May 2021 Newsletter

Student Spotlight: Hanna, JKL Student

Freshman JKL student, Hanna, like many other students across the country, started her high school experience entirely virtual. When she realized the COVID-19 pandemic was staying longer than anticipated and online learning would be her new norm, Hanna decided to join the New Visions JKL afterschool program.

She had the benefit of hearing many positive reviews from her cousin, a JKL alumni. It was the JKL program that helped launch Hanna into a fun weight loss journey! Since joining the program Hanna has lost 21 pounds through fun, high-energy dance classes and sweaty HIIT workouts.

Mental Health Mondays have been a highlight for Hanna getting through stressful school days and coping with being an only child at home. Hanna expressed, “Mental Health Mondays have encouraged me to keep my head up during the times I felt alone and provided me with calming breathing techniques for when I start overthinking.” After Hanna completes high school, she would like to obtain an engineering degree focused on coding while also pursuing an acting career.”

Hanna is a student who is full of wisdom and energy… No matter what is going on, she sees the positive and brings light to everything she is involved in. Hanna has been such a great asset to our JKL program,” says Ms. Byers. We look forward to seeing Hanna and the New Visions JKL program continue to thrive!

Mack, Jack & McConaughey Fundraiser

Although the event may have looked slightly different this year, the Mack, Jack & McConaughey fundraiser was a huge success!

The first evening kicked off with an incredible performance by Parker McCollum. The next day included a golf tournament and fashion brunch with a beautiful performance by Jessi Alexander where she sang a few of her #1 hits!

We are beyond grateful to Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall and Jack Ingram for their raw performance of The Marfa Tapes! Huge thanks to our sponsors and donors who continuously show up to support the amazing organizations who benefit from this event; CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift, The Rise School and just keep livin Foundation. Our hearts are full of gratitude with the fantastic turnout!

American Airlines Career Panel

A huge thank you to our amazing partners at American Airlines for hosting a career panel for our JKL students and staff in April!

We are so grateful to each of our guest speakers for taking the time to allow our students to interact with members of the AA team from a variety of positions to learn about the different career opportunities within the airlines industry and what it takes to be successful in the world of work in general.

The Ultimate Self-Care Workshop

Our JKL program in West Charlotte partnered with McCrorey YMCA to deliver gift boxes to their JKL students filled with fitness equipment and self-care items!

The group met together via zoom to discuss how to take care of themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally! It was a day full of smiles, helpful tips, and happy students!

What Are You Grateful For?

Hear from our just keep livin students…

“I am grateful for JKL, this workout, the roof over my head, my family, everything I have in my life because it’s there for a reason.”
– Chrystal, JKL Student

“I am thankful for my Mom because she has put me through high school and because it has been tough but I am graduating this year!”
– Jennifer, JKL Student

“I am grateful to be back in person with my kiddos.”
– Coach Nasarra, JKL Instructor

Camila’s Tips: Camila’s Yuca Fries

Ingredients
1-2 whole yucas
Oil for frying (avocado or another high heat oil)
Sea Salt

Directions
1. Place a large pot on stove, fill with water up to 3 inches from the top and begin to bring water to a boil.
2. Remove ends of yucca. Cut yuca into 4” long pieces and remove the skin. (See video for tip on removing skin)
3. Place whole 4” peeled pieces into boiling water and cook until tender, approximately 25–30 minutes.
With a slotted spoon, remove the cooked yucca from water, let cool slightly and slice lengthwise to give you your “fries”. Sometimes you will find thicker stringy root that runs in the middle of the yuca, remove it when slicing, discard.
4. Bring your oil to frying temperate and gently place each fry into the oil.

*Beginners tip: to know if you oil is hot enough place a small piece of yucca into oil to see if it starts bubbling in oil. Or another way is using the base of the handle of a wooden spoon and placing that in the oil and bubbles will start to form around the wood.

5. After about a minute, gently turn the yuca fries in the oil to get golden brown.
6. Remove the fries and drain on a paper towel. While still hot, sprinkle fries with sea salt to taste.
7. Fries can be served with ketchup or as I like it, hot sauce!

*Alternately, the Yuca can also be boiled, drained, and then topped with a little butter or your favorite topping that you would use for a baked potato.

Me personally, I make a batch of the boiled yuca and keep in fridge for the week. It makes a great satisfying snack.

Enjoy! Beijos
– Camila

Full Recipe on Women of Today »