Archives: Newsletters

Welcome Back JKL Students and Staff! 

As the new school year begins, we are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of our JKL students and staff! We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break, recharging your energy and enthusiasm! To our dedicated staff, thank you for your commitment and passion. Your hard work and dedication shape our JKL community and inspire our students to dream big, push their boundaries, and strive for excellence every day. As we step into this new school year, let’s work together to create an environment where everyone feels supported, challenged, and motivated to reach their fullest potential. Together, we can continue to build a community where growth, learning, and inspiration thrive and make this year our best one yet! 

NOLA Picklefest 2024

On Thursday, August 8th, twenty-five of our JKL students from Warren Easton and Landry Walker had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2nd annual NOLA Pickle Fest, a vibrant event hosted by the Brees Dream Foundation! The event offered our students a chance to learn about the popular sport of pickleball and dive deep into the experience. Each student was gifted pickleball paddles and bags. Throughout the day, students were provided lessons and participated in matches. One of the day’s highlights was the time spent time with Drew Brees both on and off the court!

Student Spotlight: Meet the Intern!

This summer, we had the pleasure of hosting a few of our recent JKL graduates for a summer internship before heading to college. Up next, we have Jorge, who has also been a great addition to the team this summer!

1. What was the highlight of your internship at the just keep livin Foundation?

My first day was the highlight of my internship at the just keep livin Foundation. Sam and I made gift bags for an upcoming teacher training. Getting all those bags together was a little hectic, but we got to work as a team and figure out ways to split the work and get it done. It was a reminder of our time at JKL and the community it helps foster and build for the students who are part of it. 

2. What college are you attending in the fall, and what are you looking forward to?

I will attend the University of California, Riverside, to pursue a Biology degree. Science has always been a passion of mine, and this is an opportunity to turn that passion into a strong career path in STEM. I’m looking forward to a large campus experience where I can meet new people, create relationships, and expand my education and knowledge.

3. What is one of your all-time favorite JKL memories? 

If I needed to name an all-time favorite JKL memory, I’d say it was our recent summer Catalina trip. I’d never been on a boat before or to Catalina Island and didn’t know what to expect, but knowing I’d go with JKL made it all the better. We got to enjoy the island’s water activities, support the local businesses, and take in the beautiful sites in and around the island. It was pure relaxation and fun!

Camila’s Corner: Summer Peach Salad

As summer reaches its peak, this Peach Summer Salad from Women of Today offers the perfect way to savor the season. Creamy burrata and a fresh herb dressing make this the perfect seasonal bite! 

Find the recipe here.

JKL Swag of the Month: 

Coast’n Through Coasters and Open Sesame Bottle Opener 

Get ready for tailgating season with just keep livin “branded” coasters and magnetic bottle openers.  Check out our sweatshirt and jogger pant options while you are at it.  You will be the most prepared and best dressed while representing your team. Click here to purchase coasters and here to purchase bottle openers! 

Summer Program Highlights

Catalina Island:

Animo Inglewood took 30 students to Catalina Island for an enriching summer program, offering them the chance to explore, learn, and create countless memorable first-time experiences with their JKL family. The journey included sightseeing at the island’s historic landmarks, allowing the students to delve into the captivating history of Catalina. For over half of the participants, including two parent chaperones, this adventure marked their first boat ride and kayaking experience. The day was filled with excitement as they cast their lines for fishing, paddled through the crystal-clear waters, and swam in the serene coves. The excursion ended on a sweet note with ice cream while they wandered through picturesque downtown Avalon, soaking in the charm and vibrant atmosphere of the island.

Baby2Baby: 

Animo Inglewood students embraced the chance to give back to their community this summer by volunteering with Baby2Baby. They worked diligently to assemble baby essential care kits, which were distributed to homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care facilities, hospitals, and underserved schools. This hands-on experience allowed the students to develop their teamwork and planning skills, as they meticulously organized and packaged the kits to meet the specific needs of each recipient. Their collective effort and commitment ensured that the orders were fulfilled efficiently and on time, making a significant impact on those in need.“I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back to a worthy cause. It fills my heart with joy when we are asked to support people in need.” -Samantha

WISE Scholarship Update

We are proud to announce that all three JKL/WISE Scholarship recipients have completed all hours needed to earn total points for year one of their scholarships! All students have maintained a GPA higher than 3.71 and earned at least 116 hours for extracurriculars and JKL! This fantastic achievement brings them one year closer to achieving a full ride to college!

Student Spotlight: Meet the Intern!

This summer, we had the pleasure of hosting a few of our recent JKL graduates for a summer internship before heading to college. First, we have Samatha, who has been a great addition to the team!

1. What was the highlight of your internship at the just keep livin Foundation??

Interning at the just keep livin Foundation was an enriching experience for which I am truly grateful. The highlight of my internship was working behind the scenes, which revealed the immense love and effort poured into all the programs across the states by the jkl staff.

