May 2023 Newsletter

Mack, Jack & McConaughey 2023: Over $11 Million Raised!

The Austin Marathon 2023 weekend was one for the books! Over fifty just keep livin students and staff participated during the Austin Marathon weekend—from a few seasoned runners to many first-timers and ecstatic water station volunteers.

What better way to kick off an epic few days than with a special performance by the legendary Garth Brooks! The LIVE auction was record-setting, raising over $7M! Then onto a fun day of golf, and a stunning fashion show from the fabulous Jonathan Simkhai presented by Neiman Marcus and hosted by supermodel Molly Sims. Simkhai’s designs were breathtaking, as was the setting, with lovely views of downtown Austin from the Long Center for the Performing Arts. We wrapped things up with an array of talented performances at our Jack & Friends Singer/Songwriter night! Artists like Butch Walker, Lee Ann Womack, Jessi Alexander & Jon Randall, William Beckmann, Blu Sanders, Rhett Akins, Hayes Carll and incredible newcomer Kameron Marlowe donated their time and talent to end this year’s event on a high note – so to speak!

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the event. It’s an honor to be a charitable beneficiary of the event, along with the incredible organizations Cure Duchenne, Dell Children’s, HeartGift Foundation, and The Rise School. Until next year, MJ&M


Surprise Visit by our jkl Founders!

Surprise! Our Founders Camila and Matthew McConaughey leading up to our annual fundraiser MJ&M (Mack, Jack, and McConaughey), made a surprise visit to our Juan Navarro just keep livin program!

They both had a chance to sit down with our fantastic jkl instructor Ms. Woods and passionate student, Edison. They engaged in a conversation about what jkl meant for the campus, the community they are building, first-time experiences, and the student’s commitment to showing up day-in and day-out. The surprise visit continued with Camila and Matthew gracefully joining an impromptu merengue dance session and workout led by our Program Strategy and Community Impact Director, Leon Clayborne.

The students went crazy! The energy in the gym was vibrant as we concluded with a gratitude circle and a brief history of the just keep livin Foundation. It’s always great to have our founders engage with the students and see the program in action.


Akins High School Cheered at the UT Softball Game

Thanks to our amazing partners at American Airlines, our Akins jkl program were able to attend the American’s title softball game on Friday, April 21 between UT and Oklahoma State University.

Thanks to our amazing partners at American Airlines, our Akins jkl program were able to attend the American’s title softball game on Friday, April 21 between UT and Oklahoma State University.


Camila’s Tips: WOT Sammy

Sandwiches are a classic and this one is layered with flavor and fresh ingredients! Perfect to enjoy any time of day!

This dish along with the paired serving ideas will tally in at about $20 for four servings. These Potatoes Boxty are perfect for breakfast or brunch and can even be served at dinner along with your favorite grilled fish. This is a crispy and savory way to prepare potatoes that we know you will love as much as we do!

Ingredients

• 2 slices sprouted or whole grain bread
• 1 fried egg
• 1 small and ripe avocado
• 2 slices of cooked bacon
• 2 slices of tomato
• Pat of butter
• Salt to taste

Directions

  1. Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
  2. Smash the avocado and add a pinch of salt. Mix to combine and set aside.
  3. Place one slice of bread buttered side down in a frying pan over medium.
  4. Top with fried egg, cooked bacon, and sliced tomato.
  5. On the remaining slice of buttered bread, spoon a generous amount of smashed avocado on the unbuttered side and place the avocado side down on top of the tomato.
  6. Cook in the frying pan for a minute or two and gently flip the sandwich to brown the other side.
  7. Remove from pan, slice in half, and serve with your favorite sandwich accompaniments.

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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March 2023 Newsletter

JKL Runs with the Austin Marathon

The Austin Marathon 2023 weekend was one for the books! Over fifty just keep livin students and staff participated during the Austin Marathon weekend—from a few seasoned runners to many first-timers and ecstatic water station volunteers.

The dedication level of our students was unmatched. Early morning risings, a challenging course, and soaked jkl shirts were all worth it. Thank you to the Austin Marathon team for giving our jkl students a great experience to give back and put their fitness to the test. See you next year!


Chocolate + Gardening = Win Win

We were lucky enough to have not one, but two, incredible visits from our friends at Finabar recently!

Their wonderful founders visited JKL programs at Animo South Los Angeles and Venice High School for a guest speaking session about the mission behind their company, discussion on how to make chocolate in a way that is healthy to eat while also helping the planet!

