LSU Alumni Spotlight: Kiara at AmeriCorps!

Kiara is an alumni of the LSU transformative mentoring program.  She is currently excelling with AmeriCorps and looks forward to taking advantage of the service opportunities with the civilian community corps.

AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women age 18–24.  The mission of AmeriCorps NCCC is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service.  To strengthen the nation’s disaster response capacity, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) have established a FEMA-devoted unit of 1,600 service corps members within AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) solely devoted to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Members complete service projects throughout the region they are assigned.

We salute Kiara for her dedication and service to our nation.

LSU Launches Youth Leadership Development!

L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited launches the 2013 cohort of the LSU Youth Leadership Development Program.  This program works with youth and young adults on risky decision making, educational advancement, workforce development, personal achievement, self esteem, and meeting their individual needs in a positive, pro social manner. In this program the youth will have an opportunity achieve personal short and medium range goals. 

Get Ur Good On for Global Youth Service Day!

L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited encourages all LSU youth and community partners to get involved in Global Youth Service Day.  There is still time for DC youth to apply for creative service grants toward making a lasting positive change in  the community.  Get Ur Good On Grants up to $500 to support youth-led service projects around the world that address a demonstrated community need or issue.  The $500 Get Ur Good On Grants provides inspiration, project support, and necessary funding to turn youth ideas into a reality on Global Youth Service Day- the largest service event in the world, April 26-28, 2013.  The application deadline is March 10, 2013. Visit the Global Youth Service Day website to access the online application form.

2013: Being the Change We Want To See!

L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited (LSU) ushers in a the new year by celebrating National Mentoring Month.  Our team has been instrumental in providing quality mentoring relationships to area youth through our cadre of positive youth development services.  We encourage adults who are at least 21 years of age to join forces with LSU to help join the #bethechange movement!  

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

LSU is a Ward 7 community based organization founded in 2008 and incorporated in 2009 by community leaders with over 20 years of demonstrated commitment and advocacy on the behalf of youth development.  LSU’s mission is to decrease juvenile recidivism and produce men and women of distinction through the provision of culturally diverse resources, services, and attention to youth who are: 1) considered at-risk; 2) involved with, or have a history of involvement with, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

LSU Spotlight: Congrats To All New LSU Parents!

We celebrate all the LSU babies born this year.  We had a number of new births and we look forward to the exciting adventures to come.  We salute all the young adult mothers and fathers who have worked hard to be good parents and have invested the necessary time into their new bundles of joy.  LSU offers courses instruction in Effective Black Parenting.  We look forward to serving more young families in 2013 using this CICC evidenced based model.  The best is yet to come!

L.S.U. Helps Support Annual Turkey Giveaway!

LSU Founders were among Ward 7 community leaders supporting the annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway to local families.  DC residents met at the Deanwood Recreation Center (seen above) to ensure all families who arrived received a Thanksgiving meal.  Special congratulations goes to Councilwoman Yvette Alexander and her team for ensuring this event took place.

LSU Attends Women and Co. Event!

Linda Descano, President and CEO, Women & Co. hosted an event this month for women entrepreneurs at the John F. Kenndy Center for the Performing Arts.  LSU Founder Anita Muhammad was invited to participate along with other women led agencies in the distrct.  The event highlighted the "5 Cardinal Rules for Success in Your Career and Money!"  Citibank serves as a financial partner in our Ward 7 community success!

LSU Attends Annual Community Stakeholder Event!

CHSFSC's annual stakeholder event highlighted the DC movement to reduce youth violence.  The community work dubbed "Creating Solutions Together" also promotes youth civic mindedness.  LSU supports the youth effort to get Black and Latino unregistered citizens prepared for the upcoming Presidential election.  The VOTO DC campaign is well in the works and as the slogan goes, "Stop complaining get to changing!" 

LSU Satisfaction Survey Results for Re-Entry Services

LSU Rite of Passage Closing Ceremony!

LSU Founder Anita Muhammad & Graduates

Congratulations goes out to the graduates of the 2012 Rite of Passage participants in the New Day Cohort.  Participants enjoyed a celebration n their honor, which included personal gifts, food and fun.  Special thanks to Program Director Anita Muhammad, Peer Facilitator Nailah Baukman, DYRS Staff, New Day Staff, Hillcrest WOW and YCCO for their collaborative efforts.

LSU Youth Enjoy Labor Day Activities!

In an effort to continue with weekend social activities, LSU youth went bowling, laser tagging and to the movies this Labor Day weekend.  Check us out at Lucky Strike bowling lanes in DC! 

L.S.U. Youth Highlight: Noe at the DMV!