2. What college are you attending in the fall, and what are you looking forward to?

This fall, I will attend Cal State Poly Pomona and major in Molecular & Cellular Biology. I look forward to starting a new chapter in my life! Starting University is an opportunity for a fresh start. It’s the scariest thing I think I’ll ever do because, for the first time, I’ll be managing my academic path and life on my terms, but that’s also what excites me most ironically. I’ve learned and grown so much during my time in JKL, like learning how to take the time to say thanks and be grateful for everything I have in my life, even during tough times. 

 3. What is one of your all-time favorite jkl memories? 

That’s a tricky question because I have so many memories, but I can name a few off the top of my head. More recently, I went on a trip with two of my friends, Jorge and Jose, and my teachers, Mr. Marquez and Ms. Montenegro, to Washington, D.C. The whole experience was incredible because I had never traveled across the country before, let alone lobbied at the U.S. Capitol. I was completely overwhelmed in the best way possible. I hold those memories close to my heart not just because of their significance but because of all the moments we shared along the way—the nerdy ones, the funny ones, and most of all, the new ones. JKL is something I couldn’t recommend more for students. High school can be scary, stressful, and, for some, almost unbearable, but I’ve personally found being a part of JKL to be the highlight of my high school experience. 

Camila’s Corner: Southwest Chicken Salad

This vibrant summertime favorite is the perfect balance of savory goodness and a hint of heat. It features seasoned chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty kick from jalapeño peppers. Prefer a milder taste? Simply skip the jalapeños and still enjoy the delicious blend of flavors! 
Find the recipe here.

JKL Swag of the Month

Don’t Sweat It-Eco Sunset Crewneck Sweatshirts

Great to throw on for those chilly nights sittin’ by the campfire.  They pair well with our fleece joggers, so check those out as well. Click here to purchase! 

Austin Subaru X Riptide Society X JKL

A huge thank you to Austin Subaru and Riptide Society for supporting our JKL community by
gifting a car to our JKL graduate Yami from Juan Navarro. We extend a heartfelt thank you for
making such a significant difference in her life and for helping her as she pursues a degree at
UT. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on her life as well as for her family. It’s gestures
like these that inspire others and contribute to continuing to build a supportive community for
our JKL youth!

Teacher Spotlight

JKL Instructor Karen Long received our “Make it Happen” Staff of the Year Award at our
National Teacher Training this year! Ms. Long is proactive, resourceful, and passionate about
giving first-time opportunities to our JKL students. Ms. Long completed her first year as a solo
JKL instructor at Ralph Ellison H.S. in Chicago, Illinois. She had many program highlights from
students improving their behavior and grades in school to seeing her students with special
needs thrive. She had so many students thank her for their first-time experiences, including
yoga, golf lessons, ice skating, and nutrition knowledge. “Being able to show my students a
different world outside their neighborhood has been a fantastic experience, thanks to JKL. I
look forward to hitting the ground running next year and bringing even more opportunities to
my students.” This summer, Ms. Long will be enjoying a well-deserved trip exploring Vietnam.
We can’t wait to see the JKL Ralph Ellison program in action next school year!

Teacher Training 2024

The 2024 Teacher Training theme, “We INSPIRE, We MOTIVATE, We MAKE IT HAPPEN” was embraced with high energy, enthusiasm, and gratitude throughout our three-day teacher training event. Over 90 JKL teachers attended the training from across the country representing 11 different states. During the training, teachers participated in “Activation Activities” focusing on our 4 pillars in Nutrition, Wellness, Community Service, and Fitness. They were celebrated, recognized, and received program awards for making an impact in the lives of their students and for their outstanding programming. New teachers were introduced and collaboration was reinforced by the community-based infrastructure created by the teachers. 

On day 2, the teachers were surprised with a special visit from our JKL Founder and Co-Founder Matthew and Camila McConaughey. During the surprise visit, both Matthew and Camila thanked the teachers for their hard work and dedication to their students and the foundation. The teachers expressed their gratitude by sharing the impact the programs have made on the lives of their students and themselves. Latonya expressed, “Thank you for giving our youth a safe place to be themselves and make life-changing decisions.” Latasha added, “Thank you for allowing our SPED students to thrive in a community where they feel noticed.” Andrea shared, “Thank you so much for creating opportunities for students to have first-time experiences such as zip lining, canoeing, horseback riding, rope courses, senior service day, and flying to Washington D.C. The students have a bond and a safe place with JKL.” 

The 2024 Teacher Training was a HUGE success, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate our JKL teachers for all their hard work and commitment in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. In the meantime, “Just Keep Livin.”

Camila’s Corner: Red, White and Blue-berry Popsicles

JKL Swag of the Month

Pocket Can Cooler
How do you make a can cooler better? Add a pocket, of course! Keep your beverages cool and
your life cooler with this 4 pack of 100% quality neoprene can coolers with a pocket. Click here to
purchase!

