Welcome to FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center!

accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers

The FiftyForward J. L. Turner Center, in partnership with the Bellevue Family YMCA, provides members with opportunities for a healthy lifestyle while encouraging social and community involvement. Through partnering with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, Senior Citizens, Inc. (now FiftyForward) has been able to offer individual and group experiences in a fitness/wellness center environment. This new facility opened in September 2006, the first of its kind in the nation to house a senior center and a Y in partnership. All Bellevue Y members age 50 and over are automatically members of the Turner Center.

In addition, the Turner Center provides health, wellness, nutrition, computer and art groups/classes. Traditional groups such as bridge and other card games, knitting, quilting, travel, genealogy and socially based interest groups meet in the Center. Community business partners sponsor health and wellness screenings, walking groups, lunch programs and community volunteer projects for Turner members. The Center has fostered the Bellevue Community Chorus and plans to support a Senior Olympics swim team.    

Currently, the Center offers evening classes in advance computer skills and life issue topics such as creative retirement, legal issues, entrepreneurship, caregiver support group and weight management. The fourth weekend of each month, the Center hosts Silver Seminars on topics such as Alternative Medicine, Couples Spa Weekend, World Bazaar of Cultures, and more. The current Turner membership exceeds 2,500 active older adults.

Living At Home Services care managers and service providers assist individuals who want to remain independent in their own homes, their caregivers and families. Bellevue area schools participate in the FLIP program, giving active older adults the opportunity to connect with the school age children in the community.

For more information about the FiftyForward Turner Center, please call Vickie Ballance at 673-8715.

Special Events (annual)

Through an active volunteer and ambassador program, the Center produces a fundraising event called “Ride the Trace,” held in mid-September. The Ride the Trace Infobook is available from the Turner Center to promote healthy living by offering tips on health and well-being. The book also contains money saving coupons by local Bellevue merchants in support of the Center and its programs. The proceeds from the sale of each book support classes and seminars being provided in the Center free of charge.

Volunteer Opportunities

The FiftyForward Turner Center is always looking for member and community volunteers for a variety of roles. For more information, call 673-8715.