LSU's  Noe joins the ranks of other L.S.U. teens working to curb the spread of uuv's in the city.  Today Noe secured his driver permit and will soon get a vehicle for his achievement.  Noe has been a true standout as he maintains full time employment and is working toward his chosen career path.  Kudos to Noe for his accomplishment!

L.S.U. Visits Dave and Busters!

L.S.U youth and staff visited Dave and Busters at Arundel Mills this weekend.  Everyone enjoyed food, fun and games.  A few records were broken on the Deadstorm Pirates video game and the competition was at its highest.

L.S.U. Youth Highlight: Marcus Graduates!

LSU celebrates Marcus on his educational achievement. Marcus has worked diligently to secure his high school diploma and has achieved his goal of full time employment in the process. While in high school, Marcus progressed through three LSU youth service programs: mentorship, youth leadership development and career exploration.  The best is yet to come!

The L.S.U. Youth Leadership Development Team!

Members of the L.S.U. Youth Leadership Development Team on site at New Beginnings (NB) in Laurel, MD.  The NB program prepares youth for community reintegration within a home-like environment through the principles of Positive Youth Development and guided peer interaction to promote transformation.  L.S.U. staffers are a core part of supporting youth transitioning back to their home communities through re-entry and intervention services.

Youth Highlight: Shanti Gets Her Permit!

L.S.U. salutes Shanti for getting her driver's permit this week.  L.S.U. staffers seek to increase the number of licensed teen drivers and decrease the number unauthorized use of vehicles by DC teens.  We are working to improve the civic mindedness and employability of all of DC youth!

Caption: Founder Anita Muhammad and mentee Shanti.

L.S.U. Celebrates African Heritage and Kuumba!

LSU Founder Anita Muhammad & YCCO Sudan Muhammad

The L.S.U. Rite of Passage program recently welcomed YCCO as they shared in the African Heritage principle Kuumba/Creativity!  Participants learned how play crystal bowls, African rain sticks and the origin of the African harp.  The class was filled with healing principles as it relates to sound, color and touch!

L.S.U. Visits National's Park This Summer!

L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited attended National Park to watch the Nats and Braves game.  Weathering the huge crowds and summer rain, the youth and staff proceeded to cheer for the local team in pure fun for all in attendence.  The team also indulged in some great food from Ben's Chili Bowl!

L.S.U. Visits the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site!

 

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the home and legacy of Frederick Douglass, a runaway slave, abolitionist, civil rights advocate, author and statesmen. Born into slavery, Douglass escaped to spend his life fighting for justice and equality for all people. His tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity continue to inspire and sustain people today.  Our favorite Frederick Douglass quote is "I will unite with any one to do right, and with no one to do wrong!"

Program Highlight: L.S.U. Rite of Passage Program!

Program participants in the L.S.U. Rite of Passage learn of important time periods and great figures in our history. Participants and staff role played great moments in African American history.  Their demonstrations were exciting and proved that learning can be fun!

Mentor/Mentee Highlight: Shea, Derran & Anthony!

LSU Mentor Shea T. & Mentee Derran

Shea has been a L.I.F.E. Skills mentor for close to two years.  He supports LSU's arts education through music enrichment.  Youth in DC have a strong support system through this type of pairing.  Derran and Anthony are part of his team.  L.S.U. salutes these men of distinction.  Save a life, become a mentor!

LSU Mentor Shea T. & Mentee Anthony E.

L.S.U. Attends Summer Youth Expo!

DYRS kicked off their Summer Expo this week.  This exciting event helped launch community support efforts to engage youth throughout the summer with social activities.  LSU Peer Mentor Nailah and LSU Alumni Melissa help host event with the executive staff.  LSU helped inform youth, case workers and parents about existing services offered through L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited.  DYRS  leadership participated in the event and provided gifts and games at the expo.   Youth registered for exciting opportunities and engaged with community based organizations directly.

L.S.U. Visits Anacostia Art Gallery & Boutique!

L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited visits the historic Anacostia Art Gallery founded by Juanita Britton.  Participants in the LSU Rite of Passage program will visit the gallery to learn more about the art of the diaspora.  Below: Rite of Passage participant Brandi and L.S.U. facilitator Nailah.

L.S.U. Participates in Regional Gang Intervention!

L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited participates in the first ever regional gang outreach certification in the district. We salute our youth leadership development team and thank each of our community partners who made this historical effort a success.  Our goal is to intervene and prevent youth violence in DC!

L.S.U. Youth Spotlight-Jasmine's Education!

Jasmine is committed to her after school schedule and is advancing through her school studies by being diligent at her LSU after school tutoring sessions. She is ensuring her success by committing to overtime study at the local library throughout the summer months.  We salute Jasmine for her hard work!