Alumni Highlights

Congratulations to Yomerly Rodriguez who graduated from Northern Essex
Community College and Adia Larzeia who graduated from Prairie View A & M University! Yomerly
received her Associate degree in Art and Design and Adia received her bachelor’s degree in business
administration in Management. We want to congratulate Yomerly and Adia as well as all our jkl
graduates from the Class of 2024!

Corepower Yoga Teacher Training x jkl

We are proud to expand our partnership with CorePower Yoga (CPY) which began with the introduction
of in-studio hot yoga classes in Texas and California this past spring. Providing JKL participants with
access to transformative yoga practices, CPY continues to be an incredibly partner. As the collaboration
evolved, it culminated in a significant milestone—a scholarship offering for three alumni and three
teachers from the just keep livin program to receive full scholarships to the CorePower Yoga teacher
training course. This initiative represents a commitment to empowering individuals within the JKL
community, offering them the opportunity to deepen their practice and share the benefits of yoga with
others. The six JKL recipients are set to embark on their training journey this summer, marking a new
chapter in their personal and professional growth empowered by yoga.

We are so proud of the following scholarship recipients:

Program Highlights

Beach Day:

Our 8th Annual Beach Day in partnership with the Jimmy Miller Foundation @jmmfoundation was a
huge success! Thank you to all the volunteers who made the day possible and memorable for our
#justkeeplivin students. Shout out to the surf instructors for being the biggest cheerleaders! Shout out to the yoga instructors for keeping our students grounded! Shout out to @juglifewater for keeping our
kids hydrated during the event! We can’t wait for next year!!

Annual Field Days:

Our annual Field Days are vibrant and uplifting events aimed at promoting health and wellness among
the jkl kids. Our field days offer a range of outdoor activities and sports, fostering teamwork, physical
activity, and positive social interaction. With the support of volunteers and sponsors, our kids engage in
fun-filled fitness activations, exercises, and educational workshops, empowering them to lead active and
fulfilling lives while emphasizing our core values of resilience and perseverance.
Shout out to our LA, Chicago, Austin, Longview and Washington D.C. programs for making it happen!

Student Spotlight

Daejon, an Indiana native, found his community through the Pinkston jkl program the 2nd day he arrived
in Dallas. Participating in the jkl gratitude circle not only helped him grow but also fostered deep
friendships with other jkl students from around the Texas area. The sense of belonging he experienced
was profound, and he cherishes the memories of giving back to the community and attending field day
events. Daejon Jackson truly “Defines JKL”. From the day he joined 3 years ago until now, it’s been like
planting a seed in fertile soil, and it has been a joy watching him grow. He’s a true ambassador for the
Just Keep Livin Program, and we wish him the best- Mr McGee (Pinkston jkl Instructor). After High school
graduation, Daejon plans to obtain his drone license, start a business for himself, and enroll in school to
ultimately become a pilot.

Camila’s Corner: Peanut Cucumber Salad

Crunchy, cool, and bursting with flavor—this recipe from @womenoftoday is sure to become your new
favorite summer salad! It’s a a perfect side dish or light meal. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and
seasonings according to your taste preferences

JKL Swag of the Month!

Breaking Waves Cali Throw/Towel

Made of 100% cotton, this throw is so versatile and the more you wash it, the softer and more absorbent it becomes.  Can be used for a beach towel, beach blanket, wrap for those chilly nights at the game or dining on an outdoor patio!

Buy Now!

5K hosted by jkl program at West Adams

Our jkl program at West Adams hosted their first annual 5k race on Saturday, February 17th.

Our students and staff were beyond grateful for the generous donation made by K-Swiss to supply our runners with shoes to train and run in their 5K! The family friendly race was open to the entire school!

Runners and walkers included students, staff, and family members. All participants received a medal, post-race refreshments and a truly unforgettable race experience. We are beyond appreciative to our partners at K-Swiss for helping to ensure our jkl students had the proper running shoes.

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Mental Health Workshop at Venice

Our JKL Venice program hosted guest speaker JR for a Mental Health Workshop.

JR guided students through the therapeutic practice of kite-making. By incorporating art and culture, the workshop aimed to teach students how to express their emotions and enhance their mental well-being. The vibrant kites created during the session became colorful expressions of student’s feelings.

The workshop sparked numerous insightful and powerful moments. The students had so much fun that many stayed late, enjoying the opportunity to continue flying their kites.

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COREPOWER YOGA X JKL FIELD TRIPS

Students from Animo Inglewood ventured out to the CorePower Yoga studio in Hermosa Beach, where they were warmly greeted by the Hermosa CorePower team.

During the yoga session, we were skillfully guided through several yoga flows and stretches that not only challenged students but also infused an element of fun. The intensity of hot yoga added a unique twist, making it a first-time experience for many students. The session concluded with a gratitude circle, where numerous students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to try something new and unwind and relax. Check out more of their experience here:

Thanks to our fantastic partnership with CorePower Yoga, Russell Westbrook, Manual Arts and Pinkston JKL programs also had the chance to partake in this enriching yoga experience this past month. More classes are scheduled throughout the month of March.

