loading
The Eighteenth Avenue Family Enrichment Center (EAFEC) in Nashville, Tennessee, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1934 as the Negro Youth Work Committee. Established during the post-Depression era, its initial mission was to provide wholesome recreational programs for male youth in North Nashville.
The center was founded by notable community leaders, including Dr. W.J. Faulkner, the first African American president of the National Association of College and University Chaplains, and Dr. Lillian Voorhees, one of the first African American female playwrights with a doctorate from Columbia University and founder of the Speech and Drama Department at Fisk University.
In 1994, recognizing the need for quality early childhood education in North Nashville, the organization expanded its services to include early childhood instruction and parent education. This led to a rebranding as the Eighteenth Avenue Family Enrichment Center (EAFEC). Today, EAFEC operates as a non-profit, three-star rated organization offering full-time, year-round early head start care and preschool education for children aged six weeks to five years. The center also provides after-school and summer enrichment programs for children aged six to twelve years.
Beyond educational programs, EAFEC supports families through services such as tax assistance, holiday assistance, and health-related services. Collaborations with organizations like United Way of Greater Nashville and Tennessee State University facilitate access to comprehensive family-centric health and educational resources.
Throughout its history, EAFEC has remained committed to empowering and enriching the lives of children and families in North Nashville, building upon a foundation of community support and educational excellence.
