The YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is pleased to announce a contribution in the amount of $25,000 from long-time supporter Maureen Dunn McBride, in honor of her husband and former Oak Ridger, Neil McBride. This contribution is dedicated to Neil’s efforts in the renovation and re-opening of the YWCA building in Oak Ridge at 1660 Oak Ridge Turnpike.
Maureen McBride, retired Executive Vice President and General Counsel of TVA said, “I couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to honor Neil’s many years of service to low income and vulnerable families in Oak Ridge.” A room inside the front doors of the YWCA building has been named the “Neil McBride Room” and it will be used by YWCA staff and our partners to offer services to the people of Oak Ridge and Anderson County.
The YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is grateful for Maureen and Neil’s dedication and generosity to the Oak Ridge community. When asked about this honor, McBride responded cheerfully, “I am pleased to have this recognition but the main thing is seeing this building serving the community again.” On October 29, the YWCA hosted its official ribbon cutting and open house for the renovated building. Neil was among the group who cut the purple ribbon that afternoon. With help from supporters like Maureen, Neil and many others, the YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is able to serve families who have experienced violence.
Before retiring in 2014, Neil McBride managed the Oak Ridge office of the Legal Aid Society for 35 years. During that time, he assisted local leaders who were trying to restore the YWCA building to a community purpose, after it had been neglected for many years. In response to these efforts, in 2015 the Davidson County Chancery Court appointed him as the Receiver of the former YWCA’s assets. Upon McBride’s recommendation, the court awarded the assets to the YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley in 2017. Since then, McBride has been an active member of the YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley’s Advisory Committee as well as dedicated to the mission of the YWCA as it serves the residents of Oak Ridge and Anderson County.
The McBride’s, along with many others, encourage the community to participate in the renovation of the building by donating to the Oak Ridge Renovation Fund. For more information on the YWCA’s services, the building renovation and more please visit www.ywcaknox.com or call 865-523-6126.
About YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley
The YWCA is a nonprofit social-service agency dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA reaches over 23,000 clients and families annually through women’s housing, advocacy for victims of domestic violence, youth programming, and health and wellness opportunities. Service areas in East Tennessee include Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, Roane
and Sevier counties.