“I want them to go to the next level”

Le’Andrea Taylor’s passion for helping youth has taken her from basketball courts to a neighborhood corner – the corner that is home to a Queensborough Friendship House.

Raised in nearby Mooringsport, graduating from Northwood High School, earning a degree in psychology and serving in the U.S. National Guard for 10 years has prepared her for this new opportunity with Community Renewal.

“I asked God to put me in a place to make a difference, and now my prayers are coming to pass. I know that with God I will succeed,” she said. Le’Andrea is a mother of two teenage girls. Her husband, James, is a Shreveport car mechanic.

“Coming into the Friendship House, I am very excited because I want to make a difference when it comes to kids. My goal for the Queensborough neighborhood is to build their self-esteem and let them know they are wanted. I want them to go to the next level,” she said.

“One of the things about Community Renewal that really touched my heart was they were doing things that I was doing. When I was about 19, I started a nonprofit basketball team to keep kids off the street at nighttime. It was called Midnight Madness and while I was doing that, I was introduced to Community Renewal.

“I really believe knowing your neighbor is very important. By knowing and having a friendship with your neighbor, you can protect each other from things. If I know you are watching out for me, that makes me feel more safe when I am home alone with my girls.”