Youth Oasis is a local, non-profit organization located in Mid-City Baton Rouge on South Acadian Thruway (conveniently located near the Baton Rouge General Medical Center’s Mid-City Campus).

Through our programming, we provide necessary support services to runaway, abandoned and homeless youth within the Greater Baton Rouge Area.

Many of the youth we serve are escaping abuse (physical, sexual and/or emotional), substance abuse or exploitation within their home environment. Some are trying to find a healthier path for their future than the one they are currently on. All are trying to find ways to fit into their community.

Youth Oasis Operates three programs to provide the services necessary for these at-risk youth: The Basic Center, The Transitional Living Program and the Safe Place Program.

What services does Youth Oasis provide?

• The Basic Center is an Emergency Shelter for male and female youth ages 10-17.
• The TLP is a Transitional Living Program for male and female youth ages 16-21.
• Youth Oasis also leads the community wide Safe Place program.

Our Leadership

Melissa A. Keaster, Executive Director

Ms. Keaster joined Youth Oasis in 2010 after working as a program analyst for the federal government in Washington, DC. She has over six years of experience working with organizations like CASA. Ms. Keaster completed her undergraduate work at Bucknell University and also has a Masters degree in Public Policy from George Mason University with a concentration in Social Policy.

Jacqueline Jefferson, Program Manager

Ms. Jefferson effectively manages and runs the Transitional Living Program. She graduated from Southern University and has been with Youth Oasis for 2 years. Ms. Jefferson enjoys making a positive impact on the children we serve.

Jeffrey Fairley, Program Manager

Mr. Fairley manages the Basic Center. He joined us after working for Hope Ministries and Covenant House in New Orleans. Mr. Fairley brings with him experience with outreach to the homeless and joined Youth Oasis in mid-2011.

Yvette Ridgley, Social Worker

Ms. Ridgley is the Social Worker on staff for the youth at both the Transitional Living Program and the Basic Center. She runs the Life Skills program which teaches our youth basic life skills they will need to succeed on their own and is always available for counseling sessions or just to talk.

Affiliations/Memberships
National Safe Place - nationalsafeplace.org
Louisiana Association of Child Care Agencies - laccrra.org
Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless - homelessinbr.org