Five people wearing gloves preparing leafy greens and other ingredients together in a commercial kitchen.

Empowering children & young adults impacted by foster care.

Helping young people across Middle Tennessee find the homes, healing, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Smiling foster family showing a man, woman, and boy holding hands outdoors with trees and rocks in the background.
Group of six people wearing sports gear smiling and making peace signs indoors.
Smiling woman in orange sweater hugging a girl in white sweater outdoors with autumn leaves.
Smiling young woman holding a certificate showing HiSET progress and readiness to graduate.

Our mission is to change young people’s lives.

To equip children, youth, and young adults experiencing adversity and trauma with homes, healing, and opportunities to build successful, independent lives.

Since its founding in 1893 as an orphanage for displaced youth, Monroe Harding has continued to evolve alongside the changing needs of young people. Today, that means helping them find stable homes, build skills and confidence, and access resources that support a successful transition to adulthood.

We deliver that work through three core services: Foster Care, Supportive Housing, and the Resource Center. Monroe Harding also advocates for the young people we serve and empowers them to advocate for themselves.

Monroe Harding is the only agency in Middle Tennessee providing a continuum of care for current and former foster youth from birth to age 26, helping them navigate critical transitions so they reach their full potential and become contributing members of society.

Our programs help build strong foundations for adulthood.

Foster Care

Recruiting, training, and supporting foster families across Middle Tennessee to provide safe, nurturing homes for children and youth.

Resource Center

Onsite hub connecting young people to education, workforce development, financial literacy, and life skills that support independence.

Supportive Housing

Providing young adults transitioning out of foster care with safe, stable housing and ongoing support as they build toward independence.

See what your support makes possible.

Monroe Harding was so essential in the process of foster care. I don't know how many times I texted our Monroe Harding case worker. She answered all of the questions I had, never having been a mom - there was a lot.

Smiling couple standing in front of a colorful textured wall with abstract patterns.
Paula Porter
Foster Parent

If I didn’t have the resources from Monroe Harding I’d probably be homeless. Especially even right now, in my current situation. If it wasn’t for Monroe Harding just having the love and the patience and the support - it’s just really a blessing.

Smiling man wearing a black Tennessee State sweatshirt with a cityscape in the background.
Marquice
Young Adult

For me, it's just been  the joy of seeing them laugh, and play and grow up and learn - and just watch them develop. All the while their parents are doing what they need to do.

Smiling young woman in a denim jacket and bearded man in a baseball cap sitting together indoors.
Elizabeth King
Foster Parent

425

Total children, teens, and young adults served

19,922

Nights of safe sleep provided for children and young adults

158

Volunteers changing young people’s lives

Statistics are based on Monroe Harding's Impact Numbers from 2025

Two adults each holding a child, all smiling in front of a building with white and red doors.

Help empower children, youth & young adults in foster care.

Whether you choose to donate, become a foster parent, or volunteer your time, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference in a young person’s life.