Continuing Miss Battle's dedication to serving Nashville families.

A Nashville Legacy

Our story began in 1891 when Miss Fannie Battle saw a need in the community. She had joined a crowd gathered on the side of the street in north Nashville. Lying on the ground was a severely undernourished boy, who had been hit by a wagon, crying in pain. Miss Battle picked up the four-year-old, took him to the hospital, and went to find his parents. She learned that the boy’s father had deserted his six other siblings and his mother, who was forced to work in a cotton factory, leaving the children on their own each day. Fannie Battle rented a room in a house near the cotton mill – from her own limited means – and thus began Nashville’s first, and Tennessee’s second, day home.

Fannie Battle Day Home continues to provide affordable, high-quality childcare to working Nashville families. Our tuition is based on income and family size and we work families to secure childcare vouchers from the state for those needing extra assistance. Currently, we provide care and education to over 100 children ages six weeks to 12 years old.

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1890 - Fresh Air Camp

Miss Fannie Battle opened a summer camp known as the “Fresh Air Camp” at Craggie Hope, TN, which created a pleasant, healthy vacation, and convalescence facility for impoverished mothers and their children.

1891 - Addison Avenue Day Home

Miss Fannie Battle founds the Addison Avenue Day Home.

1916 - Caroling for Kids

Volunteers created the first Caroling for Kids: A Candle in the Window – A Carol at the Door.

1924 - Fannie Battle Day Home

Addison Ave Day Home was renamed to Fannie Battle Day Home after the passing of Miss Battle.

1958 - Shelby Ave Breaks Ground

Shelby Avenue location allowed for expansion of services for children ages six to 12 years old.

1980 - The Legacy of Fannie Battle

Fannie Battle Social Workers published The Legacy of Fannie Battle by Sara S. Morrow

1991 - A Century of Commitment

Fannie Battle Day Home celebrates its 100th year of service to Nashville families

2011 - New Home on Chapel Ave

Purchase of new center on Chapel Avenue allowed for significant increase to the number of children served.

2013 - Yum!East Food Tasting Event

Created the Inaugural Yum!East fundraiser, showcasing the best eats in East Nashville

2021 - 10 Year Anniversary at the New Chapel Ave Location

After 10 years of serving East Nashville, Fannie Battle remains in its new home serving more families and children