Corepower has also offer 6 Yoga Teacher Training scholarships to our JKL teachers and alumni. Applications are due March 1 and we will be selecting the winners over the next few weeks!

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Crime Stoppers Houston

Our Director of Program Strategy and Community Impact, Leon Clayborne, recently presented at the 28th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Conference in Houston, TX.

During his presentation titled “3 Reasons Why After-School Programs Should be Utilized,” Leon engaged with an audience of over 150 high school students, law enforcement officers, program directors, and crime-stopper staff.

The presentation explored after-school programming in three areas: community, exposure, and wellness. Leon’s insights were well-received and generated a lot of interest among attendees regarding enhancing existing after-school programs and the application process for new ones!

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Camila’s Tips: Savory Homemade Dips!

This one’s for all the dip lovers! Because there’s nothing better than a homemade dip.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a game night, or simply craving a savory snack, making a dip from scratch is the way to go! Here are two of our faves!

Whipped Feta and Honey: Creamy whipped feta combined with herbs and a drizzle of honey creates the perfect mix of savory and sweet in each bite. This dip is such a crowd-pleaser that you might want to make a double batch of the recipe!

IIngredients
4 oz crumbled feta cheese at room temperature
⅓ cup whole milk Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp minced garlic
½ tsp dried basil
2 tbsp honey

Topping
1 tbsp chopped pistachios
1 tsp finely chopped chives
Honey drizzle

To Serve: Crostini or Grilled Pita

Instructions
Combine the first six ingredients in a small food processor and blend until smooth.
Plate and top with toppings and finish with a honey drizzle.

Savory Dipping Oil with Grilled Bread: The flavors of this dipping oil come together beautifully to create a savory and aromatic oil that pairs perfectly with the grilled bread. The dish is finished off by rubbing the grilled bread with a clove of garlic, adding an irresistible flavor depth.

A simple and delicious appetizer that can be prepared quickly and we think, should be made often.

Ingredients
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp Pecorino Romano cheese
Fresh ground black pepper

For The Grilled Bread:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled
2 slices of your favorite grilled bread

Instructions
Heat your grill pan or a grill to medium-high.
Slice your bread and brush the cut side with olive oil, then place it on the grill or pan and gently press down with the back of a spatula. Grill for a couple of minutes until you have grill lines on the bread.

Remove and rub the grilled side with peeled garlic clove and set aside.

Add the olive oil and the balance of the ingredients to a small flat plate.

Dredge your favorite grilled bread through the dipping oil and enjoy.

– Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »

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Swag of The Month

Jog-or-not


Whether you wear them to jog (or not), these are the perfect companion to any of our sweatshirts. Athletic heather with navy screenprint or navy with light blue screenprint.

Get Yours Now

Matthew and Camila McConaughey Sending Warm Wishes

Happy Holidays!  As another year comes to a close, we want to thank you for your continued 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, in 2023, we’ve been able to serve over 3,000 high school students at 46 schools in 16 cities!

As you know, JKL students experience a great many firsts through our program, from learning to fish or to ride a bike, to attending their first football game or even just eating a Thanksgiving meal.  This year, we had the opportunity to give some of our JKL students a particularly special first.  In March, we took around 30 of our students from eight different schools to Washington, D.C. for a day of lobbying that saw them advocate for more mental health services in schools and additional funding for afterschool programs like ours.  The trip empowered our students to find ways to channel their fears and frustrations into meaningful action.  Afterwards, 100% of them reported feeling confident in their ability to create real, tangible change in the world.

This year also saw us double down on our efforts to make America’s schools safer. Last year, in the wake of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, we advocated for the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which set aside billions of dollars in grant money for improving school safety.  To make sure that bill MATTERS, we knew we needed to help school districts navigate the complex and intimidating federal school safety grant process.  In July, we launched an ambitious national project known as the Greenlights Grant Initiative (GGI) with the sole mission of helping connect school districts to the dollars that CAN make America’s schools and our children safer.  Just three months in, the GGI is already having a tangible impact.  Thus far, more than 3,000 school districts have signed up to receive grant writing support, in addition to 1,214 teachers and 1,529 parents. The reach extends to over 17,000 school administrators with whom we share grant resources!

The power of gratitude is something we put a lot of focus on in our program, and it’s important for you to know that we are grateful for YOU, and that the kids you’re impacting are grateful too!  We’ve enclosed one of our exclusive Greenlights trucker hats as a token of our appreciation and a reminder to stay “lit”.  Along with our Foundation team – Shannon, Shannon S., Jenny, Leon, Diana, and Danielle- we wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year!

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Boxes of Blessings

Students and staff from our jkl program at Pinkston High school participated in a local community service opportunity called Boxes of Blessings.

Students and staff from our jkl program at Pinkston High school participated in a local community service opportunity called Boxes of Blessings.