Not only did our students agree that the chocolate is excellent (with flavors like “dark chocolate with puffed quinoa and cherry” and “milk chocolate with strawberry and pretzel”) but its packaging is made from seed paper that can actually be PLANTED to grow wildflowers! Additionally, the chocolate is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, rainforest alliance accredited, organic and zero-waste. Thank you, Greg and Yolanda from Finabar, for sharing your story with our students and for all you are doing for the planet – and our tastebuds!


Teaching JKL Students to Find Their Creative Spark

We want to give a huge thank you to our friend Melissa Reidhead for taking the time to visit with our Austin just keep livin students about how to find their passion so that they will be excited to go to work each day!

Melissa spoke about her background – how she went from being a vegetable picker at a farm to ultimately becoming Head of Communications for Clarins, where she plans events and manages red carpet productions and fashion week campaigns! Thank you Melissa for teaching these young girls how to find their creative SPARK and how to follow their dreams! They also love all of the incredible Clarins products you brought for them! We appreciate you!


Camila’s Tips: Kevin Dundon’s Irish Potatoes Boxty

As St. Patrick’s Day inspiration, we have an Irish recipe you will not want to miss!

This dish along with the paired serving ideas will tally in at about $20 for four servings. These Potatoes Boxty are perfect for breakfast or brunch and can even be served at dinner along with your favorite grilled fish. This is a crispy and savory way to prepare potatoes that we know you will love as much as we do!

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mash potatoes or you can prepare fresh
• 1 cup red potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1-2 tbsp plain flour or corn starch
• 2 tbsp fresh sage
• 4 tbsp Irish butter
• pinch or two of flake salt or sea salt, optional
• salt and pepper

For Serving

• Smoked salmon slices
• Poached or fried eggs
• Wilted spinach

Directions

  1. Grate the potatoes into a bowl. Squeeze to remove excess water if needed.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled mash potato and add the grated raw potato and half of the sage.
  3. Season well with salt and pepper and stir to create a soft dough. Add some flour to help stiffen the mixture if needed.
  4. Heat some oil in a pan over a medium to low heat, form and shape thick discs of the potatoes mixture and lightly press on the pan to make sure it is sticking together.
  5. Cook for 3 -4 minutes until the base of the boxty is golden brown.
  6. Flip over and add the butter and the rest of the sage.
  7. Continue cooking for a further 3-4 minutes depending on the thickness until the boxty are piping hot in the middle, basting with the foaming butter.
  8. Remove from the heat and serve immediately with slices of smoked salmon, poached or fried eggs, wilted spinach and sprinkle of sea salt and extra fresh sage if desired.

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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February 2023 Newsletter

Amalfi Jets Helps JKL Take Flight

Our just keep livin program at Venice High School in Los Angeles, CA welcomed a group of special visitors earlier this month – the team from Amalfi Jets and Amalfi Jets Charitable Foundation, their new program sponsor!

Company Founders Kolin Jones and Calvin Yoon, along with their VP of Marketing, Samantha Cirelli, joined JKL Venice students for a fitness-focused session of jump rope and boxing, followed by our signature “Gratitude Circle.” We’re thrilled to be partnering with Amalfi Jets, a global private jet charter company, to help us in our mission to give these students the tools to live healthier lives.

In addition to funding the program, they will also be providing several of our students with college scholarships and internships, as well as partnering with us on community service events and offering tours of their aviation facilities. Thank you, Amalfi Jets and Amalfi Jets Charitable Foundation, for your incredible support!


JKL Students Run the Rose Bowl 5K Race

Our just keep livin students tied their laces and zipped up their sweaters as they raced the picturesque course of the Rose Bowl 5K on Sunday, January 15.

We were joined by kids from Russell Westbrook and Animo South Los Angeles High School. With a one-of-a kind finish line at the world famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, our students motivated each other through sweat and cheers.

Feeling inspired? Sign up here to run the Austin Marathon (or Half Marathon here) on February 19 in Austin, Texas with us!

If you can’t make it but still want to support the just keep livin Foundation, feel free to donate here.


JKL Legacy Youth Leadership Voting Workshop

On January 25, 100 of our LA just keep livin students attended a voting workshop in partnership with Legacy Youth Leadership at Animo Inglewood High School.

The session included training our students on how to understand the power of their vote to make change in the world. During the two-hour session, students experienced interactive presentations, breakout groups, online activities as well as fun large group games. Their organization used these four different activities to create a dynamic space for students to stretch themselves and grow and understanding their right to vote.


Camila’s Tips: Valentine’s Day Refined Sugar Free Chocolate Coconut Bites

Sugar and Valentine’s Day tend to go together, and we firmly believe that everyone deserves something sweet!

