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As featured by the Tennessee News Service

Two Nashville nonprofit organizations are teaming up to bridge generations in North Nashville’s Bordeaux community.

FiftyForward and Creative Girls Rock are opening Forward Creative Commons on March 20. It is a shared space supporting both older adults and young people in one of the city’s most economically challenged neighborhoods. About a quarter of Bordeaux residents are over age 60, and nearly one in five is under 15.

Charmin Bates, founder and CEO of Creative Girls Rock, said creativity helps young people find their voice through art and music, and the new hub gives both age groups a place to learn and grow together. Bates emphasized she is excited to join forces with FiftyForward, noting after eight years of moving from one community center to another, Creative Girls Rock will finally have a permanent home.

"What the Forward Creative Commons at Bordeaux will offer Creative Girls Rock and our participants is a safe space for us to have consistent programming in deepening our programming and our new initiatives and have an intergenerational experience with the seniors," Bates explained.

Bates pointed out the group is also expanding college partnerships, working with Fisk, Tennessee State and Vanderbilt universities. Three interns are already on staff, and talks are underway with Tennessee State to offer internship credit for students in fields like early childhood education or performing arts.

Sallie Hussey, CEO of FiftyForward, said community and connection become even more important with age. She noted her organization’s seven centers give older adults places to stay active, learn and socialize, from fitness classes to book clubs. Hussey added while community comes easily when people are younger, it can be harder later in life, making the centers key to preventing isolation.

"One of the things I'm so excited about in this new partnership is the fact that more and more studies around older adults and aging are telling us that if you can remain engaged creatively as you age, it will help your mental health outcomes, even some physical outcomes," Hussey stressed.

Hussey added a recent survey in Bordeaux found older adults struggle to reach city services and health care across the river. While medical care is a top need, she underscored residents also want creative and community spaces. The new partnership aims to fill the gap, giving people of all ages better access to programs supporting mental health and well‑being.

FiftyForward, a leading resource for adults 50+ in Middle Tennessee,  and the City of La Vergne Parks & Recreation Department have finalized plans to transfer the operations of the existing Senior Center, located at 337 Stones River Road in La Vergne, TN, to FiftyForward. The agency currently operates seven lifelong learning centers across Davidson and Williamson counties. The transition is effective on May 1, 2024.