Empowering Young Adults to Thrive
Our Mission: As a young adult, leaving foster care and entering the world can be daunting. But for those who have experienced homelessness, the challenges can seem overwhelming and challenging. That's why Your Community Oasis is dedicated to providing a safe, stable and supportive oasis for young adults aged 18-24 who are struggling to find their footing.
Our Vision: A world where every young adult, regardless of their background or circumstances, has a safe, stable, and supportive home to grow, thrive, and achieve their full potential. We believe that every individual deserves access to a nurturing environment that fosters independence, resilience, and community.
Our Values:
Stability-We Provide Housing Solutions Through Guidance, Resources And Assistance From Application Stage To Move In
Service-We Offer The Educator-Developed Life Skills Curriculum We Created, And Partner With Service Based Community Organizations
Spirituality and a Growth Mindset-We Encourage Spiritual Wellbeing By Sharing Our Personal Journeys In Christ & Cultivate Conversations Around Growth Mindset
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Adele Whittaker
Executive Director/Co Founder
A Nuclear Pharmacist, Church Leader, and Community Activist, brings her lifelong dedication to serving others to the forefront of this initiative. Drawing from her own experiences, Adele is driven by a profound sense of responsibility to provide the stability and safety that she once lacked in her own childhood. Her journey inspired the co founding of Your Community Oasis Inc., as hope and resilience in the youth, demonstrating that with support and love, even imperfect paths can lead to success.
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Gabrielle Gardiner
Program Director/Co Founder
A 12 year educator, community volunteer, and innovative curriculum writer who has the passion to help individuals to reach their full potential. Recognizing the critical need for safe and stable housing for young adults aging out of foster care, Gabrielle believes in creating opportunities for personal growth, education, and job training. By cofounding and establishing Your Community Oasis, Inc., she aims to break the cycle of homelessness and pave the way for a brighter future for youth and young adults. “I want to be what someone was to me as I transitioned into adulthood to the youth I support and interact with.”
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Travis Ward
Board Member
A native of Port Gibson, MS with a passion for education, history, and helping others,Travis' background stretches a wide spectrum from, business, accounting, finance, compliance, non-profit, to community services. He has served on several non-profit organization boards in the pass 10 years and has great passion for seeing others succeed. It is Travis' goal to reach out and as far as GOD will allow to help and protect people of color(youth, transitioning young adults, and displaced adults). He is exceedingly excited to serve this organization and the communities that will enhance our calling. Blessings and light!
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Alexandra Thomas
Board Member
A dedicated attorney known for her upfront approach and ability to build trust with her clients. With a robust educational background that includes Bachelors degrees in Political Science and Psychology, along with a minor in Sociology from Millikin University, and a law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston, Alexandra is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal field. She has extensive experience guiding clients through all phases of litigation in probate, personal injury, general and commercial litigation. Alexandra’s passion for helping others shines through her commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for those in need. During her college career, Alexandra developed a deep passion for mentoring and tutoring incoming students through the challenges of their first year and beginning phase of adulthood. Now an established attorney, she combines her legal expertise with a strong dedication to social causes, particularly focusing on supporting young adults as they transition to independence. Alexandra aims to leverage her skills to advocate for and provide essential resources to young adults aging out of the foster care system, helping them build stable and successful futures.