About Youth Oasis

To support youth and young adults recovering from the trauma of homelessness and family separation through housing, healthcare, and advocacy.

A Louisiana that cares for, supports and affirms all youth, nurturing their growth into responsible, resilient citizens.

What we stand for

History

1. 1998

   Founded as Baton Rouge Alliance for Transitional Living by members of local social service agencies and universities who saw the need for a transitional living program for young adults aging out of foster care.

2. 2002

   A basic emergency shelter was added to support at-risk youth ages 10–17.

3. 2003

   The organization became known as Youth Oasis, and officially changed its name in 2011.

4. 2016

   The transitional living program expanded to include services unique to the LGBTQ+ community, branded Diversity House.

5. Today

   Youth Oasis remains true to its foundation of breaking the cycle of homelessness in our community and state, operating the foster youth shelter, transitional living center, and Diversity House.

Leadership

Tekoah Boatner

HS-BCP, Executive Director

A nonprofit professional with over 15 years in the sector and a passion for developing people and organizations. Her specialty is integrating systems-oriented thinking into nonprofit business models and building outcome-based programming that translates directly to a diverse funding portfolio. Undergraduate degree from Southeastern Louisiana University; graduate degree from Capella University.

Mary Davis

MPA, Chief Operating Officer

A two-time graduate of Southern University, with a dual Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a Master's of Public Administration earned in 2018. She has worked in human services across the public and nonprofit sectors, introducing policy and procedural updates that meet the needs of the organization and its staff. She believes everyone should have the opportunity to discover their fullest potential in spite of circumstance.

Ednisha Lee

Program Leadership

Originally from New Orleans, Ednisha graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2017 with a Bachelor's in Child and Family Studies and a minor in Psychology. Her work spans human services and mental health with a focus on crisis intervention, and she is a certified Court Appointed Special Advocate. She is passionate about serving the underserved and plans to pursue a Master's in Social Work.

Board of Directors

We're excited to announce a new partnership with Montgomery Pride United and the Bayard Rustin Community Center, expanding our reach and resources for LGBTQ+ communities. Together we have more impact and more activities for diverse LGBTQ+ communities. Visit montgomeryprideunited.org to learn more.

We serve more than 100 youth a year, and that's only 1.5% of Louisiana's youth living apart from their families because of abuse or neglect. Your support helps us expand our programs and carry out our mission.

Youth Services outcomes

• 85%of residents gain employment within 30 days of entering the program
• 60%receive their high school diploma or complete their GED while in the program
• 85%maintain stable residency after transitioning out of the program