Family & Youth Forum
E-Newsletter from Family & Youth    Lake Charles, LA

May
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 What's Inside

Reconstruction or Restoration

From Response to Recovery

Renewing Our Awareness

Grief: A Normal Response to Loss

Teen Leadership Council

The Leadership Center for Youth--Sulphur Open House

Goal Digging

The Back Page

Mission
It is the belief of Family & Youth that all individuals possess the ability to solve their own challenges and live full healthy lives when support is available. It is the mission of Family & Youth to provide affordable and professional support through programs and services dedicated to advocacy, counseling, and education for the people of Southwest Louisiana. Our effort and commitment to building family values will guarantee a stable and stronger community. 

Teen Leadership Council

Congratulations to all 2006 Teen Leadership Council members and mentors, a wonderful group of 19 youth from Calcasieu Parish schools participated in this year’s leadership development opportunity. Teen Leadership Council was open to high school students who are sophomores and juniors through an application and interview process. Participants increased their self awareness and leadership skills by participating in a balloon walk, blind trust walk, and a marshmallow and spaghetti tower building exercise. Hal McMillin gave them a lively presentation about his personal experiences during the days immediately following Hurricane Rita, which was very enlightening for everyone. Three young professionals spoke about their education and career choices. Monica Harrington, a pharmacist; Aaron Ardoin, a chemical engineer; and Le’Techa Landry, a chemist; all shared their stories and answered many thought provoking questions. The Teen Leadership Council Mentor Scholarship for 2006 was awarded to Aaron Lanthier who attends Westlake High, and the Member Scholarship for 2006 was awarded to Jess Davis who attends Sam Houston High.