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Camila’s Tips: Deviled Egg Wreath

If you’re looking for an easy and festive appetizer for your holiday gathering, this is it!

Elevate your holiday gatherings with our Deviled Egg Wreath, a creative twist on the classic deviled eggs that are not only delicious but will look extra festive on the table.We are in full-on holiday mode here at Women of Today and will take any opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, especially if we can make it easy! This recipe is just about as easy as it gets, and who doesn’t love deviled eggs?!

Tip for peeling hard-boiled eggs: After boiling, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and chill for 14 minutes; this will help the shells come off easier.

Deviled Egg Wreath (Servings 16 Deviled Eggs)

• 8 large eggs, hard-boiled, peeled, and halved
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp red onion, finely diced pinch of sea salt, or to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 3 cornichons, very finely diced

Garnish

• 2 cups arugula
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh finely chopped parsley
• 32 thin and small pieces of red pepper

Optional

Fresh cranberries to fill the center of the wreath for decoration only.

Directions

After the eggs are hard-boiled and cooled, peel and slice them in half lengthwise, remove the yolks, and add them to a mixing bowl. Place 8 halves on one dish and the other 8 halves on another dish.

Mash yolks to a fine crumb with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dion, red onion, salt, black pepper, and cornichons to the mixing bowl. Mix with a spoon until well combined. The mixture will be creamy.

Spoon about a teaspoon of the egg mixture into each egg half on their separate plates. If you have a very small cookie scoop, this makes the job easier.

On one of the plates with the 8 egg halves, sprinkle with smoked paprika. On the other plate with the other 8 halves, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley.

On a serving platter, arrange the arugula to resemble a wreath. Gently and alternating between the two different egg platters, arrange the deviled eggs. Place two thin, small pieces of red pepper on one of the ends to resemble horns.

– Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »

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Swag of The Month

Gratitude is Attitude!

Just in time for your holiday gift giving… our Gratitude is the Attitude, student designed ONE OF A KIND t-shirt is a sure thing to bring a smile to your loved ones faces!

Get Yours Now

Happy Birthday to Our Incredible Founder!

Matthew’s birthday is November 4 and, if you would like to donate to the just keep livin Foundation in honor of his special day, we have many giving opportunities that support our work and directly impact our programs!

Click the link here: Matthew’s Birthday Fundraiser – just keep livin Foundation to check out our website and how you can be a part of his birthday!

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Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Apollo Theatre:

Both of our Brooklyn JKL programs were able to travel to New York City to attend the Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Apollo Theatre!

This fun filled event curated by Daymond John was the ultimate celebration of Black business and entrepreneurship. Students were able to hear insightful conversations with Black business icons which included SHAQ, Ice-T, Traci Ellis Ross and many more! We are beyond grateful to Daymond John and his team for providing this amazing experience for our JKL students!

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Lakers Youth Foundation Basketball and Health Fitness Clinics

The Lakers clinic was held at Manual Arts High on Saturday, October 14th. Students from Manual Arts and Animo Inglewood High Schools had a blast conditioning with the coaches from the Lakers youth foundation. We had approximately 50 students in attendance!

Students share their gratitude for the special day:

“I’m grateful for JKL because they provide opportunities like this.”

“I’m so happy that I did this because I was able to do something that I’ve never done before and push myself out of my comfort zone”

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Camila’s Tips: Honey Cider Caramels

These Honey Cider Caramels are better-for-you because well, you guessed it, they use honey instead of refined sugar and they are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth! These delicious little treats embody the flavor of fall with their rich blend of honey and apple cider.

Ingredients

• 4 cups apple cider
• Cooking Spray
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup honey
• ⅔ cup whole goat milk
• 1¼ tsp flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, plus more for finishing

Directions

1. In a 3-quart saucepan, boil apple cider over high heat until reduced to 1/3 cup of cider syrup, 30-40 minutes. (Pour syrup into a heatproof measuring cup to check on the reduction amount during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.) Remove from heat.
2. Meanwhile, lightly coat an 8-x-8-inch straight-sided metal baking pan with cooking spray. (The spray will help keep the parchment paper securely in place.) Cut two 8-x-11-inch pieces parchment paper. Line the bottom and sides of pan with paper, leaving 2-inches of overhang on all sides.
3. Spray paper with cooking spray.
4. Add butter, brown sugar, honey and goat milk into the hot cider syrup; stir until butter is melted. Return pot to just above medium heat with a candy thermometer attached to the side. Cook, undisturbed, until the thermometer reads 250° or hard ball stage, 8-12 minutes, watching closely.
5. Immediately remove from heat and use the candy thermometer to stir in salt.
6. Pour caramel into the prepared pan. Let cool, uncovered, at room temperature for 2 hours, then sprinkle with flaky salt. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
7. Use the parchment paper overhang to transfer caramel to a cutting board. If refrigerated overnight, let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing. Use a large knife to cut the caramel into bite-sized squares or rectangles. Wrap each caramel in waxed paper, twisting the sides to seal. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

– Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »

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Swag of The Month

Eco Sunset Crewneck Sweatshirt

2 new options for those cooler fall days. Made of 100% sustainable USA cotton and recycled poly.

