October Newsletter
JKL Partners with the Kevin Love Fund
On Tuesday, September 10th, 50 of our JKL students from Animo Inglewood and ASLA met with NBA player Kevin Love and film director Jarelle Dampier on the Sony Pictures lot to watch The Spider Within: A Spiderverse Story. Students and guests were fortunate to hear from both Kevin and Jarrelle sharing about challenging experiences in their own lives as well as overcoming anxiety. Teaching Artist, Cat Marcel, from the Kevin Love Fund team led our students through a lesson from their free evidence-based mental health curriculum. This event allowed a platform for students to write and draw about an experience from their own life that was difficult and to describe how they navigated their challenge. We are proud and beyond grateful for our continued partnership with the Kevin Love Fund.
Student Spotlight
This month, we want to shout out to two of our senior just keep livin students who are shining bright in their programs! This past month, Ashley and Gurnaaz from our Eastern Hills and North Crowley H.S. programs had the chance to share their stories at our long-time partner, the Rangers Foundation donor event! Both students shared that they enjoyed having a safe space after school, creating new positive friendships, and learning many life skills. Ashley highlighted her leader, “Coach Knight,” who has supported her in many vulnerable moments and provided guidance to help her have a positive mindset when faced with adversity. Gurnaaz shared about her first fishing experience, catching her first fish, and implementing healthy recipes from JKL for her family to enjoy. Both Gurnaaz and Ashley have very different backgrounds and experiences. Still, they have one thing in common: utilizing the JKL program and incorporating the pillars of community service, nutrition, wellness, and fitness into their daily lives. To see these two students thrive and shine within our JKL programs is a true pleasure!
WISE Scholarship Update
Our WISE students are looking forward to a second great year! All three candidates are on track with earning points and have planned several upcoming activities to help them continue exploring possible career options and college paths. During this month, students attended the National College Fair in Los Angeles, where they attended workshops and visited universities from around the world. Dalila was accepted to volunteer for the Aquarium of the Pacific this semester. Fabian will shadow a former JKL alumni in his fitness classes, and Agustin will shadow chefs and take cooking courses with top chefs in Los Angeles. All three also met and spent time with Stacey, founder and creator of the Steele Family Foundation and the WISE Scholarship program. In addition, all are also helping to support the recruitment of this year’s WISE candidates.
Camila’s Corner: Spiderweb Guacamole
We’ve got the perfect Halloween treat for you! Start with your favorite guacamole and add a creepy-crawly twist! We love to use Erica McConaughey’s Chunky Guacamole recipe. This Spiderweb Guacamole is frightfully delicious and sure to cast a spell on your guests! The full recipe can be found here!
JKL Swag of the Month
Just in time for those cooler nights (or bad hair days) . . . our fleeced lined beanies will do your noggin proud. Click here to purchase!