Football coach Mack Brown, singer-songwriter Jack Ingram, and Matthew and Camila McConaughey turned up (and out!) at their annual MJ&M fundraiser in Austin.
They’re a force of nature — and a force for good.
On April 24, Matthew McConaughey, 55, legendary college football coach Mack Brown, 73, and singer-songwriter Jack Ingram, 54, gathered hundreds of friends and family — including McConaughey’s kids Levi, 16, Vida, 15, and Livingston, 12 — for their annual MJ&M (Mack, Jack, and McConaughey) fundraising extravaganza in Austin.
Read the full article here: https://people.com/inside-matthew-and-camila-mcconaughey-wild-two-day-fundraising-event-and-family-date-night-11724062
Academy Sports + Outdoors made a lasting impact on our just keep livin Foundation students by treating 10 deserving participants from our Pinkston and Sunset programs in Dallas to an unforgettable $250 shopping spree. This special experience took place at a local Academy store in celebration of the exciting launch of the new Jordan Brand collection. The generosity didn’t stop there—both JKL programs were also gifted additional Academy gift cards to help purchase much needed items to enhance their programming and student experience. We are incredibly thankful to Academy Sports + Outdoors for their continued support, belief in our mission, and for creating moments that truly uplift and empower the students we serve.
This month, we are thrilled to highlight Agustin, our WISE ambassador and one of our first WISE Scholarship participants. Agustin has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment and excellence, as evidenced by his 4.0 GPA, extensive extracurricular involvement, and unwavering dedication to JKL. He was also our first and only student to take an AP course this past school year.
Over the past two years, Agustin has consistently challenged himself to grow, overcoming personal fears—including horseback riding—and striving for excellence in every endeavor. He is looking forward to pursuing a career in business with the hopes of one day opening a restaurant. He hopes to one day make eating out healthy and affordable for the people in his community.
We are so proud of Agustin and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Students from our ASLA and Animo Inglewood programs recently embarked on an unforgettable camping adventure to Joshua Tree National Park—a first-time experience for many. Surrounded by the park’s breathtaking desert landscape, students embraced the journey with open hearts and minds, gaining both practical skills and personal insight along the way.
The trip was made possible through a meaningful partnership with Marland Burke and the Forged Foundation, whose generosity and dedication helped bring this opportunity to life. A special shoutout to Marland for going the extra mile—he surprised every student with a cowboy hat, adding a fun and memorable touch to their desert adventure!
The group camped and participated in a powerful interactive horse experience at Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary, where students learned how to care for horses, goats, and sheep. Many of them had never interacted with animals in this way before, and the sanctuary provided a peaceful space for connection and reflection. Through hands-on activities and guided sessions, students discovered the calming and therapeutic effects of working with horses—gaining insight into how these gentle animals can reduce stress and support emotional well-being.
In addition to their time at the sanctuary, the students explored the natural wonders of Joshua Tree National Park. They hiked scenic trails, learned about the park’s unique ecology and geology, and practiced essential outdoor skills like setting up tents and cooking over a fire pit.
This immersive experience was more than just a camping trip—it was a journey of discovery, growth, and connection to the natural world. We are deeply grateful to our partners and proud of the students who stepped out of their comfort zones to embrace this transformative opportunity.
We are thrilled to highlight Dalila, an exceptional young woman who was one of our first WISE Scholarship participants. As the only female recipient this year, Dalila has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her academic and professional aspirations, particularly in the field of marine biology.
Her passion for marine life is evident through her volunteer work at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where she has contributed her time and knowledge to both the aquarium’s initiatives and visitors’ learning experiences. This hands-on experience has fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact on marine conservation and research and continues to motivate her to pursue a career in this field.
In addition to her dedication to marine biology, Dalila has gone above and beyond to advance her academic skills. This past summer, she took advanced math classes to strengthen her math pathways, ensuring she is well-prepared for the rigorous coursework ahead.
Beyond academics and volunteering, Dalila is deeply committed to her faith and actively contributes her time to volunteering with her church and pursuing her confirmation. Her strong sense of service and community shines through in everything she does, and her values of compassion, hard work, and perseverance serve as an inspiration to those around her.
