YWCA Knoxville launches campaign to renovate its downtown building and help more women
The YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a beacon of hope and support for women in need for nearly a century. Through its Keys of Hope Capital Campaign, the organization is set to embark on a new chapter of impact and empowerment.
On April 24, YWCA board members and local leaders gathered at the historic downtown building at 420 W. Clinch Ave. to celebrate the campaign’s launch and progress toward renovations to the site.
"Bigger, better, greater" was the motto for the day as Chief Youth Engagement Officer Kathy Mack told attendees the organization's founding success was rooted in women paving the way and working for a building that would end up serving the community for decades.
"You can see on the cornerstone right over there, dedicated to the glory of God and the service of womanhood since 1925. For 100 years, the YWCA has been doing work in our region," said Mack.
The campaign's focal point is the renovation of the YWCA's historic downtown Knoxville building. Stephanie Burrage, CEO of the YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley, told Knox News that the renovation is not just about refurbishing bricks and mortar, it's about revitalizing a space that serves as a stepping stone to a better future for women.
And women were always at the center of ensuring that the YWCA was a success.
“The YWCA was founded here in town in 1899, but there was no building, and so all of the women of the YWCA raised the money to construct this building in 1925. One of the ways they did that was selling copies of the Knoxville News Sentinel,” Burrage said.
Renovations and expanding Keys of Hope program at center of mission
The YWCA's Jenny Boyd Keys of Hope Program for Women is an initiative that provides shelter, support and resources to women facing homelessness, addiction and other life challenges. The initiative offers cost-effective housing, transitional support and life skills training for women striving for self-reliance. The organization reports a 90% success rate for the two-year program.
The building renovations will add nearly 30% more resident rooms and expand the program to provide services for more than 200 women each year. Currently the building has 58 rooms for housing. The project will include new bathrooms on each floor, laundry rooms, accessibility and an additional 17 rooms.
The renovations are expected to be completed by summer 2025.
“We are 99 years old. This building has never been renovated," Burrage told Knox News. "Through this expansion and remodel we are able to renovate all the pipes, electrical and all of the HVAC. It will include everything that we need to do to make this building safe and a little bit more pleasurable to live in."
New name unveiled for YWCA building
In recognition of their generous contribution to the Keys of Hope Capital Campaign, the YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley announced its downtown building will be renamed the YWCA Nancy J. Land Center. Steven and Nancy Land provided the lead gift.
"It's an overused phrase, but our contribution truly is a hand up and not a handout. This historic building is just the icing on the cake as the cornerstone of Knoxville's growing downtown," Nancy Land said.
To date, the campaign has raised $9.9 million from public and private sources, including grants.
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett's office helped secure a $2 million allocation in the 2023 federal budget. The city of Knoxville has contributed $575,000 and Knox County gave $400,000.
The community fundraising initiative will bridge the gap to the total project cost of $11.5 million.
“We are going to have more cultivation events and hopefully have other community donors help us with that," Burrage said. "There have been asks out to the state as well. So far we've had about 75 foundation and private donors step up, and we will continue to work with them and help identify other community donors."
In 2021, University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd and his wife, Jenny, made a $1 million contribution to the Keys of Hope Women’s Program, which was renamed in honor of Jenny Boyd.
Burrage said the launch comes at a crucial time, as the need grows for resources for those facing homelessness in Knoxville. The YWCA gets more than 1,200 requests for help each year, but has to turn some women away because of lack of space in its facilities, the organization said in a news release.
To donate, go to ywcaknox.com.
Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com. Twitter @AngeladWrites. Instagram @angeladenniswrites. Facebook at Angela Dennis Journalist.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: YWCA Knoxville launches campaign to renovate its downtown building
