IT MATTERS
- "Young Life showed me there was a community of believers out there that truly cared about their relationship with Christ. It really wasn’t until after high school that I was able to refer to the seed that was planted in me and prioritize my relationship with Christ. I was always a believer but after I graduated, I was able to deepen my relationship with my Creator by referring back to things I’d learned from YL, church, family, and friends. I was able to truly set my sights on God and not the things of this world. As an adult I can prioritize my faith and community found in that faith. I can recognize the need for youth to be poured into. I’m working towards a degree in finance which I will complete at the end of this year from LSU. I’m interning at the Bank of Zachary where I’m learning to apply my degree to the banking industry. I’m active with Wyldlife where I get to spend time with my middle school friends! I’m still in the outdoors as always. Most importantly, I’m pursuing my Creator and striving everyday to be more like Him. I know I will truly never measure up but His death and grace are sufficient." - Gabe Jewell
MEET OUR STAFF
HEATHER BLAYLOCK
AREA DIRECTOR
Heather has 20 years of experience working and volunteering for Young Life. She volunteered with Baton Rouge Young Life as a leader at Istrouma High School from 2002 to 2005. Heather also volunteered with Central Texas Young Life from November 2005 to April 2006, reaching military kids in a multicultural setting. In 2006, she came on staff with Central Texas Young Life and developed a ministry for military teenagers in a small town. In 2011, Heather moved back to Louisiana and began work with volunteers in the small community of St. Francisville, Louisiana. With 20 years of experience, she has worked with teenagers in inner-city, multi-ethnic, and small-town settings. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in music and a minor in sociology. She is working towards a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Human Resources Management and will complete the degree in the Fall of 2024.
MELANIE BATES
AREA ADMINISTRATOR
Melanie just joined the Young Life team in March of 2023. She attended her first club in February of 2023 and instantly fell in love with the mission of Young Life. She was brought on to staff as a part time area administrator shortly after her first club experience. Prior to working for Young Life, Melanie was pursuing a career in fisheries biology, but decided she wanted to spend her time serving the Lord and others in a direct ministry environment. Melanie is passionate about the work she is doing and is excited to see where her path with Young Life leads her in the future. Melanie has a bachelor’s degree in natural resources ecology and management with a minor in fisheries and aquaculture and has a passion for sharing her love of the outdoors with kids.
MEET OUR COMMITTEE
CHAD HEISER
COMMITTEE CHAIR
4 YEARS OF SERVICE
CHERYL FRANKLIN
COMMITTEE MEMBER
4 YEARS OF SERVICE
BRITTANY LEAK
COMMITTEE MEMBER
7 YEARS OF SERVICE
CARTER LEAK, IV
COMMITTEE MEMBER
7 YEARS OF SERVICE
ROBERT HANNA
COMMITTEE MEMBER
2 YEARS OF SERVICE
RACHEL HOWELL
COMMITTEE MEMBER
7 YEARS OF SERVICE
JOHN ROGERS
COMMITTEE MEMBER
2 YEARS OF SERVICE
ANTHONY VERDICANNO
COMMITTEE MEMBER
2 YEARS OF SERVICE
CHUCK WALTERS
COMMITTEE MEMBER
9 YEARS OF SERVICE
WEST FELICIANA
P.O. BOX 2294
SAINT FRANCISVILLE, LA 70775
You Were Made for this
Your story matters, and it can make a difference beyond what you imagine.
Volunteer your time to work directly with young people.
Support the staff and leaders as part of the local adult committee.
Give resources to start or sustain the financial foundation at the local or national level.
