As part of its 'ONE Community' Program, the Tennessee Titans today unveiled a new tech lab facility at the Looby Community Center. The new space aims to provide appropriate technology and a comfortable environment for children to do their homework, study for upcoming tests, receive tutoring sessions and more.
"Education is a key pillar of our ONE Community platform, and supporting initiatives that offer children the tools and resources needed to be successful is a top priority," said Johari Matthews, Vice President and Executive Director of the Titans Foundation. "Looby Center is an amazing partner for us, and we are so grateful to work alongside Metro Parks and Recreation, as well as Councilmember Toombs to make this new space a reality."
The tech lab is now outfitted with brand new laptops, tablets and other relevant technology intended to enhance the learning experience for children utilizing the space during after school programs. The Titans also volunteered to fully renovate the space with new flooring, paint and other features, making it an ideal environment for a focus on schoolwork. This donation from the Titans is in partnership with the NFL Foundation's 'Digital Divide Grant.'
Steeped in Nashville history, the Looby Center derives its namesake from famed Nashville-based civil rights leader, Z. Alexander Looby. Located at 2301 Rosa L. Parks Blvd in North Nashville, the center is one of 19 neighborhood centers throughout the city that features a gymnasium, game room, multi-purpose rooms, playground and gathering area.
Neighborhood Centers like Looby Center are community-based and offer programs and activities for the surrounding communities throughout the year. These facilities provide a wide range of programs and services to all members of the community. Programs and activities include competitive adult and youth sports, arts, and crafts, walking clubs, scouting programs, organized games, social events, and many more.
"The Looby Center is a core resource and cornerstone of our community. It has become like home to many children and families, so having all the appropriate resources to encourage growth and learning is essential," said Councilmember Kyonzté Toombs. "This project is an excellent example of the depth and breadth of support we can offer when our community leaders work together."
Children attending Looby Center after school programs were surprised with a visit from Titans mascot T-Rac and Titans Cheer as they opened the doors to a newly outfitted facility and explored the offered technology.
"The partnership between the Titans and Metro Parks and Recreation only continues to grow, and the sky is the limit," said Monique Horton Odom, Metro Parks Director. "Offering these resources to children in our community is a gamechanger when it comes to their education and success. We are so excited to unveil this amazing new space for the kids."
The tech lab is officially open to students and community members who need access to computers, printers, Wi-Fi and more.
About Titans ONE Community
'ONE Community' is the Tennessee Titans' multi-faceted philanthropic platform that reaches many of Nashville's most underrepresented and marginalized communities with a focus on three areas – Opportunity, Neighborhoods and Education. The Titans have binding partnership agreements with each ONE Community organization supported, and a six-member advisory committee to help foster growth and provide accountability, oversight, and reporting measures. Powered by the Titans Foundation, ONE Community strives to create generational change one person, one family, and one community at a time.
About Metro Parks
Metro Parks offers a variety of facilities and programs throughout Davidson County. Currently, the department oversees nearly 16,000 acres of open space, including 178 parks and 100 miles of greenway. It is the mission of Metro Parks to provide in a sustainable and equitable manner, everyone in the county with an inviting network of parks and greenways that offer health, wellness, and quality of life through recreation, conservation, and community.