That is why we have a healthier dessert option like these Valentine’s Day Coconut Bites from pinch of yum!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups flaked coconut, unsweetened
• 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• a pinch of sea salt
• 5 oz dark chocolate morsels/chips

Directions

1. Pulse your coconut in a food processor or blender until the flakes become very fine and crumbly.
2. Stir together coconut oil, honey, vanilla, and sea salt and then fold in the crumbly coconut.
3. Squeeze mixture into small balls. The mix is a bit crumbly at first so we threw ours into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes so it was a bit more firm to work with!
4. Place rolled out balls into the refrigerator for about 1 hour or so.
5. Melt the chocolate for a minute or so in the microwave or over low heat in a saucepan. Using a spoon and fork, dip each frozen ball into the melted chocolate covering the coconut.
6. Top with coconut flakes and enjoy!

PS. These can be kept in your refrigerator all week long!

  1. or until bites are heated through.

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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January 2023 Newslettter

You’re Invited to Run the Austin Marathon

COME RUN!

The just keep livin programs are going to be enjoying miles of Austin’s unique neighborhoods, famous landmarks, and be cheered on by crowds as we cross the finish line in front of the Texas State Capitol on historic Congress Ave on Sunday, February 19! There will be live music on the course and a downtown concert.

If you reach the Fundraising Milestones below, you will also be eligible to win more unique incentives:

  • Raise $500 and receive a limited-edition Matthew McConaughey bobblehead and an official j.k. livin T-shirt
  • Raise $1500 and receive a signed item from Matthew McConaughey

You can sign up here to start your own fundraising team or send a donation!


Round up Holiday JKL Celebrations

Just keep livin students celebrated the holidays across the nation!

Some of our programs celebrated by sharing a meal. Our students at Akins High School in Austin, Texas and Venice High School, in Los Angeles, California hosted a gratitude dinner to break bread and share what they were thankful for.

The devastating mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Matthew’s hometown of Uvalde, Texas, pained us deeply and spurred us to action. We While some of our other programs decided to get on their feet with a holiday dance party. Our students at Animo Inglewood High School in Inglewood, California and East Laurens High School in Dublin, Georgia got their groove on and left everything on the dance floor, ready to start the new year! Our wonderful jkl staff created these lovely spaces for our students to give thanks and share their appreciation. What a way to transition into the New Year! set up a Uvalde Relief Fund to help with grief counseling and other immediate and long-term needs of the community. We opened a JKL program at Uvalde High School in order to provide students with a safe haven and a healthy way to come together. With our partners at Converse, we set up a college scholarship for Uvalde students to Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, the dream school of Maite Rodriguez, one of the victims of the shooting.


Young Life Weekend Adventure Camp

Our JKL program at Pinkston High School attended a two-night sleep away camp with Young Life Adventure Camp where they enjoyed a breathtaking thirty-acre lake as the backdrop to their camping experience.

From team sports and team-building activities to individual sports and games, Lakeview allowed the students to make fun memories that will last a lifetime!


Camila’s Tips: Easy Apple, Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Bites

This is the perfect recipe if you need to pull together an easy appetizer in a pinch for your next gathering!

These tasty bites are the perfect finger food, and the taste is perfection! You can’t go wrong with the combination of salty prosciutto, sweet apple, buttery rolls, and creamy goat cheese. It can be prepared the same day you’re serving or stay frozen until you’re ready to heat and eat!

This recipe checks all the boxes; easy to make, incredibly delicious, and beautifully presented on a holiday table.

Ingredients

• 8 oz tube of crescent rolls
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1 honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced into very think slices
• 5 oz package of prosciutto
• Honey, for drizzling before serving

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Using a large piece of parchment paper, roll out the tube of crescent rolls and push the dough together to make one large rectangle, approximately 14″ wide and 10″ long. Use a rolling pin to smooth the dough.
  3. Slice 6 strips on the long side and four strips on the short, slicing the rectangle into 24 equal size squares or as close to equal as possible.
  4. Loosely place one square into each of the 24 muffin cup tins. The dough can cover only part of the muffin cup, just the bottom and up the side a bit.
  5. In each muffin tin, add a small amount of goat cheese on top of the dough until all the goat cheese is used. If you cut the 4 oz goat cheese log in half lengthwise, you will have 2 half logs. Slice each half log into 12 equal pieces, and you will have 24 pieces of goat cheese for the muffin cups.
  6. Take the thinly sliced apples and arrange 2 or 3 pieces into each muffin tin, apples can be higher than the muffin tin. Cutting the apple slices as needed to fit.
  7. Divide out the prosciutto package into 24 pieces. Depending on the package’s number of slices, you may have to cut each slice into 4 or 5 pieces. Roll the prosciutto pieces any way you like, and fill each muffin tin with a piece of prosciutto.
  8. If baking immediately: Place the muffin tin into the preheated 350-degree oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
  9. If prepping in the morning to bake later in the day: The muffin tin can be loosely covered and refrigerated at this point until you’re ready to bake.
  10. If making ahead to freeze: At this point the bites and be cooled completely, removed from the muffin tin and placed gently into a freezable container. When reheating these at a later date, preheat oven to 350 degrees and place each bite on a baking sheet. Heat for 10 minutes or until bites are heated through.

