MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Kymari House will remain at its longtime facility at 308 North Spring Street after its landlord agreed to let the nonprofit stay indefinitely, averting a sudden displacement from downtown Murfreesboro.
The resolution arrived less than 24 hours after the organization publicly appealed to Rutherford County residents for help securing a new location. Landlord representatives had initially issued a notice requiring Kymari House to leave the property by December 31st after 12 years of continuous operation at the address. The initial deadline had left agency leadership without a secured replacement site.
Executive Director Emily McKee confirmed the sudden breakthrough after further discussions with the property owner.
"Update: after speaking to our Landlord again this afternoon, he is happy for us to stay in the House as long as we like," McKee stated.
The initial displacement notice arrived months after local voters selected Kymari House as Rutherford County's Favorite Nonprofit in the Main Street Awards. During the initial search, the agency evaluated options to lease or purchase a site with multiple private visitation rooms, dedicated staff workspace, and appropriate safety accommodations.
Kymari House serves as Middle Tennessee's only nonprofit provider of professionally supervised visitation offered on a sliding-fee scale. That operational model prevents financial barriers from blocking court-ordered parenting time. The agency also conducts parenting education and comprehensive family support services to maintain safe, neutral settings for children and parents.
The stabilized lease comes as the organization expands services into Williamson and Davidson counties alongside its work across Rutherford County.
"The children we serve don't stop needing a safe place to see their parents because we have to move," McKee said earlier in the week. "Our address may change, but our promise to those children never will."
The organization will host its annual Building Brighter Futures Breakfast, presented by MTE, on Thursday (October 29th) from 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. at The View at the Fountains. The public event is free to attend, and organizers will accept community donations on-site.
Residents seeking additional information or looking to provide financial support can visit https://kymarihouse.org or email emily@kymarihouse.org directly.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Kymari House is asking Rutherford County residents for help finding a new facility after receiving notice to vacate its downtown home by December 31st.
The nonprofit has operated out of 308 North Spring Street for 12 years. Its landlord recently issued notice that the organization must leave the property before the end of the year, leaving leadership without a secured replacement facility.
The displacement comes months after local voters selected Kymari House as Rutherford County's Favorite Nonprofit in the Main Street Awards.
"We weren't planning to leave, but we've been given a deadline," said Emily McKee, Executive Director of Kymari House. "Being recognized as Rutherford County's Favorite Nonprofit means so much to our team. Now we're asking that same community to help us find the next place where we can continue serving its children and families."
Kymari House serves as Middle Tennessee's only nonprofit provider of professionally supervised visitation offered on a sliding-fee scale. That model prevents financial barriers from blocking court-ordered parenting time. The agency also conducts parenting education and comprehensive family support services to maintain safe, neutral settings for children and parents.
All scheduled services will continue operating normally during the property search. The agency is evaluating options to lease or purchase a property that provides multiple private visitation rooms, dedicated staff workspace, and appropriate safety accommodations. The relocation effort takes place while the organization expands services into Williamson and Davidson counties alongside its work across Rutherford County.
"The children we serve don't stop needing a safe place to see their parents because we have to move," McKee said. "Our address may change, but our promise to those children never will."
The organization's annual Building Brighter Futures Breakfast, presented by MTE, will take place Thursday (October 29th) from 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. at The View at the Fountains. The public event is free to attend, with community donations accepted.
Residents with property leads or those seeking to provide financial assistance can visit https://kymarihouse.org or email emily@kymarihouse.org directly.