When asked about the significance of the WISE Scholarship, Dalila shared that this scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to continue pursuing her passion for marine biology and to further her education. She is beyond grateful for the support and excited to see where this journey will take her.
We are incredibly proud of Dalila and all of her achievements th us far. Her dedication to her faith, career pursuits, and academics is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see all the great things she will accomplish in the future.
Just Courts + JKL
A heartfelt thank you to Just Courts for their generous donation installing a new pickleball court at our L.B. Landry High School JKL site in New Orleans! This incredible contribution will provide our students with a valuable opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and engage in healthy competition. We’re excited to see how this new court will benefit the JKL students and enhance their love for playing pickleball!
Joel Bergner + JKL
Artist Joel Bergner, known for his community-driven art projects, along with his global arts organization, Artolution, worked with our JKL students in Austin to create a mural for the SXSW festival. This mural project was a collaborative effort, engaging local JKL youth in the creative process. Through their involvement, students contributed their own artistic expressions to the mural, making it a unique blend of individual creativity and collective vision.
We want to introduce you to our newest WISE Scholars: Henry Orantes (left), Jacob Roman (middle), and Jacob Aldrete (right). All have been working hard to meet all program requirements and have participated in numerous events that have helped them prepare for their future, such as a Critical Thinking panel discussion at Cal Tech University. We are excited to highlight each one of our scholars through our upcoming newsletters.
The students of Juan Navarro High School laced up their running shoes once again to take on the annual Austin Marathon, demonstrating their dedication, perseverance, and team spirit. Determined to improve upon their 2024 race times, returning JKL students trained hard, pushing their limits both physically and mentally.
This year, the tradition grew even stronger as each returning student invited a new JKL participant to join them in the challenge. Together, they not only crossed the finish line but also built endurance, resilience, and camaraderie along the way. Beyond logging miles, the students focused on strengthening their stamina, boosting their mental well-being, and embracing the JKL philosophy of living active, healthy lives. Their commitment to self-improvement and supporting one another made this marathon an unforgettable experience, proving that with determination and teamwork, anything is possible!
The students at our Ralph Ellison JKL program received First Aid and CPR training from local retired firefighters in Chicago. This invaluable opportunity for our students allowed them to learn life-saving skills that can make a difference in emergencies. This hands-on training equipped the students with the knowledge and confidence to administer basic first aid and perform CPR in a variety of situations. Through interactive scenarios and practice, students gained the skills to respond effectively to injuries, choking, cardiac arrest, and other medical emergencies. Completing this program not only enhances our students’ readiness in emergency situations but also fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership, preparing them to be proactive and caring members of their communities.
Students in Uvalde have partnered with “KABOOM: Wild About Playing” to create the 9th play space for the local community. The students have helped build nine play spaces across Uvalde, striving to ensure every neighborhood has access to safe and fun recreational areas. This ongoing collaboration with KABOOM motivates students to design spaces that reflect the unique needs, cultures, and strengths of the community, ensuring every child has a place to play and grow.
The students at John Adams received brand new sneakers, courtesy of the “Dare To Live Right” (DTLR) community outreach program, which aims to uplift and revitalize local minority communities. DTLR generously donated 30 pairs of sneakers and gift cards. They also hosted a workshop focused on community service opportunities, college education pathways, and developing healthy eating habits. This initiative provided essential resources and empowered students to engage with and support their local community.
Healthcare Heroes
Healthcare workers shared their expertise to students at Juan Navarro Early College High School, hosting a hands-on career panel on Wednesday, October 30th in partnership with the just keep livin Foundation and Morning Rounds Coffee. The panel featured a diverse group of healthcare experts, giving JKL students insight into the various career opportunities within the medical field. From doctors and nurses to medical assistants, this event was designed to showcase the many paths students can pursue in the healthcare sector. This was a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on how local organizations a
A Special Screening of Superhuman Body
All 5 of our Dallas JKL programs enjoyed a visit to the Perot Museum in Dallas for a screening of the film Superhuman Body! This captivating film explores the extraordinary inner workings of the human body and sparks curiosity about science and bioengineering. Our students and staff enjoyed this amazing opportunity to inspire the next generation of thinkers and scientists! We are grateful to the MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation for making this all possible and for their support of just keep living.