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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December 2022 Newsletter

Las Posadas Raffle

A $25 donation to our Uvalde Relief Fund gets you a chance to win a CUSTOM pair of Lucchese boots!

Thank you to the incredible musician William Beckmann who is making this possible through his Las Posadas Hope for Uvalde tour. Check out williambeckmann.com for tour dates or click here to donate and enter the raffle! Winner will be announced on December 28. Multiple entries are allowed!


Matthew and Camila McConaughey Sending Warm Wishes

Happy Holidays! As the end of the year approaches, we want to thank you for your support of our mission to empower high school students to lead active lives and make healthy choices for a better future. Thanks to generous partners like you, our after school program now operates at 44 sites in 15 cities and this past year alone, we have served more than 3000 high school students.

As we all know, the past few years have brought with them much isolation and anxiety, especially for young people. We are proud of the ways in which the JKL team has equipped our students with coping techniques to help overcome these challenges. One of our members, Geraldine, noted, “Whether it’s through learning about mindfulness and meditation in our “Mental Health Monday” sessions, coming together for a beach cleanup, kayak excursion, or just listening to each other share during one of our Gratitude Circles, JKL has remained a constant source of support in our otherwise tumultuous lives”.

The devastating mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Matthew’s hometown of Uvalde, Texas, pained us deeply and spurred us to action. We immediately set up a Uvalde Relief Fund to help with grief counseling and other immediate and long-term needs of the community. We opened a JKL program at Uvalde High School in order to provide students with a safe haven and a healthy way to come together. With our partners at Converse, we set up a college scholarship for Uvalde students to Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, the dream school of Maite Rodriguez, one of the victims of the shooting.

Thank you again for making a difference in so many lives of so many students. Along with our Foundation team – Shannon, Erica, Jenny, Leon, Jasmine and Andrew – we wish you and your loved ones a healthy and peaceful new year, and again, THANK YOU for your continued support.

just keep livin,

Camila and Matthew McConaughey


First Ever jkl Alumni Camping Trip

Some of our jkl alumni enjoyed a weekend camping trip at Lake Perris Campground in Moreno Valley, CA.

Students learned how to pop their own tent, build a fire and the weekend was full of reconnecting, forging new friendships, hiking, gratitude and lots of laughter.


Camila’s Tips: Roasted Potatoes with Arugula

We have never met a potato side dish that we didn’t love!

Looking for an easy roasted potato recipe with a splash of color and a burst of flavor? Well then look no further because you are going to have to give these Roasted Potatoes with Arugula a try!

This recipe checks all the boxes; easy to make, incredibly delicious, and beautifully presented on a holiday table.

Ingredients

• 6-8 golden yellow potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into ¼” wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1.5 cups baby arugula

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Add potatoes to a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Toss with 2 tbsp of olive oil. Spread potatoes evenly on the pan.
  4. Roast about 35 min. Remove pan from oven.
  5. Add arugula to potatoes on pan; mix to combine.
  6. Return pan to oven for 2 min to slightly wilt the arugula.
  7. Transfer to a serving platter.

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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November 2022 Newsletter

jkl is Roaming Wild

Our new partnership with Roam Wild Adventures kicked off this month with our jkl program at Eastern Hills High School.

On Saturday, October 22nd, the group headed out for an all-day adventure that included an introduction to climbing- understanding the elements of rock climbing (fundamentals of climbing, safety, belaying, & knot-tying), followed by practice on routes. In the afternoon, team-building activities mixed with reflection activities throughout the day in a challenge-by-choice environment was definitely a highlight.

The day trip ended with our Gratitude Circle and a family style dinner around a campfire. The jkl students did an amazing job and both staff and students learned so much about their journeys and life experiences throughout the day! It was a powerful experience for all!


