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Elmington Elevates is a Nashville nonprofit that supports foster youth aging out of care. It started 11 years ago as a toy drive for 100 kids and grew into a program with its own building. In Tennessee, 80 percent of youth who age out of foster care face homelessness, trafficking, addiction, or incarceration. This work aims to change that.
Key takeaways
In Tennessee, 80 percent of youth who age out of foster care face homelessness, trafficking, addiction, or incarceration.
Elmington Elevates started 11 years ago as Toyfest, giving toys and clothes to 100 children in Nashville public housing.
It grew into ElevateU, a free after-school program serving more than 100 children in Title 1 schools.
Today the nonprofit owns a building built to support foster youth during their move out of care.
Small acts of giving back can grow into something that changes lives for years.
In Tennessee, 80 percent of youth who age out of foster care will experience trafficking, homelessness, addiction, or incarceration. That number is not acceptable.
That is why I’m so proud of the new path Elmington Elevates is on. The credit belongs to Ben Brewer and Betsy Spearman Langford, whose leadership has turned this vision into reality.
Start Small, Dream Big
Elmington Elevates began 11 years ago as Toyfest, a program where 100 children in a Nashville public housing community went home with bags filled with toys and clothes bigger than they were. Over the years, the initiative evolved into ElevateU, a free after-school daycare program serving more than 100 children in inner-city Title 1 schools.
Now, after transitioning ElevateU to another nonprofit, Elmington Elevates has grown into a nonprofit that owns a building designed to support foster youth aging out of care.
Beyond Housing
This new platform provides more than just a roof over someone’s head. It offers:
- Care and stability during a vulnerable transition
- Opportunities for education and personal growth
- A chance at a different story for at least the next 20 years
By providing these resources, Elmington Elevates is changing the trajectory for young people who might otherwise face incredible challenges.
How You Can Help
If you are thinking about starting something to give back, do it. You may not know where it will lead, but it will make a difference. And sometimes, small acts grow into initiatives as impactful as Elmington Elevates.
To support this mission, you can donate directly here: www.elmingtonelevates.org
· Founder & CEO
Scaled a Nashville affordable housing operation, couldn't find a system built for it, so she built one.
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Contact UsWhat is Elmington Elevates?
Elmington Elevates is a Nashville nonprofit that supports foster youth aging out of care. It started 11 years ago as Toyfest, a toy and clothing drive for 100 children in a public housing community, then grew into ElevateU, a free after-school program. Today it owns a building built to give foster youth stability, education, and personal growth.
What happens to youth who age out of foster care in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, 80 percent of youth who age out of foster care will face trafficking, homelessness, addiction, or incarceration. Aging out means losing state support at a vulnerable age with little safety net. Programs like Elmington Elevates exist to change that path by offering housing, care, and stability during the transition.
What does Elmington Elevates provide beyond housing?
Elmington Elevates provides more than a roof. It offers care and stability during a vulnerable transition, opportunities for education and personal growth, and a chance at a different story for at least the next 20 years. The goal is to change the long-term path for young people who would otherwise face serious challenges.
How did Elmington Elevates start?
Elmington Elevates began 11 years ago as Toyfest, a program where 100 children in a Nashville public housing community went home with bags of toys and clothes. Over time it became ElevateU, a free after-school program for more than 100 children in Title 1 schools, and later grew into a nonprofit serving foster youth.
How can I support foster youth aging out of care?
You can donate directly to Elmington Elevates at www.elmingtonelevates.org to support housing and care for foster youth aging out of care. The bigger lesson from this story is simple: if you are thinking about starting something to give back, do it. Small acts can grow into work that changes lives for years.
Why does affordable housing connect to foster youth support?
Affordable housing teams often work in the same communities where vulnerable youth live, including public housing and Title 1 school zones. Elmington Elevates grew out of that work, starting in a Nashville public housing community. Stable housing is a foundation for the care, education, and growth foster youth need when they age out of state support.
