Harvey, Louisiana · Woodmere Community

Empowering the Next Generation
of Woodmere

The Woodmere Youth Collaborative Board is building a vibrant, inclusive center where every young person in Harvey can learn, grow, lead, and thrive.

Explore Programs Support the Center
500+
Youth to Serve
10+
Development Programs
Harvey
Jefferson Parish, LA

"Our mission is to invest in the whole child — their mind, their character, and their future — right here in the heart of the Woodmere community."

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Rooted in Woodmere

Born from a deep commitment to this community, the Woodmere Youth Center is a safe space where the next generation finds mentorship, opportunity, and belonging.

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Education

Academic enrichment & tutoring

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Leadership

Civic engagement & character

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Arts & Culture

Creative expression for all ages

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Athletics

Sports, wellness & teamwork

Future home of the Woodmere Community Youth Center, 2475 Alex Kornman Blvd, Harvey LA
Our Story

A Vision for Woodmere's Youth

The Woodmere Youth Collaborative Board is the introductory governing body building the foundation for a permanent community youth center in Harvey, Louisiana. We are committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive space where every young person in Woodmere can learn, grow, and thrive.


We believe every child in Jefferson Parish deserves access to quality programming — regardless of their family's economic circumstances. Our collaborative model brings together community leaders, educators, parents, and local organizations to build something extraordinary, right here at home in Woodmere.


The center will feature state-of-the-art facilities for academic support, arts and enrichment, athletics, workforce readiness, and community gatherings. We are actively fundraising, securing partnerships, and recruiting dedicated volunteers and board members to make this vision a lasting reality.

500+
Youth to Serve Annually
10+
Development Programs
20+
Community Partners
1
Community, One Mission
What We Offer

Youth Development Programs

Our programs develop the whole child — academically, physically, creatively, and professionally — right here in the Woodmere community.

Children collaborating on a learning activity at the Woodmere Youth Center
Building tomorrow's leaders — together
Teens in a study group session
Academic enrichment & peer mentorship
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Academic Excellence & Tutoring

After-school homework help, STEM enrichment, college prep, and literacy support for students K–12. Certified educators and peer tutors available throughout the week.

Ages 5–18 Learn More →
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Youth Leadership Academy

A flagship program empowering teens with civic responsibility, public speaking, community service, and career mentorship. Building tomorrow's Woodmere leaders today.

Ages 13–18 Learn More →
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Arts, Music & Performance

Visual arts, music instruction, drama, dance, and spoken word programming — a full creative arts curriculum celebrating our cultural heritage and community identity.

All Ages Learn More →
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Workforce Readiness

Job readiness workshops, resume writing, financial literacy, digital skills training, and employer partnerships connecting teens to real career opportunities in Jefferson Parish.

Ages 15–21 Learn More →
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Sports & Recreation

Basketball, soccer, track, and wellness programs that build teamwork, discipline, and healthy habits. Intramural leagues and tournaments for all skill levels in the community.

Ages 6–18 Learn More →
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Mental Wellness & Support

Counseling access, social-emotional learning, peer support groups, and family resource navigation. Every young person deserves a safe space to be seen and heard.

All Ages Learn More →
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Youth Back on Track Development Program

A structured, character-building program focused on life skills, mentoring, discipline, and leadership development. Designed to equip young people with the tools and mindset to succeed in school, career, and community.

Ages 16–18 Learn More →
Inquire About Programs
Representative Rodney Lyons, Louisiana State Representative District 87
The Visionary Behind It All

Representative Rodney Lyons
Louisiana State Representative, District 87

The Woodmere Youth Center is the brainchild of Louisiana State Representative Rodney Lyons, a lifelong servant-leader dedicated to the Woodmere community and the people of Jefferson Parish. Representative Lyons has long believed that thriving communities begin with investing in their youngest members.

Drawing on years of legislative advocacy and deep community roots, Representative Lyons spearheaded the creation of the Woodmere Youth Collaborative Board to turn a vision into reality — a place where every child in Harvey can discover their potential and build their future right where they were raised.

Louisiana State Representative · District 87 · Jefferson Parish · Founder, Woodmere Youth Collaborative Board
Leadership

Our Collaborative Board

The Woodmere Youth Collaborative Board is comprised of dedicated community leaders committed to building something lasting for Harvey's young people.

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Rep. Rodney Lyons

Louisiana State Representative, District 87

Founder
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Deidra Decay

Harvey, Louisiana

President & Director
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Keishelle Jones

Harvey, Louisiana

Secretary
FJ

Faith Joseph

Harvey, Louisiana

Treasurer
RJ

Rodney Jessie, Jr.

Harvey, Louisiana

Board Member
AT

Anita Tillman-Jackson

Harvey, Louisiana

Board Member
Inquire About Board Membership
Get Involved

Your Community Needs You

Whether you have five hours a month or five hours a week, your skills, experience, and passion can make a profound difference in the lives of Woodmere's young people.

Mentor working with a young person at the Woodmere Youth Center
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    Volunteer & MentorshipShare your skills as a tutor, mentor, coach, or program facilitator. No experience required — just a willing heart and a love for community.

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    Corporate & Organizational PartnershipsSponsor a program, provide internships, or partner with us on workforce development initiatives creating pipelines to real careers for Harvey youth.

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    In-Kind DonationsContribute supplies, equipment, technology, food, or professional services. Every gift — large or small — goes directly to the community.

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    Spread the WordFollow us on social media, share our story, and help recruit supporters from across Jefferson Parish and beyond.

Sign Up to Volunteer or Partner

Stay Informed

News & Updates

Follow the latest milestones, announcements, and events from the Woodmere Youth Collaborative Board.

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July 16, 2024 Official Milestone

Woodmere Youth Collaborative Board Officially Incorporated

The Louisiana Secretary of State approved our Articles of Incorporation on July 16, 2024. Charter Number 46026687N — we are officially open for business serving the Woodmere community.

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July 11, 2024 IRS Approval

IRS Grants Federal 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status

The Internal Revenue Service determined that the Woodmere Youth Collaborative Board qualifies as a tax-exempt public charity under IRC Section 501(c)(3), effective July 1, 2024. Donations are now fully tax-deductible.

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Coming Soon Opportunity

Founding Partner Program — Become a Legacy Supporter

Our Founding Partner program recognizes early donors and organizational partners who help build the foundation of the Woodmere Youth Center from the very beginning. Contact us to learn more.

Get in Touch

Contact the Collaborative Board

We'd Love to Hear From You

Whether you have a question about our programs, want to explore partnership opportunities, or are ready to get involved — please reach out to our President, Deidra Decay, and our board members are here to connect with you.

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Registered Address 2475 Alex Kornman Blvd.
Harvey, Louisiana 70058
Jefferson Parish
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Email Thecenteralod1@gmail.com

Send Us a Message