VOTE VOTE VOTE!

Jkl is creating young voters!

We are encouraging all our eligible students to practice their right to vote. We have set up an event with Legacy Youth Leadership in January to do an entire two-hour session on voting and the important to pledge to vote. We are inviting all schools in Los Angeles to participate!


Camila’s Tips: Bacon Woven Turkey for Thanksgiving

If you have never made a turkey this way, we highly recommend it! The woven bacon makes a very impressive presentation on any Thanksgiving table.

If you haven’t made a turkey before and are still feeling nervous, just know that this was also the first turkey that Camila ever made and it turned out great!

Ingredients

• 1 Turkey
• 1 lb of regular sliced bacon
• Parchment paper

FOR ROASTING AT BOTTOM OF ROASTING PAN WITH TURKEY:
• 6 Carrots peeled and cut in half
• 2 Small Onions cut in quarters
• 1 bulb of garlic peeled cloves only

Directions

  1. Watch video for demo on how to make the basket weave for the turkey, here.
  2. Place the chilled bacon on top of turkey and the carrots, onions and cloves garlic in the bottom of the baking pan.
  3. Bake turkey 350 degrees (20 minutes per pound)
  4. Skim the fat off the drippings and blend the carrots, onions and garlic to make gravy.

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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October 2022 Newsletter

UT Football and JKL

On Saturday, September 3rd and Saturday, September 17th, our jkl programs from East Austin College Prep and Akins High School in Austin got to enjoy the UT game live at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium thanks to our amazing founders, Matthew and Camila McConaughey who gave their suite so the jkl students and staff could enjoy the games!

It was a first-time experience for some of our students and one to remember! Hook ‘EM!


Soccer at the Rose Bowl and JKL

On Saturday, September 24th, our jkl students from Huntington Park High School in Los Angeles were gifted twenty tickets to the Mexico vs. Colombia soccer game at the Rose Bowl from the wonderful folks at Expedia!

The kids had a blast cheering on their favorite teams and creating new memories with their peers.


Camila’s Tips: Chinese Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup

Fall is here and it’s time for cozy soups!

If you’re craving a tasty and hearty soup that comes together in about 30 minutes? Look no further…

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp peeled, chopped fresh ginger
• 1 bone-in chicken breast or fillet
• 1-inch fresh ginger, peeled and finely diced
• 1-quart chicken broth
• 1 can creamed corn
• 1 splash sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 eggs
• 2 green onions chopped *optional

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, com1. In a small pot place chicken breast and cover with water.
  2. Add fresh ginger to the water.
  3. Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. Once chicken is fully cooked, save the stock in the pot and the ginger.
  5. Transfer this to a larger soup pot.
  6. Shred the chicken and discard the bone in using bone-in chicken breast.
  7. Over medium heat and in the large soup pot, combine the reserved chicken and ginger stock and 1 quart of chicken broth.
  8. Add the can of creamed corn and splash of sesame oil.
  9. Bring to a boil.
  10. Add shredded chicken and bring back to boil.
  11. In a small heat proof bowl and the cornstarch with small amount of chicken water to form thin paste.
  12. Drizzle into the soup, mixing thoroughly. This will slightly thicken the soup.
  13. In a large bowl, beat 2 eggs with a dash of chicken water, then drizzle it into the pot very slowly from about 6 inches above the pot. Slowly stirring.
  14. Garnish with chopped spring onions to serve.

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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September 2022 Newslettter

Matthew McConaughey Surprised With $50,000 Donation to JKL

We want to give a huge thank you to Andy Slavitt and Lemonada Media listeners for making a generous $50,000 donation to support our work empowering students at inner-city high schools.

As Matthew said on the “In the Bubble” podcast on which the donation was revealed, this donation will help fund teachers’ stipends, buses for community service and field trips, equipment and more. To listen to the rest of this inspiring interview that touches on fatherhood, values, new directions and catching those Greenlights, check out the podcast here.


JKL Students Run for a Cause

Even during their summer break, JKL students are still motivated to push themselves and try new things, all for a great cause!

On Saturday, August 13th, students from our Huntington Park and Animo South Los Angeles High School JKL programs had a blast participating in the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Sunset Run!

The annual event supports the LADF’s mission to improve education, health care, homelessness and social justice for all Angelenos. Our students eagerly tackled their goals – some running the 5K and some trying their hand at a 10K – while enjoying breathtaking views of downtown LA at sunset and supporting our longtime partners at LADF.

This awesome community event was a big hit with both students and staff and a great way to close out the summer!


