February 2019 Newsletter

Student Spotlight: Zaikir

 

Hamilton High school JKL faithful, Zaikir, was once a shy and soft-spoken student and has now grown in confidence!
With a full year under his belt, Zaikir has found his voice and community within the JKL program. Hearing his fellow peers share in the gratitude circle has helped Zaikir open up about his feelings.
“When I am down, I always have someone to count on to be there for me” he shared. After graduation, Zaikir is hoping to enhance his music production skills and make his way in the music industry.
 


 

Gratitude Quote of the Month

"I’m grateful for the word of the month – ‘Courage’ because this program has given me the courage to stand up for what I believe in."
— NeCoe, Ballou High School, Washington D.C.
 


 

Come join Camila McConaughey at our Monique Lhuillier Fashion Show in Austin!

 

 

We’re thrilled to announce that renowned fashion designer, Monique Lhuillier, will showcase her Fall 2019 collection of couture gowns at dresses at our annual Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M) Fashion Show on April 26 in Austin, TX. The show is hosted by our very own Camila Alves McConaughey along with Sally Brown and Amy Ingram with presenting partner, Neiman Marcus. Seats are selling fast and the event WILL sell out! Get yours today HERE

“We are excited to have Monique Lhuillier as part of our 2019 Fashion Show,” said Camila Alves McConaughey. “It’s a brand that embodies glamour and timeless fashion. The show will be stunning.” Monique Lhuillier is internationally recognized as one of America’s foremost couture bridal and ready-to-wear brands. She remains a red carpet favorite amongst Hollywood’s elite and her couture bridal gowns continue to be coveted by women all over the globe.

This spring marks the seventh year of the Mack, Jack & McConaughey event, which has resulted in over $10 million raised since the benefit’s launch in 2013. The just keep livin Foundation is proud to be one of the charitable beneficiaries of this legendary event.

 


 

“Conscious Living”

 

 
We really enjoyed getting together recently with our just keep livin Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Board to recap 2018 and brainstorm for how to make 2019 even better!
We have more programs (33) than ever and this kind of growth wouldn’t be possible without the support of our Board. It takes a village to have the kind of impact our programs are having and we are so grateful for the support of Matthew and Camila and all of these generous and passionate individuals who have the biggest hearts and love to give back.
We especially want to thank Mr. Anthony Thomas, who runs the JKL program at Animo South Los Angeles High School, for the amazing and heartfelt speech he gave at the meeting. He is adored by his students and always shows up for JKL community service events with a huge smile on his face. When asked what JKL means to him, he coined the phrase, “conscious living,” which resonated with all of us and you just might see it on a JKL T-shirt someday!
 


 

Warren Easton High School is Jumping into the New Year

 

 
Our JKL students from Warren Easton enjoyed a fun end of the year party at Sector 6 in New Orleans! The students defied gravity at one of the coolest facilities in America.
With over 12,000 square feet of connected, world-class trampolines, our students enjoyed this bonding experience complete with trampolines, launching decks and a few ceiling challenges which tested their strength! Dodgeball was among one of the their favorite activities played together! Dodgeballs + Cage + Wall-to-Wall Trampolines = Intense Fun!
 


 

Running in the New Year at the Rose Bowl

 

 
Our Los Angeles JKL students from Manual Arts High School and Huntington Park High School started the year off by attending the Pasadena Rose Bowl 5K Run!
It was a very cold morning with an early bus pick up, but our students showed up with smiling faces and ready to run. We were joined by our in house yoga instructor and dear friend Kirschen. It is always awesome to have our partners volunteer their time and join us in physical fitness activities.
The course ran around the Rose Bowl Stadium and finished on the iconic football field at the 50-yard line. Thank you to the whole Conqur Endurance team for having our JKL students participate in the race!
 


 

Ballou High School JKL Students Spend MLK Jr. Day Making Care Packages

 

 
On Monday, January 21st , the JKL program from Ballou High School partnered with Rocketship Rise Academy in Ward 8 to assist in creating packages that consisted of blankets, snacks, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, floss, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste and words of encouragement for those in need.
This year’s goal was to deliver 1,200 packages to people in need throughout DC. Our students shopped for items and spent $75 for all the basic necessity supplies. Our JKL instructors talked about how some kids usually spend $75 on a new pair of sneakers or clothes but how they were able to fund 8 care packages with that same amount of money.
The event coordinator was thankful for their donations, as many showed up empty handed. The event was packed and the students were able to pack a care bags of each of the donated items. We are so proud of our youth giving back to those in need throughout their community!
 


 

Camila’s Tip: Eggplant Pizzas

 

 
For a healthier take on pizza, try Camila’s Mini Eggplant Pizzas — With fresh basil and cheese, this recipe swaps crust for pieces of roasted eggplant and are a healthier way to enjoy a snack.
Ingredients
• 2 large eggplants
• 24 oz jar organic tomato sauce
• 20 slices provolone (or mozzarella) cheese
• 3-4 oz fresh organic cherry tomatoes, sliced
• organic basil, as desired
• 1/2 tsp himalayan salt
• pepper flakes, optional
• 1 cup each additional topping, as desired
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 inch thick round pieces.
3. In two baking trays arrange the sliced eggplants.
4. Sprinkle the Himalayan salt and bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove the bake eggplant from the oven and turn your broiler on.
6. Spread 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce over each eggplant round followed by one slice of provolone.
7. Arrange some fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes over the cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes.
8. Make sure you keep a close look while the eggplant is under the broiler as they can burn really fast.
 


 

Beller Nutrition Recipe of the Month

AM Avocado Toast
Rachel Beller MS, RDN

 

 
This recipe is so simple, so flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser! With just 4-5 ingredients, you can quickly make a satisfying lunch for yourself after coming home from school, or use this recipe to impress your friends and family. I personally love garlic! If you’re a garlic lover too, mince 1 clove, and add it in with the snow peas.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or sesame oil
6 cups snow peas
1-2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional:
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or 1 clove garlic, minced
Directions:
1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the snow peas and cook, shaking the pan around and stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Pour in soy sauce and sesame seeds and cook another 1 minute. Serve.
 


 

Swag of the Month



 

Let’s hear it for the red, white and blue!
Celebrate a classic all American, George Washington, by sportin’ this light blue alright alright alright tee shirt.
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