Peer Leaders made the difference at Salute 2010 in Chicago!

Life Directions is dedicated to waking up young people to the value of self-responsibility. There were 20 such young people at Macy's to be the Living Thank You to our donors.

• One young person spoke in their name thanking those who make the reources of Life Directions available to them. As she was thanking them, she said "I am a student who goes to a failing school, but I'm a success!"
• Other student is writing an article for the school newspaper. She interviewed me and told me that the reason she is writing it is to promote Life Directions. It made such a difference in her life. She wants more of her peers to receive it!

They are Peer Leaders, turning lemons into lemonade and enjoying it.

Do you know peer leaders in High School? Why do you think they are leaders? Let me know so I can pass on what you think to the young people we serve!

Fr. John Phelps, C.Ss.R.
President & CEO - Life Directions

What young adults in college can do for teens

College students are positioned to make a real impact on young people whose parents were not able to go to College themselves. They want their children to have the opportunity. But they don't know what is needed.

Research shows that African, Hispanic and Native Americans who begin College will have an excellent chance to graduate based on two factors that come from their "roots". The first is that they want to do so for their family. The second is that they have a spiritual foundation to turn the obstacles into opportunities.

We in Life Directions want to encourage young people to see College as a real possibility. This is where we see college students as Peer Animators. It begins by getting to know each other. The conversation will naturally flow into the practical points to consider to be get ready. Everything from how much home work to what school would be possible based on what the young person wants to study.

We are in need of such college students in Chicago and Detriot at this time. If you are someone who wants to explore the possibility or you know anyone who wants to give some time to be a Peer Animator, respond to this message and we will begin the conversation.