Camila’s Tips: Ginger Garlic Shrimp

This is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for any day of the week! It comes together in about 20 minutes and is very budget-friendly too, tallying in at around $20!

Additional sides you could include are baby spinach or steamed snow peas.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp peeled, chopped fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 14 oz can of low sodium chicken broth
• 3/4 cup light coconut milk
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 lb frozen shelled medium shrimp – deveined and tails off
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
For serving:
• 2 cup cooked Basmati or brown rice
Garnish:
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• additional red pepper flakes

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. Add ¼ tsp black pepper, stir until well blended. Set the seasoning mixture aside.
  2. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cook 3 minutes stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the seasoning mixture that was set aside, cook 1 minute stirring frequently.
  4. Add broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.
  5. Add coconut milk and lemon juice, simmer 2 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and salt.
  7. Add shrimp to the pan cooking 4-5 minutes stirring a few times, until no longer translucent, do not overcook.

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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August 2022 Newsletter

Teacher Training 2022

We were thrilled to be back in person in Los Angeles to host our annual Teacher Training!

Our jkl instructors from our forty-two programs gathered at the Marina Del Rey Hotel for meaningful conversations, shared best practices, discussed areas of need, and made renewed commitments of action! Our mindset has a powerful impact on how successful our programs can be and our amazing instructors are ready and excited to make the greatest impact on the lives of the students we serve.


Dodgers Summer College & Career Accelerator

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation held a Summer College and Career Accelerator event with the USC College Advising Corps.

Our Hunting Park just keep livin program brought some students out for a fun day in the sun at Dodger stadium. The students heard from first-generation college students and learned about their diverse college experiences.

The USC College Advising Corps team did a great job of answering questions, motivating students to get ready to apply for college, and provided fun breakout groups. The event ended with the students getting a chance to watch the afternoon Dodgers game against the Washington Nationals. Thank you, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, for an awesome summer day event!


Camila’s Tips: Honey Ginger Glazed Chicken and Carrots

This is one of those recipes that is great as an easy weekday meal, or can impress guests at a dinner party.

The flavor combinations in this Honey Ginger Glazed Chicken and Carrots bring together savory and sweet! A great tip for this recipe, if you have a cast iron skillet or the equivalent, you could easily make this a one pot / pan meal (who doesn’t love less clean up?!)

Ingredients

• 6-8 chicken thighs with bone in and skin on
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp fresh minced ginger
• 6-8 whole carrots, peeled and cut into sticks (we used multicolor)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper (optional). Stir to combine well and season the chicken with the rub on both sides.
  4. Place chicken in an ovenproof baking dish or in an ovenproof skillet (making this a one pot). Roast chicken in oven for 40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
  5. Boil carrot sticks in salted water for about 10 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and set aside.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the honey, cider vinegar, and fresh minced ginger.
  7. After the 40 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush with half of the honey ginger mixture and return to oven.
  8. Turn the temperature up to 475 degrees F and roast until the skin begins to crisp, about 5 minutes. Watch the chicken as it could brown quicker or take a little longer depending on your oven.
  9. Remove the chicken from the pan, place in serving dish and cover. If using an ovenproof skillet, place the skillet on top of your cooktop. Otherwise, transfer all the pan juices from the roasting pan to a skillet to finish off the carrots.
  10. Add the cooked carrots to the pan and add the remaining honey ginger glaze. Stir to combine over medium heat until carrots are glazed.
  11. Serve the chicken with the glazed carrots and brush any juices from the chicken on top.

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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July 2022 Newslettter

American Gun Responsibility- Uvalde

For the first time in 28 years, a meaningful piece of legislation has passed that can usher in a new era of building an American Culture of Gun Responsibility.

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Bill is a reasonable and holistic step towards addressing America’s gun violence epidemic.

This bill invests in mental health and protects responsible, law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights, due process, and the rule of law.

For responsible gun owners, this bill does not take your guns away or restrict access to firearms.

This bill will save innocent lives by keeping guns out of the law-breaking and irresponsible hands that are trying to hijack the Second Amendment.

This bill is a responsible investment in the future of our country and in America’s greatest asset, our children.

This bill makes those whose lives have been needlessly cut short by gun violence matter.

This bill is about more responsible gun ownership in America.

The Uvalde tragedy ignited bipartisan conversations that created responsible actions by members from both parties. Members made the right and difficult choice — action — over the easy choice — inaction.

By coming together and finding a sensible balance, a bipartisan group of lawmakers passed a bill that will help solve a problem we all agree is unbearable.

