v worked with them before and its really rewarding.

An awesome nonprofit in Nashville, super helpful and tons of amazing resources! When you want to…read morevolunteer in Middle TN look no further than hon.org!

Few understand the importance of Hands On's existence in Nashville. As bold as this statement is,…read moreI think there is no more important nonprofit here. As middle Tennessee's only volunteer center, HON serves as the volunteer staffing organization for so many charities who need the help. Everyone knows that charities can't run without (1) money and (2) volunteers. Every September, thousands of HON volunteers descend on Metro Nashville Schools to pour hundreds of thousands of dollar's worth of time into doing much needed maintenance to the system facilities. In the horrific flood of 2010, HON stepped up as the hero organization, providing relief in almost every facet. Full disclosure, I am on the board. I serve on the board because I believe it in so much. HON is financially sound and run like a well-oiled machine by its staff and executive team. If you're a volunteer, just log in to the website and enter the system. You'll be amazed by the opportunities, training and diversity of events. Go ahead...you might just change your life while changing someone else's!