Get Yours Now

Just Because @ The Grove

Our Venice JKL program had the opportunity to spend time with our Co-founder and  #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey to meet with him and pick up a copy of his new children’s book, Just Because.

The students loved this irreverent collection of life lessons that will delight readers of all ages. Pick up your copy today!

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JKL Annual Board Meeting

This September, at the annual board meeting of the just keep livin Foundation, staff members presented highlights from the past year’s activities and achievements. The energy in the room was palpable as it was our first in person meeting since 2019!

However, the most significant moment of the meeting was when two seniors from the Animo Inglewood JKL program passionately shared their personal experiences and heartfelt stories about what JKL means to them. Their inspiring testimonies resonated deeply with everyone present, reminding the board of the foundation’s meaningful impact on the lives of young individuals.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to the foundation’s mission.

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Los Angeles Galaxy Max

Thank you to the Los Angeles Galaxy for helping us kick off the school year with a great field trip for our Los Angeles just keep livin students.

We had over 120 students and staff in attendance to witness a hat trick by striker, Billy Sharpe and a last-minute comeback win of 4-3 against Minnesota United! The Galaxy does a great job with their game-day experience. We appreciate the invite and look forward to attending more matches!

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Camila’s Tips: Easy Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables are delicious, and in case you didn’t know, pickling is actually a really great way to preserve any excess vegetables you don’t want to go bad. It’s also a lot easier than you might think to pickle your own vegetables at home. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand and adjust the brine with other seasonings to suit your liking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp turbinado sugar
• 2 cups sliced or chopped veggie of choice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. IAdd the vinegar, salt, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
3. Bring to a boil, then cool.
4. Pour over 2 cups of chopped whatever. Jalapeños, onions, cucumbers, whatever!
5. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

– Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »

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Swag of The Month

Just Because tote bags and sticker sheets!

This 10 oz. cotton canvas tote bag is sturdy and roomy enough to hold up to 14 lbs. of “stuff.”

Get Yours Now

Support For Maui with Baby2Baby

Following the horrific devastation on Maui, The McConaughey family decided to amplify the efforts of JKL partners and friends, Baby2Baby by sending a cargo plane filled with hundreds of thousands of emergency aid supplies that will have an immediate impact on children and families.

Baby2Baby will give supplies to on-the-ground organizations such as: Aloha Diaper Bank, Maui Food Bank, Hawaii Diaper Bank Pacific Birth Collective, and Maui Rapid Response. Matthew and Levi posted this video that has received hundreds of thousands of views, and over $1million has been raised for Baby2Baby to send immediate supplies to the devastated families and children on Maui.

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2023-2024 JKL Program Launch

As our programs prepare to launch after Labor Day, we wanted to highlight our JKL instructors who make it all possible!

They are the talent on the ground and without each of them and their unwavering commitment to just keep livin, none of this would be possible! The JKL instructors continue to show up for their students with a full sense of purpose and give their all to help students find their own path and purpose so that they can always be open to growing and becoming the best versions of themselves.

Thank you for the many ways you help your students find their voice, guiding them to set and reach their goals, and helping to shape their futures.  YOU are teaching them the power of community and supporting one another! You do it with passion and great resilience and for that we all are grateful! We are excited to share with all of you the amazing experiences, opportunities, first time experiences and gratitude that this upcoming school year will bring to all of our just keep livin students!

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Camila’s Tips: Southwest Roasted Cauliflower

This vibrant and savory dish is sure to steal the spotlight at your dinner table! Meet our flavorful and spicy recipe for Southwest Roasted Cauliflower! The beautiful blend of garlic, chiles, and vegetable stock infuses with the cauliflower to create a burst of mouthwatering flavors.

Ingredients

• 1-2 tbsp crushed caribe chile or red pepper flakes
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 heads of cauliflower cleaned and cut into florets

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a small food processor, emersion blender, or regular blender, add the caribe chile pepper, garlic, cumin, Mexican oregano, salt, and ¼ cup of the stock. Pulse a few times until the caribe chile peppers are well combined. Add the balance of the stock and the olive oil, and blend until smooth.
3. Place the cauliflower florets in a prominent roasting dish in a single layer and pour the marinade over the cauliflower. Toss to coat all the cauliflower and let it rest for 15 minutes
4. Bake the cauliflower uncovered for 1 hour, tossing every 20 minutes for even cooking and browning.
5. Cauliflower is done when well browned and fork tender.

– Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »

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Greenlights Grant Initiative- Safer Schools Across America

Our Founders Matthew and Camila McConaughey have launched the Greenlights Grant Initiative to help schools access federal dollars set aside by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to support programs for safer schools across America.

