Black on Track logo Black on TrackBilly M Townsend COTH Building
Capital Completion Campaign · Springfield, Tennessee

A veteran's dream. A lasting community resource.

Black on Track is finishing the Billy M Townsend COTH Building, a welcoming place to learn, heal and build an independent life.

Make a DifferenceMeet Billy Townsend
Black-and-white portrait of Billy Townsend
Billy Townsend
Funding requested
$750,000
Already invested
More than $1,000,000
Target completion
December 2026
The $750,000 Capital Completion Campaign

Close the gap. Open the doors.

Black on Track owns the building and has already invested more than $1 million. This campaign funds the remaining work to meet safety and occupancy standards and open by December 2026, subject to permitting, construction schedules and funding.

$0 raised of $750,000
0% of goal Target: December 2026
$750,000Requested to complete the facility
$1M+Already invested by Black on Track
~$2MLonger-term enhancements, not part of this campaign
Billy Townsend in military uniform
Restored commemorative portrait of Billy Townsend in military uniform
Founder's legacy

Billy Townsend

People deserve a chance to learn, grow, and build independent lives.

Billy Townsend was a Vietnam War veteran who lived with a 100% disability. He devoted his life to community service and founded Black on Track, envisioning a permanent place where people facing disadvantage could find practical support and room to advance.

Before his death in 2023, one of his final dreams was to establish this community center. His family and supporters are now working to fulfill that vision. The project is both a memorial to a life of service and an investment in the long-term strength of Springfield and the surrounding community.

Billy Townsend speaking from the pulpit with arms outstretched
Billy Townsend speaking from the pulpit
What the center will offer

Many services. One building.

Some people need more than a single service. The center brings learning, counseling, family support and hands-on skills together in one place. Services are planned for underserved individuals and groups of all ages, within program eligibility and capacity.

Education and enrichment

Literacy, numeracy, tutoring, study skills and opportunities for personal growth.

Independent living

Adaptive skills, social communication, cooking, sewing, household routines and personal care for participants with varied abilities.

Counseling and wellness

Individual and family counseling, trauma-informed support and conflict-resolution education. Clinical counseling comes from licensed professionals or qualified partners.

Parenting and family

Teen-parent and caregiver education, child-development guidance, family resources and employment preparation.

Workforce and reentry

Resumes, interviewing, job readiness, mentoring and transition support for people returning from incarceration.

Agriculture and construction

Introductory farming, gardening and food production, construction basics, safety awareness and exposure to skilled trades.

Who the center is for
  • Children and youth
  • Adults
  • People with disabilities
  • Teen parents
  • Families facing hardship
  • People returning from incarceration
  • Veterans
Implementation and timeline

From funding to opening day

  1. Upon award

    Confirm final scope, contractor estimates, permits, compliance requirements and the procurement plan.

  2. Construction

    Complete remaining work and track cost, quality, safety and schedule against contractor milestones.

  3. Pre-opening

    Finish inspections, accessibility and occupancy requirements, furnish program areas and finalize staffing and partnerships.

  4. December 2026

    Target for opening, depending on funding, inspections and construction milestones.

Donor wall

Thank you to the people on this track

Names appear only when a donor ticks the consent box at checkout.

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Application contact

To request the full proposal, project plans or due-diligence documents, contact Black on Track.

Organization
Black on Track · Billy M Townsend COTH Building
Representative
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Mailing address
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Federal EIN
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