THE LEE COUNTY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER was founded in 1973 by two tireless
community leaders, the late Mrs. Jane Walker and the late Mrs. Cecil Moreman. The
agency was started in response to a growing need for the residential placement of abused
and neglected children. Over the course of more than thirty-five years, the scope of
services provided has grown to include community and home based prevention
programs as well as therapeutic residential care.
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, Short-Term Transition Programs, the Chanticleer Learning Center, the Jane Walker Adolecscent 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.
This office houses staff for Therapeutic Foster Care, F.O.C.U.S., and the TransParenting Program.
Other satellite locations include the Project Uplift office which is located on
the campus of Auburn University, the Comprehensive Family Services Program located
in the Lee County Department of Human Resources building, and the Continuum of Family Care Program
located just off Pepperell Parkway in Opelika.
As the only social service 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 a team of motivated and committed employees. The agency employs a staff of approximately 160 full-time
and part-time employees and additional contracted staff with an annual operating budget of approximately
eight 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.