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August Newsletter

JKL Volunteers at Baby2Baby Headquarters

On July 1 st , over 25 students from our JKL Animo Inglewood program traded in their summer break for something far more meaningful – a day of giving back. Students visited the Baby2Baby headquarters in Los Angeles, where they rolled up their sleeves and got to work packing over 190 Maternal Health and Newborn Supply duffle bags for mothers and babies in need. Each kit was thoughtfully assembled with essential items including diapers, rash creams, shampoo, lotion, and other newborn necessities. Every single bag included a hand-written letter of encouragement from our students, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to each package.

What made this day so special was the choice our students made to show up. No one had to be there and yet they came ready to serve, ready to give, and ready to make a difference for families they may never meet. That is the JKL spirit at its finest. A heartfelt thank you to Baby2Baby for the incredible work they do for families across the country, and for being such wonderful hosts to our students. Days like this remind us that community service isn’t just something we teach – it’s something our students truly live.

JKL Volunteers at Baby2Baby Headquarters

PLAY Day: LA84 Foundation, Play Equity Fund & Why Not Foundation

This summer, JKL had the privilege of taking part in an incredible PLAY Day event, brought to life through a powerful partnership between the LA84 Foundation, the Play Equity Fund, and the Why Not? Foundation. From the moment children arrived, the energy was electric — filled with laughter, movement, and the kind of pure, unfiltered joy that reminds you what childhood is all about. Students jumped into a lineup of fun-filled activities and games that got their bodies moving, their competitive spirits going, and their smiles shining from ear to ear.

One of the most touching moments of the day was the gratitude tree, where students paused from the fun to reflect and share what they are grateful for — a beautiful reminder that even in the middle of a day full of play, there is always room for gratitude and connection. The turnout was nothing short of amazing, and the atmosphere was a testament to what happens when dedicated organizations come together with one shared goal: ensuring that every child has the opportunity to play, to connect, and to simply be a kid. We are deeply grateful to the LA84 Foundation, the Play Equity Fund, and the Why Not Foundation for creating a space where our students felt celebrated, supported, and full of life. Days like this are exactly why we do what we do.

Student Spotlight: Donquadus "DQ" Johnson – 12 th Grade, Stratford STEM High School –
4 Years in JKL

Donquadus has truly been a cornerstone of the JKL program at Stratford STEM. A dedicated member since the very beginning, DQ joined as a freshman and has remained a consistent, positive presence over the past four years. He’s become known not just for his reliability, but for the personality he brings to the group—including his signature robin egg blue JKL shirt from freshman year, which he proudly chose to keep wearing year after year because, as he’d say, “it’s my favorite.”

DQ’s impact goes far beyond his consistency. He shows up with respect, gratitude, and a genuine enthusiasm for being part of the program. Whether during activities or in gratitude circles, he always finds a way to express appreciation—often giving thanks for the opportunity to be part of JKL and the people around him. He’s the kind of student others notice, someone who leads simply by being himself and showing up day after day.

As DQ prepares to graduate, his presence will certainly be missed. His journey reflects what JKL is all about—providing a space where students can grow, stay grounded, and feel part of something meaningful.

Camila’s Corner: Banana Popsicles

Looking for a sweet treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? These Banana Popsicles are the perfect healthy summer dessert with just four simple ingredients and zero oven time!

Feel free to get creative by swapping the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter, or topping with your favorite accouterments like shredded coconut, granola, or a pinch of sea salt!

Full recipe HERE!

JKL Product of the Month: KEEP YOUR LID ON

Bad hair day? No hair day? Hitting the links? Going to a ball game? No matter where you are or what your plans are, you will feel cool and look cool in this white Richardson brand cap with gold or blue just keep livin embroidered on the front.

Click HERE to purchase!