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Built on the powerful belief that there’s more to youth.
In 1969, a group of young lawyers came together to establish the “Rap House,” a simple community center for runaway teens and youth struggling with addictions. Fifty years later, the “Rap House” has evolved into Oasis Center, where nearly 4,000 youth and families turn for help and direct support every year. Oasis Center provides a wide range of opportunities that reflect the diverse needs of youth and their families, from crisis intervention to youth leadership and community engagement to college and career access.
Our 20+ programs and services are based on the foundation of four areas for youth success – Safety, Belonging, Empowerment, and Generosity. All of our work is also firmly rooted in the evidence-based principles of Positive Youth Development and Trauma-Informed Care.
Judy Freudenthal
If you know Oasis, you likely know Judy. Over her 40-year career at Oasis – starting at the “Rap House” – Judy has continually helped our programs evolve and become models in the field of positive youth development. Her unending responsibility to our young people, who help us grow and “get it right,” is at the center of Oasis today. So, what keeps her here? “The people, the spirit, the privilege to be part of something remarkable. Anyone can tell you the finest people come through our doors.”
Alexuss
Alexuss has a reputation around Oasis for being the “glue that keeps a group together.” Although her path hasn’t always been easy, she is a leader- in every sense of the word. She came to us in 2011 when life was beginning to take its toll. In 2015, she took part in Camp AnyTown where Oasis staff recognized her potential and referred her to the Mayor’s Youth Council. This past year, Alexuss was awarded a Presidential Scholarship and will be attending TSU with plans to go to law school.
Natica
“Yeah I did this!” Natica’s zest for life is contagious and he is unstoppable! In 8th grade, he had a vivid dream, one that inspired him to write . . . and write . . . and write. As a senior, he wrote 6 books, self-published 3, and currently has a screenplay underway! Natica credits Venture with helping him to expand his vision, identify his next steps, and market his work. He’s attending Murray State University as a Theater Major. You did it, Natica!
Judy Freudenthal
If you know Oasis, you likely know Judy. Over her 40-year career at Oasis – starting at the “Rap House” – Judy has continually helped our programs evolve and become models in the field of positive youth development. Her unending responsibility to our young people, who help us grow and “get it right,” is at the center of Oasis today. So, what keeps her here? “The people, the spirit, the privilege to be part of something remarkable. Anyone can tell you the finest people come through our doors.”
Alexuss
Alexuss has a reputation around Oasis for being the “glue that keeps a group together.” Although her path hasn’t always been easy, she is a leader- in every sense of the word. She came to us in 2011 when life was beginning to take its toll. In 2015, she took part in Camp AnyTown where Oasis staff recognized her potential and referred her to the Mayor’s Youth Council. This past year, Alexuss was awarded a Presidential Scholarship and will be attending TSU with plans to go to law school.
Natica
“Yeah I did this!” Natica’s zest for life is contagious and he is unstoppable! In 8th grade, he had a vivid dream, one that inspired him to write . . . and write . . . and write. As a senior, he wrote 6 books, self-published 3, and currently has a screenplay underway! Natica credits Venture with helping him to expand his vision, identify his next steps, and market his work. He’s attending Murray State University as a Theater Major. You did it, Natica!
Youth Opportunity Center
What if youth could meet all of their needs in one place? That's the vision for the Youth Opportunity Center, a shared building collaboration between Oasis and five youth-serving agencies.
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Our Programs
The lives of our young people are complex. Supporting their transition to a healthy, productive adulthood can’t happen through singular support. Oasis offers a broad spectrum of programs to help young people find their strengths, use their skills, and break down the barriers that keep them from success.
