June 2021 Newsletter

Student Spotlight: Janaya & Jada, Venice H.S., Los Angeles

Twin sisters, Janaya and Jada have been faithful JKL students at Venice H.S. since freshman year.

Both have been very active in pursuing their unique goals through the JKL online programming this year. Janaya was able to develop her cooking skills, incorporate new ingredients and create recipes from scratch. Jada found support for her weight loss journey by joining our world calisthenics and strong nation workouts.

Despite the positive experiences they both had with online JKL programming, attending school via zoom had its challenges. Luckily, the JKL monthly Mental Health Monday sessions helped these sisters navigate the semester.

As they approach their last year of high school, they are focused on their academics as they are both hoping to attend a Historical Black College University. “Jada and Janaya are superb and exemplary JKL students who work hard in their academic growth and endeavors. Their leadership and dedication is a pleasure to watch” – Joy (JKL instructor).


JKL End of Year Celebrations!

The JKL New Visions program in New York hosted an awesome End of Year Celebration!

Mrs. Beyers, JKL instructor created a heart-warming presentation highlighting all of the amazing things the program has been able to accomplish throughout the school year, despite the extra challenges. Students received some fun awards like “Top Chef” for going above and beyond during nutrition demonstrations.

The group even created a collective board where each student could write things that they admire or like about the other JKL students. This was a much deserved celebration for our incredible students!


UCLA Psychology Connects: Perspectives on Happiness

Our founder, Matthew McConaughey joined the UCLA department of Psychology alongside Kevin Love for a very special salon on the perspectives of happiness, the importance of setting meaningful goals and the ways in which mindfulness and gratitude can be used as a resource.

We are so grateful to Michelle Craske, co-director of the UCLA Depression Grand Challenge, for leading the conversation. As Kevin Love said, “action is what defines us” and we are so grateful to Kevin for taking an active role in fighting the stigma around mental health! We are proud to work with the Kevin Love Fund with our JKL students and his Mental Health initiatives and honored to have been a part of this discussion.


K’s for a Cause to benefit just keep livin

Through Ks for a Cause, Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers provides financial support and highlights various local nonprofit organizations focused on STEM and/or youth programming in the greater Los Angeles area.

For every strikeout (K) during the regular season, Bauer will donate $1,000. Each month, a different nonprofit organization is designated. We are thrilled that just keep livin was chosen as the May beneficiary, receiving a total of $45,000 in donations! We are truly so grateful to Trevor and the entire Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for choosing JKL!


Rachel Miriam X Camila McConaughey: Just Keep Breathin’ Collection

Rachel Miriam partnered with Camila McConaughey to create a special Just Keep Breathin’ Collection.

Through this adorable collection of personalized essentials for meditation, mindfulness and gratitude, Rachel is generously donating a portion of the proceeds to just keep livin!

Check Out the Collection!


Congrats to the JKL Graduates!

 
 
 
Adia Larzeia
attending Prairie View A & M University

 
 
 
Brittany Valenzuela
attending UCLA

 
 
 
Erin Crittenden
attending Texas Christian University on full ride scholarship


Camila’s Tips: Mini Pepper Dippers

Ingredients
1.5-2 lbs. ground turkey (not lean ground turkey)
3 tbsp olive oil divided
4 jalapeño or serrano chili peppers, chopped remove seed and ribs if you want less heat
1 large onion diced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 lb. baby sweet peppers They are usually sold in 1lb bags – washed and split in half lengthwise, removing seeds and stem.

Directions
STEP 1
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped jalapeño or serrano peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cool for 10 minutes.

STEP 2
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

STEP 3
In a mixing bowl. Add turkey, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and option cayenne.

Top the turkey and spices with the cooled onion and pepper mixtures.Combine the turkey, spices and cooked pepper and onion mixture together.

STEP 4
In a large low edge casserole dish, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to bottom.

Using a small spoon, fill each mini pepper half with the turkey seasoned mixture and placed into the greased casserole dish.

Move the pepper around the dish to evenly spread the olive oil. This will prevent the peppers from sticking to the casserole dish when baking.

Once your peppers are stuffed, place into the over for 30-45 minutes or until browned on top.

Remove from oven and serve with your favorite salsa or salad, or both.

Enjoy! Beijos
– Camila


Swag of the Month

JKL Plastic Stadium Cups: Made in the USA, BPA free and recyclable.
Great for the beach, camping or just hanging out in your backyard.

Get Yours Today!

Support Just keep livin foundation

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