Norma Jean Upshaw, age 82, served as the inspiration behind the formation of AWAKE Nashville, a non-profit started by her daughter Karen Holder and granddaughter Danielle Cotton, three-generation native Nashvillians. After Norma Jean was given less than 60 days to move out of her senior community in January 2022, the non-profit was created to help mitigate displacement and create affordable housing for seniors on fixed incomes.
AWAKE Nashville stands for Advocating for Wellness, Accessibility, and Knowledge of injustice facing the Elderly. It has been one of the fastest-growing non-profits since its inception in 2022. This impressive duo took the difficulties faced within the senior community surrounding affordable housing and turned them into action. They approached former House of Representative member Bill Beck and Senator Charlane Oliver with proposed legislation to change eviction regulations for involuntarily displaced seniors. The bill was initiated to help displaced seniors have more time to relocate. Thanks to their efforts, the bill was passed and signed into law by Governor Bill Lee in 2023 and now provides seniors with a 60-day eviction notice instead of a 30-day notice. The law is called the Norma Jean Upshaw Act.
“We see this [law] as a legacy for generations to come,” says Cotton.
The founder and CEO, Holder, and her daughter and co-founder Cotton, are hosting a gala on April 19th to help raise awareness about the issue of senior displacement and the need for more affordable independent senior housing. The fundraising event will be held at the Turner Theater located in the Factory at Franklin and begin at 6:30 p.m. This event will raise additional funding for senior housing and state of the art community center that will be built in north Nashville.
There will be approximately 47 newly built villas for rent to those 62 and older. The villas are one-story, open-concept homes, with ADA accessibility required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The non-profit was awarded a grant from the Barnes Housing Trust Fund to build these homes with anticipation of breaking ground later this year, but there is still a great need for additional support and funding.
This gala will be an event to remember, so mark your calendars. There will be a plated dinner and live auction, as well as live music featuring the Nashville All Stars Band. AWAKE Nashville is also excited to celebrate the unveiling of its new affordable senior community. Senator Charlane Oliver among others will be speaking and Norma Jean Upshaw will be presented as an honoree. There is also a grand prize raffle, which you will not want to miss.
If you would like to buy tickets to this event, you can purchase them online from the AWAKE Nashville website. Single or table tickets are available for a night full of fun and support for this organization. If you would like to volunteer with this non-profit, you can contact Holder or Cotton, who would love your support.
This mother-daughter team looks forward to expanding the affordable senior housing plan to a nationwide level. Their hard work and dedication to seniors have sparked change within the community of Nashville and it’s time to celebrate and welcome the beginning of their journey to create long-term change.
“There is nothing more transformative and life-altering than the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, especially for our seniors,” commented Holder.
weareawakenashville.org
“There is nothing more transformative and life-altering than the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, especially for our seniors,” commented Holder.