Louisiana Youth for Excellence (LYFE) conducted a professional development workshop for facilitators at Project Reclaim on June 2, focusing on equipping youth mentors with tools to guide young people toward positive choices and personal growth.
Key training topics included healthy relationships, goal setting, decision-making skills, avoiding risky behaviors, and building self-worth. LYFE Executive Director Dr. Amanda Shackelford led the session alongside Program Managers Tressa Dunbar and Rachael Dorman.
Participants expressed enthusiasm about the training and shared that they were eager to implement the new skills and knowledge gained through the session.
“We are honored to have been asked to host this event,” said Project Reclaim Executive Director Ron Anderson.
Founded to promote positive youth development, LYFE aims to build awareness of the consequences of at-risk behaviors among vulnerable populations such as children in foster care, juvenile detention centers, and those living in poverty. The organization works statewide with schools, nonprofits, and faith-based groups to deliver character education, leadership training, and personal development.
Project Reclaim, a local nonprofit, implements LYFE’s curriculum through its Starting Point and Advanced programs, serving youth from ages 9 to 20. The group previously received a $40,000 LYFE grant and was awarded an additional $10,000 in March following an unannounced site visit and program evaluation.
“The LYFE program has now graduated our second group of youth participants. They have all done an outstanding job throughout the course of the program,” said LYFE Program Coordinator Zaria Stephens during a recent graduation ceremony. “I am proud to be a part of helping our youth reach their full potential and to help them live their best LYFE.”