The Initiative is the greenlight that connects your community, your students, and teachers to funding to establish mental health programs and a safe learning environment in schools.

Check out greenlightsgrantinitiative.org. Share it with your administrators, school districts, and anyone who can use the help to bring real change for our children.

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jkl National Teacher Training

Our jkl national teacher training this year was one for the books! We had over 90 teachers in attendance from across the country

We welcomed six new jkl programs; Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama, Crockett High School in Austin, Texas, South East High School and West Adams High School in Los Angeles, California, High School for Innovation Advertising and Media in Brooklyn, New York and McMain High School in New Orleans, Louisiana. The program training sessions provided space for programming ideas, practical tools, school collaborations, recruitment methods, program highlights, success testimonies, and our gratitude circle.

Our special guest, Kat from the Kevin Love Fund, introduced six new SEL lessons that will be incorporated this fall; a great session led by the Sandy Hook Foundation on the importance of school safety and a relaxing yoga session! We can’t wait to see our jkl programs in full action this fall.

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Your Voice Matters; Vote: JKL partners with Legacy Youth Leadership

This year, JKL has partnered with Legacy Youth leadership to bring dynamic leadership programming to our students in Southern California!

Students completed the Vote Track as part of an in-person event, and attended the 5th annual Legacy Summit event to grow their leadership skills and build community with world-changing young people from around the world!

In addition to these in-person experiences, Legacy offers FREE online Leadership and Mentorship Programs to students all around the country to build a more socially conscious generation of young people. This is a great opportunity for parents looking to get their students involved in FREE Leadership Programming during the summer. In as little as 2 hours per track, students will build hard and soft skills including: self- and social-awareness, goal setting, strategic planning, and more. After completing each track, they’ll be challenged to apply those skills through meaningful service activities!

Click here to sign up for free and help your student gain the skills they need to change the world!

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Camila’s Tips: Olive and Artichoke Pasta Salad

Although August is back-to-school month, it is still pretty toasty outside so let’s make a dish that is refreshing, flavorful and easy for those first days of school! This dish is bursting with flavor from olives, tender artichoke hearts, and topped with a zesty lemon dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 box of Eat Banza chickpea pasta
• 1 can artichokes
• ⅓ cup whole kalamata olives, chopped in halves
• ¼ cup whole sun-dried tomatoes, finely diced
• 2 handfuls arugula, finely chopped
• 1 white kidney beans, washed well and drained

Dressing Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• ½ tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the box of pasta and cook until tender/al dente.
3. Drain and rinse well under cold water.
4. As the pasta is cooking, prep the ingredients and add them to a large serving bowl.
5. Prep the dressing.
6. Let’s put it all together: add the shells to the serving bowl and pour on the dressing. Mix well.
7. Taste test for salt and add if necessary.

– Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »

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Swag of The Month

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Amalfi Jets Scholarship Recipients

Amalfi Jets, our Spring 2023 sponsor of the Venice High School jkl program, is one of our most involved and engaged sponsors we’ve had in years. We have loved every touchpoint with Amalfi, but in June we got to watch three of our standout students receive $1,000 college scholarships and acceptance into the Amalfi Jets Accelerator Program.

The Student Leadership Accelerator Program is a philanthropic, youth leadership program for high school students interested in developing their professional skills while making a tangible impact on their community. This exclusive “Pre-MBA” program is for student leaders ready to put their skills to the test. It is the perfect entry point for those looking to maximize their potential and open doors to secure some of the most competitive internships and jobs on the market for young leaders. We are so thrilled to have a few of our outstanding jkl students involved in this outstanding program!

Future Leadership Scholarship Award Recipients: Justin Sotelo, Gerardo Gomez, and Jose Hernandez

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End-of-Year Skate Party

As we said goodbye to the 2022-2023 school year, our jkl students commemorated the occasion in style with a fun-filled roller-skating extravaganza hosted by Moonlight Rollerway Inc. in Glendale, CA.

Students and instructors from Animo Inglewood High School, Animo City of Champions High School, Animo South Los Angeles High School, Fairfax High School, Huntington Park High School, and Manual Arts High School came together for a joyful gathering, with many trying on skates for the very first time!

The celebration was sweetened by delightful, homestyle cupcakes, a generous contribution from Susie Sarich of SusieCakes Bakery, another much-loved Los Angeles establishment. The event served as a wonderful wrap-up to the school year!

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jkl Hittin’ the Waves

Our 7th annual Beach Day event with the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation was a hit! On Saturday, June 3rd, we brought our 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. Many of our students did not even know how to swim and still went in the water and learned how to surf for the first time! They showed so much courage and excitement and we could not be more proud. Another shout-out to Rachel Miriam for always creating cool merch, with an awesome beach hat for this year and to Baby-2-Baby for generously donating sunscreen.

We topped the day off with California Pizza Kitchen lunches, a yummy ice-cream sandwich treat from Coolhaus and our unforgettable gratitude circle from our hearts! 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!

