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Family & Youth Forum |
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February What's Inside
Partnerships for Hope and Service
Mission Past Issues
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We are reminded everyday that times are
tough, our economy is in serious trouble; individuals, corporations
and organizations are struggling. Although there is relative truth
in these statements, even in uncertain times The Leadership
Center for Youth (TLC) has friends in the community who step up,
provide assistance and support, and give of themselves generously.
On an annual basis, TLC provides a selected group of students the opportunity to participate in civic engagement and career development. Called The Youth Action Forum (YAF), this group, composed of students who are high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, is able to participate in monthly meetings and field trips focused on in-demand career choices as well as information on our community and civic involvement. YAF has been very fortunate to have the support of various businesses and organizations throughout the 2008-2009 Youth Action Forum season.
L’Auberge du Lac and Kerry Andersen hosted our first group meeting of the 2008-2009 season. Ms. Andersen provided a presentation to the students that included valuable information on how the hotel/casino/resort business is run from inception to the present day. Students were also able to take a thorough and entertaining tour of the facility, as well as have lunch with Ms. Andersen. Throughout the event, Ms. Andersen gave the participants invaluable tips on how to be a success in the working world.
Another highlight of YAF was the tour of The Pathology Lab and the presentation from Dr. Gault Townsend. Incredible sums up this event! The students were transfixed, totally engaged, and fascinated by what they learned and saw throughout The Path Lab tour and presentation, including various departments which process many different types of samples. The absolute favorite was when the students were able to view tissue samples. Some might find this somewhat graphic, to actually see body parts, but the students were amazed and wanted to learn more about the process. Dr. Townsend’s PowerPoint presentation included several photos of himself and others throughout his days in medical school – absolutely fascinating. His descriptions and stories made the presentation come to life.
Students were also fortunate to have Mike Breaux from the Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy come to provide a presentation on how to become a massage therapist. Massage student Chelsea Faulk, and also a previous member of YAF, provided five-minute massages to students so that they would have a hands on example of what massage therapists actually provide.
The time and energy these businesses and local professionals have offered in educating and inspiring the YAF group is invaluable. We are not only enriched, but also inspired that all of the businesses and professionals who have agreed to work with our YAF group have done so on a volunteer basis. We extend our sincere appreciation to all who have assisted The Leadership Center for Youth, as well as the Youth Action Forum. Thanks to you our program is well on its way as being the most successful to date!
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