Donate

History

United Methodist Neighborhood Centers were established in 1894 to serve young mothers and children who were among the 30,000 immigrant and impoverished Blacks in Nashville.  Over the next two decades and through partnerships with local agencies, educational programs and services were expanded to meet the growing needs of predominantly rural migrant workers including disease prevention, cooking, sewing and childcare techniques.
Bethlehem Centers building
Sallie Sawyer and Estelle Haskins

In 1907, Sallie Hill Sawyer, an African American Fisk University graduate, and Estelle Haskins, a Caucasian missionary, merged services to open a kindergarten, well-baby clinic, sewing circle and recreation program. These two women broke racial and gender barriers of their time to impact the lives other and provide essential services for the working poor. Today, Bethlehem Center of Nashville continues its ministry of Changing Lives and Building Futures with a commitment to the education and care of at-risk children, youth and seniors.

Volunteer with Bethlehem Centers

Our volunteers play a critical role in our outreach programs at Bethlehem Centers of Nashville. “Serving the underserved” has been the heart of our mission for over a century. Volunteer opportunities cover a broad spectrum – from tutoring students enrolled in our after-school program – to delivering hot lunches to seniors – to supporting our annual Christmas Toy Story program. Please click “Learn More” which lists our volunteer program, and sign up whenever you’re ready!

Learn More