Jermaine Woods was just a baby when his family moved out of Oakridge Neighborhood, but he found his way back in an unexpected way. 

The Connection 

Former Vice President – Youth Education & Engagement Vernon Johnson, or “Mr. Vern” as he’s lovingly known, is a family friend of Jermaine’s; Mr. Vern’s son Baley and Jermaine grew up playing basketball together. When Jermaine was starting college and looking for work, Vernon had an opportunity for him: come work for Oakridge Neighborhood’s youth programs and receive $1,000 toward college. He took the job. It’s been 16 years and he hasn’t looked back. 

The Job 

While Jermaine’s title, Success Navigator, has remained the same since 2010, he explains that his role, as well as the program, has evolved. He recalls that when he first began, there were two Summer Youth programs: a free camp and a paid camp. The free camp, where he worked, spent all day outside. He remembers early on working hard to find fun activities for the kids to do, and he was hooked. Since that time 16 years ago, he’s become a trusted confidant in the youth department among his fellow staff and supervisors. They know that if something needs to be done or another leader is gone, Jermaine can step in and lead. 

Consistency is Key 

Outside of Oakridge, Jermaine also works as a Special Education Associate at Edmunds Elementary, right across the street from Oakridge. That means some students see him all day every day both at school and after. “You develop relationships with students, and then they expect to see you,” explains Jermaine. “I want to be a good mentor to kids who might not get that.” 

He credits the entire youth team for the success of the program, citing a deep sense of community among his colleagues. Providing for their students is always their priority, and “when we’re all on the same mission and we have a clear goal, it’s easy to accomplish that,” he says. 

Jermaine’s work with young people is one of his biggest inspirations, and he’s decided to go back to school to get his teaching degree. “I would love to be a teacher,” says Jermaine, who also thinks he could thrive in an administrative role. “I’ve been here for so long, I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge about how to work with youth and make an impact.” 

Supporting Oakridge Youth 

Jermaine believes that no matter how small, support of Oakridge Neighborhood’s young people makes a difference. “Even if it’s just mentoring or coming in to read some books, these kids need that,” Jermaine says. “It takes a community.” He knows that every act of service counts. “I’m in the business of making memories. If we can have a sense of community and raise these kids right, they’ll be able to take care of us the right way.” 

Oakridge Neighborhood served over 375 K-12 students in 2025 alone. To find an opportunity to make an impact in our youth department, click here. To register your child for Oakridge Neighborhood’s youth programs led by dedicated individuals like Jermaine, click here.