While this bill isn’t perfect, it is a shining example of a great American potential and political virtue: the act of compromise and validating an opposing viewpoint.

This is a quintessential virtue of America, where two seemingly contradictory approaches to the same problem can be true at the same time, AND, when combined, actually reveal a more useful and powerful solution than either on its own.

America, the Land of And.

Where we have Freedom AND Responsibility, Rights AND Duties, Opportunity, AND Obligations.

Yes, we have a mental health issue in our country that we need to address, AND we need to create guardrails to keep guns out of irresponsible hands.

Both are true. Neither are mutually exclusive. The success of one even relies on our responsibility to the other.

This bill is an example of the bipartisan meeting of the minds and hearts that can lead us to reclaim true Democracy in America.

This bill is a representation and reminder that no single party is Democracy itself. No single party is America itself, AND no single party in American politics has the claim to independently own the values by which they define themselves.

Republicans and Democrats don’t have a license on the “values” they often posture themselves as owning. Values are free trade, there to share and bring to bear for all of us.

To heal and save our Democracy, we need to apply these same bipartisan efforts to countless other issues. Only then can we become the America we’re capable of becoming.

Now that the president has signed this bill into law, I want to remind all of us Americans that we cannot become complacent and wait on a piece of legislation to solve our problems.

We each have a call to action as well. This legislation gives us guardrails, but we cannot solely rely on it to be responsible for US. We have to be responsible for IT.

We each have a duty to protect our freedom AND our rights. We also each have an opportunity to make more responsible choices as we move forward. Ones that serve others AND ourselves. Let’s each and all have a look in the mirror and make those choices that are on us, and only us.

The choice to be the best parent or mentor possible.
The choice to get involved in the lives of others in our community.

The choice, as business leaders, to change policies in our workspaces to make them safer.

The choice, as gun owners, gun show organizers, and firearms manufacturers to bear, show, and sell arms responsibly. Now is the time to build our American Culture of Gun Responsibility – AND build a healthier nation by being more personally responsible families, neighbors, and business leaders.

We are each in a position to lead in this great country we call America: Where I have the freedom to be me, you have the freedom to be you, AND we all have a responsibility to be us.

Our government took a step in the right direction. Now it’s time for us to remind them AND ourselves what the best of our country is AND can be.

America, the Land of And.
Let’s go.

A native of Uvalde who now lives in Austin, McConaughey is founder of the just keep livin Foundation, and a father of three.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman


The community will need ongoing grief counseling and support on the long road ahead of them. Please just us to help the people of Uvalde, TX. 100% of your donations to the just keep livin Foundation’s Uvalde Relief Fund will support grief counseling, costs associated with burial services and other immediate and long-term needs of the community.


Los Angeles Field Day

We hosted our annual LA Field Day on June 1st where we hosted 100 students and staff! Field Day is an annual event for us to provide the opportunity for all of our jkl sites to come together to build community and participate together through physical activity and friendly competition. The day allows all of our students to be active and the event provides a roadmap for communication and team building!


Beach Day Has Returned

After a two-year Covid break, our annual Beach Day event with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation was one to remember.

On Saturday, June 4, we brought over sixty Los Angeles just keep livin students to enjoy a day of fun in the sun at the world-famous El Porto surfer beach in Manhattan Beach, CA. Students had a chance to receive surf lessons to conquer the waves, boogie board with big smiles, and relax with some beach yoga.

We want to give a huge shout-out to the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation for being a great partner and for always getting volunteers for our event. Another shout-out to Rachel Miriam for creating and supplying custom beach towels and bags for all of the participants. Beach day is truly a magical experience, from seeing some students taking to the ocean for the first time and others with the biggest smiles and appreciation for the outdoors! 


Camila’s Tips: Red, White & Blue-berry Popsicles

Nothing says summer like popsicles, right? This recipe is a little different from your average popsicles…

First, it is coconut milk based, making the popsicles creamy and delicious. Second, it is gluten free, refined sugar free, nut free and vegan, making it almost allergy foolproof for anyone! These popsicles are a better-for-you way to enjoy a summer favorite.

Ingredients

· 1/4 c chopped organic strawberries
· 1/4 c organic blueberries
· 1 can light coconut milk
· 1 tsp agave nectar
· 1/8 tsp butterfly pea tea powder
· 6 unit popsicle mold

Directions

  1. Place avocado pieces in a large mixing bowl and gently mash
  2. Combine all the remaining ingredients in the bowl and gently stir to combine.
  3. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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June 2022 Newsletter

Uvalde Tragedy – How to Help

just keep livin Foundation Founders Matthew and Camila McConaughey have been on the ground in Matthew’s hometown of Uvalde since the devastating mass shooting took place.

