YAIPak Outreach exists to serve and support the under-resourced in the community through acts of kindness.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The work of YAIPak Outreach continues to grow and do even more, not only for the local community but for the surrounding region as well.
The “YAI” in YAIPak is an acronym for “you are important,” which has been a message and their theme for helping those in need since founder and CEO Sherry Nicholson began her mission in 2016.
Volunteers help sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Volunteers help sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
A flag that hangs inside the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Volunteers surround YAIPAK Outreach Founder and CEO, Sherry Nicholson, (in green shirt), at the YAIPAK warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Items waiting to be sorted, packed, and given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Volunteers help sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
A volunteer helps sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
A volunteer helps sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Volunteers help load items to be delivered to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
A Volunteer helps load items to be delivered to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
A truck waiting to be loaded with items being given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
School supplies waiting to be sorted, packed, and given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Items waiting to be sorted, packed, and given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Volunteers help sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Volunteers help sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Volunteers help sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
Items waiting to be sorted, packed, and given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on April 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Items waiting to be sorted, packed, and given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Volunteers help sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Volunteers help sort and pack items to be given to those in need at the YAIPAK Outreach warehouse on Paradise Hill Road on, Apr. 28, 2022. (Lee Erwin).
YAIPak has recently expanded many of their outreach programs, thanks in part to a new 50,000-square-foot warehouse in a new location at 1255 Paradise Hill Road.
Nicholson praised Leo Millan and Millan Enterprises for making the new facility available.
“It’s filling up very quickly,” she said. “It’s a miracle place for us. It has allowed us the opportunity to expand our reach and our impact.”
YAIPak programs
Nicholson said that impact has quadrupled with what they are doing with families, children, veterans, homelessness, and with disaster relief. Nicholson added plans are in the works for expansion of their Project Foster Hope program, to include educational resources and training.
Other programs from YAIPak Outreach include Be the Hope, which serves and builds relationships with those who are homeless, and Project Patriot Hope, which offers help and support to veterans.
“We are a mobile outreach, not a standalone closet or food bank. There are plenty of other phenomenal organization that do that. We fill our trailers and our vehicles, and we take it to where they are, where we need to go to make an impact,” Nicholson said.
MORE: Sherry Nicholson shares her story of going from homelessness to running YAIPak Outreach | AUDIO
With Project Rebuild Hope, YAIPak was able to provide immediate support to the city of Waverly after severe flooding in August 2021. Support was also given to victims of last December’s tornadoes and is still going on in Mayfield and Dawson Springs, Kentucky.
“We were able to immediately take in supplies to help get people fed, clothed, and also get needed items to first responders to help them,” Nicholson said. YAIPak is still supporting Waverly to help the community rebuild.
Volunteers needed
Nicholson said more than ever there is a need for volunteers who can help organize for outreach, for events, or who have special skills to share.
YAIPak accepts monetary donations, as well as gently used clothing, toiletries, household goods, nonperishable food, and more. Donations can be dropped off at 1255 Paradise Hill Road on Monday, 9 a.m.-noon, Wednesday noon-2 p.m., and Thursday, 5-8 p.m. Nicholson said there are plans this summer to expand those hours.
For more, visit YAIOutreach.org or email info@yaioutreach.org. For questions or volunteer information, call 615-559-7710. To report someone who needs help, call 615-559-8272.
Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is an ongoing Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.
