The Martha O’Bryan Center and Metro Action Commission have been selected to be part of the Kresge Center’s Next Generation Initiative. This two-year learning program was highly competitive and the agencies will receive $500,000 each to advance their person-centric campaign that focuses racial equality through a two-generation, whole family approach.

The agencies are aiming to defeat poverty as fast as possible; ideally, within one generation, according to Martha O’Bryan Center CEO Marsha Edwards. Dr. Cynthia Croom, Metropolitan Action Commission’s Executive Director, said, “We are not a social services agency –we are a Community Action Agency focused on defeating poverty and serving over 20,000 residents in Davidson County.”

The Next Generation Initiative is more than just a grant; it is a learning program. Joelle Jude-Fontaine, Kresge Human Services Senior Program Officer, explained, “Over the next two years, this dynamic group of leaders will have the opportunity to learn from each other and national experts around the country and develop a network that collectively works to transform the sector and transform lives.” This is a fantastic opportunity for the agencies to help the Nashville area’s people succeed and grow.