August 2024 Newsletter

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!