The loss is tragic. While the spirit of the community is in pain, the unanimous support of families to families and strangers to locals is beautiful. After the initial shock, the town has now begun the funerals and the grieving process, which will continue for the surviving children, families, and the entire community.

The community will need ongoing grief counseling and support on the long road ahead of them. Please just us to help the people of Uvalde, TX. 100% of your donations to the just keep livin Foundation’s Uvalde Relief Fund will support grief counseling, costs associated with burial services and other immediate and long-term needs of the community.


Spring Break Event hosted by City Year

Students from our Animo Inglewood JKL program were able to attend the 15th Annual Spring Break event hosted by City Year thanks to the wonderful donation of tickets by Palmer Murray. City Year celebrated 15 years of service to the students of Los Angeles at this annual fundraiser at the Sony Studios.


Seeds+Soil=Roots

A huge thank you to our partners at Roots Food Foundation and the Kevin Love Fund for donating garden kits to all of our jkl programs on Earth Day! We are grateful to be embarking on this garden journey collectively and watch our students enjoy their success with their harvests!


Camila’s Tips: Vegetable Frittata

If you haven’t made a frittata before then this is your chance to make a great one….

If you’re looking for something different, and haven’t tried a frittata before, then take a look at this beauty. If you are familiar with this dish and have made one before then you will absolutely love this Vegetable Frittata.

Ingredients

• 1 lb new potatoes, thinly sliced approximately 4 cups
• 8 oz fresh broccoli spears, 4” in length, approx. 2-1/2 cups
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas, thawed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 eggs
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Place avocado pieces in a large mixing bowl and gently mash
  2. Combine all the remaining ingredients in the bowl and gently stir to combine.
  3. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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May 2022 Newsletter

Mack, Jack & McConaughey 2022

Our team is still on a high from the BEST Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M) yet!

It was so much fun coming together with old and new friends to celebrate 10 years and to benefit our 5 wonderful MJM charities that empower kids: jklivin, Dell Children’s, Cure Duchenne, Heart Gift, and the Rise School of Austin. We kicked things off with the incredible Kenny Chesney headlining our Gala night (+ a WILD Live Auction!), then had a great Friday with a golf tournament and a beautiful Stella McCartney fashion show and luncheon presented by Neiman Marcus at the Q2 soccer stadium!

Friday night we wrapped things up with our special “Jack & Friends” Singer-Songwriter Concert featuring the amazing talents of Jack Ingram, Morgan Wade, Rodney Crowell, Lori McKenna, Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall and the Warren Brothers!  What a way to close out MJ&M 2022! Until next year, Austin!


JKL Camping Trip!

In partnership with the Harold Robinson Foundation, we took 90 of our Los Angeles JKL students on a 3 day camping!

The just keep livin Foundation understands the importance of providing a diverse set of recreational programs, including arts, enrichment and athletics, character-building, leadership development, and healthy living. There is no better place than out in nature to help build stronger relationships between students, parents and the community.

For many of our students, this is their first time out of the city and there could not be a more gorgeous and scenic place for them to enjoy than on the grounds of Camp Ubuntu. The vast acres of trees and the backdrop of the mountains is the perfect setting for our students to escape the daily stresses in their lives and find a peaceful retreat!

For many of our students, this is their first time out of the city and there could not be a more gorgeous and scenic place for them to enjoy than on the grounds of Camp Ubuntu. The vast acres of trees and the backdrop of the mountains is the perfect setting for our students to escape the daily stresses in their lives and find a peaceful retreat!


Volunteer Day with Baby2Baby

Our Fairfax JKL program had a rewarding experience volunteering at Baby2Baby in Culver City!

We are grateful that we had the opportunity to continue year after year to work with them. Baby2Baby is a nonprofit organization which provides diapers, clothes and other necessities for children in poverty in the Los Angeles area and in disaster areas across the country.


Camila’s Tips: Mango Avocado Guacamole

We’ve never met a guacamole recipe we didn’t love, and this one is no exception!

It also doesn’t get any easier than this recipe… Just combine all the prepped ingredients below and give it a good stir! This guacamole recipe is both sweet and savory, making it beyond flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 avocado, peeled and diced
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper finely diced If you like extra heat, you could use 1 red fresno pepper
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced sea salt to taste

Directions

  1. Place avocado pieces in a large mixing bowl and gently mash
  2. Combine all the remaining ingredients in the bowl and gently stir to combine.
  3. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »


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