Search Institute

Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee

In the summer of 2001, the YMCA’s Center for Asset Development was created to work with agencies, schools, churches, and youth groups to implement best practices in youth work. Their mission is to empower youth and adults to live authentic lives of character, service, and leadership.

The Tennessee Healthy Communities • Healthy Youth initiative evolved from that work to further support and expand the community’s capacity for building assets for and with youth through programs and practices that are strength-based and asset oriented.

• Visit our new blog for educators and youth development professionals at www.TheAssetEdge.blogspot.com.
• Find out more on how the Center for Asset Development can help you build healthy youth and healthy communities through their workshops and trainings at www.TheAssetEdge.net including Play with Purpose, Service-Learning, Team Building, Youth/Adult Partnerships, Positive Youth Development Practices, and more!
• Free resources for youth workers and teachers are found through the sidebar link at www.TheAssetEdge.net.

Assets in Action

Great Group Games and the YMCA Center for Asset Development

The Great Group Games book came into being from years of play: as participants, as camp counselors, as goofy kids (and adults) who couldn’t let go of a good time, as teen workers in the church, school and the YMCA, and as trainers. What’s included here is a revolution that started back in our childhood and evolved over time.MORE

What’s Cooking in Nashville? Muffins and Math Bring Parents In

In an elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, parents of students in kindergarten, first, and second grades have the opportunity to get involved with their children’s education through a unique program. Known as Bake and Take, the program shows parents how they can support their children using the Developmental Assets, and allows them to help them engage in their children’s school, bake something together, and share a lunch.MORE

News from the Center for Asset Development of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee

Getting youth involved in volunteer service is one of the best ways to promote healthy development, so the YMCA Center for Asset Development teaches others about best practices in service-learning.MORE

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