THE LEE COUNTY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER was founded in 1973 by two tireless community leaders, Mrs. Jane Walker and the late Mrs. Cecil Moreman. The agency was started in response to a growing need for the placement of abused and neglected children. Over the course of more than thirty years, the scope of services provided has grown to include community and home based prevention programs as well as therapeutic residential care. Read Mission Statement

The main campus of the agency is located on 15 acres in Opelika, Alabama, on property donated by the George King Family. Residential programs including the Correctional Services Center, the Transition Assessment Programs, the Jane Walker Treatment Center and the Psychological Services Clinic are also located on the Opelika Campus. The Community Services office is located at 1716 Catherine Court in Auburn, Alabama. It houses staff for Therapeutic Foster Care and East Alabama Family Options.

Other satellite locations include the Project Uplift office which is located on the campus of Auburn University, the After School Program which is located on Grove Street in Opelika, and the Comprehensive Family Services Program located in the Lee County Department of Human Resources building.

As the only agency providing a comprehensive continuum of care for youth and families in this region of the state, Lee County Youth Development Center strives to maintain the highest standard of quality care, innovative prevention and treatment programs, and qualified staff. The agency employs a staff of approximately 150 full-time, part-time, and contract employees with an annual operating budget of approximately seven million dollars.

Our Mission Statement:
A place for change...
Working together,
Offering rays of hope for children and families...
Stengthening our community.

Our Core Values:
• Building and valuing a committed, compassionate and enthusiastic team.
• Honoring tradition while inviting and embracing diversity, change and growth.
• Providing a comprehensive range of service designed to improve the quality of life for children, families and our community.