Bike Workshop
Youth not only build their own bike – they build the confidence and ability to explore beyond their neighborhood
Details
Counseling
Working with youth and families to improve happiness and well-being
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Emergency Shelter
A short-term residential program helping youth ages 13–17 and their families address crisis situations
Details
Just Us
Dedicated to helping LGBTQ teens be their authentic selves in environments of safety and acceptance
Details
Mayor’s Youth Council
Lending the power of youth voice to the Mayor’s Office on our city's most pressing challenges
Details
Oasis College Connection
Dedicated to improving college access and success outcomes for young people across Nashville
Details
Rapid Rehousing
Rental assistance and supports to get youth housed quickly, safely, and permanently.
Details
Reaching Excellence As Leaders (REAL)
Helping youth build stronger communities and a positive future
Details
Room for You
An alternative housing option for young adults who are experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis
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Street Outreach Program
Providing a wide range of support for youth ages 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness
Details
Underground Art Studio at Oasis
Nurturing creative pathways for healing, self-exploration, and creating positive community change
Details
WeGo Public Transit Youth Action Team
A group of young leaders working with WeGo Public Transit to identify and improve key transit issues for youth.
Details
International Teen Outreach Program® (ITOP®)
Engaging youth in service-learning to build healthy behaviors, life skills, and a sense of purpose
Details
Statewide Training and Development
In partnership with Department of Children’s Services, we’re working to reshape the futures of youth in state care.
DetailsLeadership
Mark Dunkerley
President & CEO
After spending eight years in university athletics, Mark moved back to Nashville in 2010 and jumped at the opportunity to join Oasis. For 10 years, Mark headed up our development team and special projects to advance our strategic goals. He is particularly serious about his BBQ recipe, hot chicken, and craft beer.
Kim Reese
Chief Financial Officer
Though Kim plays a “behind-the-scenes” role, helping young people has always been her driving force. An expert CFO with 20-plus years experience at Oasis, Kim ensures our resources are managed effectively with careful stewardship. She’s also a heck of a softball player and loves spending quality time with her nieces.
Shanda Hampton
Vice President of Human Resources
Shanda began her Oasis career working in the Emergency Shelter. In her current role, these roots help her build a workplace culture filled with fun, compassion, and growth. She loves to spend time with family. She’s also a bit of a football fanatic (Go Bucks!) and dreams of becoming a college football commentator.
Cheryl Mendez
Vice President of Clinical Services
Cheryl provides leadership of our Crisis and Residential Services, with a commitment to trauma-informed, evidence-based, and continuous improvement models of care. Cheryl loves being a mom to three active adolescents, including taking on organizing little league baseball league and cheering on her kids’ teams.
Jenn Garcia
Vice President of Action, Advocacy & Education
A community- and relationship-builder, Jenn consistently instills these qualities in our YEA programs and the teens we serve. Jenn loves camping out with family and physical activities, but she’s never far from public service. In her spare time, she serves on Metro Parks’ Board and works the polls each Election Day.
Karri Gornick
Vice President of Housing & Workforce Development
Lee Gray
Senior Director, School-based Programs
With an infectious “can do” attitude, Lee has dedicated his career to improving postsecondary outcomes for youth. After focusing on retention at his alma mater Beloit College, Lee came to us to head up College Connection. A former college soccer player, Lee shares his passion these days rooting for his nephews.
Pam Sheffer
Senior Director, Youth Action & Advocacy
Pam left her successful career in the corporate world in 2010 to pursue a pressing challenge – to help LGBTQI youth reach their full potential. Since then, she has helped catapult the “Just Us” program into one of Tennessee’s leading resources for LGBTQ youth, their families, and youth providers across the state.
Amanda Thomas
Senior Director, Shelter & Youth Diversion
Courtney Berner
Director of Outreach Services
Laurel Reeves Centi
Director of Grants
Linda Copeland
Learning Collaborative Director
Alyssa Fernandez
Director of Permanent Housing
Dana True
Director of Development Operations
Dana moved from her native homeland in California to Nashville in 2012. In addition to enjoying a long and diverse career in education as a teacher and administrator, she worked 10 years for a private grant writing and evaluation firm. She loves going for long drives with her wife and her pup, Baxter.