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Camila’s Tips: Summer Sheet Pan Frittata

This yummy breakfast recipe is packed with roasted zucchini, tomatoes, asparagus, peas, bacon and lots of herbs! It’s a great one-pan breakfast or brunch that you can make and then enjoy for quick meals on the go throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 4 large portobello mushrooms, cleaned

• 2/3 cup cherry tomatoes
• 8 asparagus spears
• 1 medium sized zucchini
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1/3 cup peas

Directions

1. Preheat the oven 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and then cut into 1/4-inch-thick half-moon pieces.
3. Cut the asparagus spears into 1-2-inch-long pieces.
4. Place the cherry tomatoes, bacon, asparagus and slices of zucchini on a 13×9 inch sheet pan.
5. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the zucchini and asparagus are tender.
6. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, chives and parsley.
7. Chop the bacon into small pieces and arrange them evenly only the sheet pan with the veggies so that everything is evenly dispersed around the tray.
8. Scatter the peas around the veggies on the tray and then pour the egg mixture over top.
9. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the egg has fully set.
10. Once cooked cut the frittata into large squares and garnish with additional chopped chives before serving.

– Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »

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Matthew McConaughey Movie Montage

On Saturday May 6, under the beautiful Texas sky, a group of generous donors and jkl supporters watched as our founder, Matthew, discussed some of his most iconic films.

The Matthew McConaughey movie montage is one of our most popular and sought after auction items every year and winners get to enjoy a behind the scenes look at what it was like on the set of these films, how Matthew delves into a character and what he thinks of the legacy of his iconic characters.

From Dazed and Confused to How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, Matthew’s impact as an actor on pop culture is endless. Whether he’s winning an Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyers Club or providing a unique experience for supporters of the just keep livin Foundation, we are always in awe of his commitment to excellence. It was a fabulous event, and we look forward to more Movie Montage’s in the future.

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WOW Mental Health Summit

jkl students from Animo Inglewood and Manual Arts attended the WOW2023 Mental Health Summit at UCLA’s Royce Hall on May 4th. Co-hosted by Oprah Winfrey and Lisa Kudrow, the event provided a wealth of knowledge on mental health and self-understanding.

Our students had the unique opportunity to learn from distinguished speakers like U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, and artist Jon Batiste. The sessions focused on universal questions of self-worth and addressed the common pressures that young people face today, especially in high-achievement settings like high school and college.

The summit discussed the importance of open conversations about mental health, debunking the associated stigma, and emphasized the significance of quality, accessible, and representative mental health services. Students were encouraged to understand their triggers, regulate them, and embrace the idea that seeking help is a powerful act of self-care. The students learned about the value of genuine connections, being present, and spending quality time with others to combat loneliness. They were reminded that strength should be redefined as love and vulnerability. This enlightening experience provided our students with invaluable insights into mental health and self-awareness, equipping them to navigate their journey with increased resilience and empowerment.

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Field Day Galore!

What electric Field Days! We had our Nashville and Los Angeles programs host their events as we expand our jkl tradition and bring field day to all our cities.

In Los Angeles, we brought together our jkl programs for some fun sweat equity. This year we hosted 160+ jkl students at Huntington Park High School with incredible activations from the World Calisthenics Organization, D.B. Labs, and Los Angeles Galaxy. Our guest speaker, Wale Forester Co-Founder of Hussle Wipes, got the kids fired up to be great by implementing integrity. Can’t wait for next year! 

In Nashville, we had our first annual Field Day! We had all our jkl sites come together to build community, get some physical activity and have friendly competition. Our students got a chance to get active and build roadmaps for communication and team building! This could not have been possible without the support of Nashville SC and the Nashville Predators who both hosted stations at the event.

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Camila’s Tips: Vegetarian Stuffed Portobellos

Never underestimate the power of side dishes! These hearty stuffed mushrooms are bursting with flavor with a hint of spice.

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

• 4 large portobello mushrooms, cleaned
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno or habanero, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• 5 oz baby spinach and kale mix, washed
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a small baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Remove stems from mushrooms and place mushrooms upside down.
3. Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes. The mushrooms will release a lot of water.
4. Remove mushrooms from pan, draining the water onto the baking sheet.
5. Set mushrooms aside and the pour off all the water in the baking sheet.
6. While mushrooms are baking, in a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add garlic, sliced onions and jalapeno pepper.
7. Cook for 5 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
8. Add the diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.
9. Add the baby spinach and kale mixture, stir tocombine, cover, and let simmer for 2-4 minutes or until just wilted.
10. Season with sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
11. Reduce oven heat to 375 degrees.
12. Fill the portobello mushrooms with the stuffing mixture.
13. Top with grated cheddar cheese and bake in oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
14. Serve with your favorite sides or salad. with your favorite sandwich accompaniments.

– Enjoy! Beijos Camila

Full recipe by Women of Today »

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