The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency is working to increase positive ambition in teen girls who live in community housing through the LYDIA Society. LYDIA stands for Leading Youth in their Dreams Inspirations and Ambitions. Each year, MDHA selects approximately 15 girls ages 13-16 who reside in community housing to be members of LYDIA. The young ladies work with volunteer community partners throughout the year who teach the girls the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their higher education goals.

Members of the LYDIA Society are selected based on a number of criteria, including certain risk factors. The girls participate in workshops twice a month that cover a wide range of topics from public speaking and financial fitness to goal setting and healthy lifestyle choices. MDHA established the LYDIA Society to promote the pursuit of self-sufficiency among families living in community housing.

Members of the 2011 LYDIA Society are:

Tazia Calloway Tatiana Griffin Railyn Lamb Kiara Wesson

Ya'keishia Campbell Em'maja Hancock Erica Pickett Anonia Williams

Santisha Ezell Jeanesia Hancock Kaylin Smith

Kaila Gregory Raveen Johnson Jamia Thompson

For more information, or to volunteer for the LYDIA Society, please contact Michael Green at 615-252-8596 or mgreen@nashville-mdha.org.