L.S.U. Seeks Mentors for Summer 2012

Simply put, our mentors are loved by the youth and families that they serve! 

Join our dynamic team of individuals who work tirelessly to cultivate young men and women of distinction. L.S.U. focuses on transfoming lives through one on one mentoring and group mentoring.  Our youth development specialists have the cultural competency to promote the needed breakthroughs with today's teens.  If you have what it takes-competency, committment and consistency-send your resume and letter of interest to hr@dclifeskills.org today.  Save a life, be a mentor!

L.S.U. at Busboys and Poets

L.I.F.E. Skills Youth and staff visit the Maryland Busboys and Poets to enjoy a weekend brunch and to get updated on upcoming events.  The restaurant's travel team is hosting a trip to Cuba in July. The trip’s theme and title is “Cuba Culture, Business, and Sustainability” and will combine opportunities to learn about the art and culture of Cuba by visiting sites and meeting people working in the arts, culture, and business fields. We will also share our business practices in these discussions and explore the intersection of sustainable business, good art, and service to the community.

L.S.U. Visits National Harbor

L.I.F.E. Skills Youth participate in weekend outings at the Gaylord National Harbor. Youth enjoy paddle boat riding, shopping, dining and participating in the sunset events.  We are looking forward to the annual summer date night Fridays and family day Sundays with Movies on the Potomac! We encourage all LSU families to join in on these free events through September 28, 2012.

L.S.U. Supports Juvenile Delinquency Prevention

LSU Founder Anita Muhammad & Intern Nailah B.

L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited attends Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Initiative Call-In Event at the DC Superior Courts.  LSU along with government and community stakeholders across the city converged to help encourage teens toward a safe and crime free summer.  Community leaders are in the planning stages of developing late night activities for youth throughout the summer months.


DC YouthLink, DYRS & Service Provider Staff

L.S.U. Participates in DC Gang Training With City Leaders



Gang Trainer Aquil F. Basheer
CEO/President of Maximum Force Enterprises



LSU Youth Development Specialist Ramone Kenan

L.S.U. Youth Closing School Year Strong in Learning Lab!

LSU Tutor Patricia Kenan and local youth!

L.S.U. Supports the NCNW 2012 Oratorical Contest

Recognizing The Past; Harnessing The Present; Envisioning The Future!

L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited is encouraging community youth to participate in the 2012 Oratoracil Contest.  The contest is open to 8th-12th graders registered for the NCNW Youth Conference on Saturday, May 26, 2012. Speeches of 3 to 5 minutes should be memorized (no notes) and include an introduction, body and conclusion. The speech will be judged on content, creativity, delivery and overall effectiveness.  LSU will sponsor one registration amongst the LSU youth essay submissions!

L.S.U. Celebrates Cinco Di Mayo

LSU Founder Anita Muhammad

L.I.F.E. Skills Unlimited youth celebrate Cinco Di Mayo at Six Flags.  Youth and staff enjoyed food fun and Mexican meals for dinner afterward.  We believe that creative social outlets and ongoing opportunities for neighborhood youth are instrumental to their future success. Join us if you are interested in supporting our work. Change a life, become a mentor!

LSU Founder Anita Muhammad & Mentee Neketa

L.S.U. Celebrates DC Emancipation Day!

Staff and youth participate in DC Emancipation Day events. Youth received reprints of the Black Chronicle which highlighted the accomplishments of Blacks in America since 1776. "The municipality of Washington, D.C., celebrates April 16 as Emancipation Day. On that day in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act for the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia. The Act freed about 3,100 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia nine months before President Lincoln issued his famous Emancipation Proclamation. The District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act represents the only example of compensation by the federal government to former owners of emancipated slaves."

L.S.U. Youth Visit Six Flags For Summer Fun!

LSU Youth and Staff visit Six Flags in Bowie, MD

 to launch summer fun activities with local teens!

L.S.U. Youth Spotlight: Artist 1991 on Press TV!

An LSU youth and artist was spotlighted on Press TV while participating in community justice rally this weekend in Washington, DC. Known as "1991", she spoke passionately about life as a young adult in DC and thoughts on cases like the Trayvon Martin tragedy.

DC Council Hearing: L.S.U. Speaks For Youth!

 LSU Founder speaks to DC Council

LSU Co-Founder Anita Muhammad testifies on behalf of youth workers.  There was a great turnout of mentees and outreach workers to support mentoring initiatives in the District of Columbia. Youth testimonies proved that there is still a dire need for positive adult relationships. Change a life, become a mentor!  Send your resume and letter of interest to hr@dclifeskills.org.