2020 ANNUAL REPORT
MISSION
PHILOSOPHY
VISION
Many socially oriented service programs, if not most, provide only temporary support or relief for those in poverty. The goal of Life Learning Center is to provide Candidates with the necessary tools and support that will allow them to not only find a job, but sustain a living wage career. The Center focuses on overcoming barriers in ALL five domains of life: physical, emotional, relational, financial and spiritual.
Life Learning Center delivers a holistic, integrated continuum of education and care to help our “at-risk”citizens step up to their highest potential.
The Center is building a caring and serving community by helping people learn, secure and sustain a better way of living through gainful employment. The people we serve become healthier, happier, and more productive individuals working to change their future.
Life Learning Center believes that permanent self-sufficiency begins with a transformational change that permits long-term success.
We are committed to building a caring and serving community by helping people learn, secure and sustain a better way of living through education and care support. Life Learning Center 2
01 DOMAINS LIFE OF
“Never did I think I would have a career and not just a job. 20 West 18th Street Covington, Kentucky 41011
Never did I think I would be able to take care of my family.
Board of Directors
Vice Chair Carol L. Butler
Now forever I will be at peace with myself & grateful for the blessings in my life.�
Secretary Deana Taylor
2020 Candidate
Chair William P. Butler
Treasurer Keith Carlson Directors Rocky Boiman Chris Carle Jack Geiger Patrick Hughes Justice Michelle Keller Daniel Meyer President Alecia Webb-Edgington Managing Director Denise Govan 3
Candidate Outcomes
654
Before LLC After LLC
Before & After Life Learning Center
APPLICANTS SERVED
5
4.5
4.4
4
3.4
3
3.2
4.4
4.3
4.2 3.5
3.4 2.6
145
250
CANDIDATES ENROLLED
CANDIDATES COMMENCED
2
798
1
CANDIDATES & FAMILY MEMBERS SERVED
0
Physical
Emotions
Relationships
Financial
Spirituality
LLC Candidates participate in a series of assessments to measure conceptualization and application across the five domains of life through utilization of a 1-5 self-ranking scale. November 1, 2019 – October 28, 2020 4
02 DOMAINS LIFE OF
214 CANDIDATES EMPLOYED OR ENROLLED INTO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
Employment Outcomes
84%
85%
81%
Entered Program Unemployed
Candidates Employed or Enrolled in Post-Secondary Education
Employed or Enrolled in PostSecondary Education & Completed Work Week (Through Week 6)
68%
3 Year Recidivism Rate (DOJ)
37%
3 Year Recidivism Rate (LLC)
DOJ Special report: “2018 Update on Prisoner Recidivism: A 9-Year Follow-up Period (2005-2014)
5
Michael Isome They say that good things can come from a bad situation and that was my experience in March of 2020. I had been arrested when the police thought they had found some type of drugs on me, but I knew it was impossible. I didn’t do drugs, alcohol was my addiction. I was released from jail to attend the Life Learning Center (LLC) and I was really hoping it would help me make a better life for myself. When my case was dismissed and I was no longer required to attend classes at LLC, I didn’t want to stop. The program was really helping me understand myself and helping me to deal with my emotions, instead of drinking. The staff at LLC were incredible! They really listened to me and, in turn, taught me to listen to others and build strong friendships. I’ve been sober for seven months now and try to attend as many Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings that I can, that are hosted at LLC. I’ve been able to enjoy a great job and even been able to buy my own car. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without the support of everyone at LLC.
SUCCESS STORIES “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” Michael Jordan 6
I love talking about the great opportunity at LLC because you never know who could benefit from the LLC program. Anyone who thinks they may need help should call today, because you’ll never find a group of people more dedicated to helping you change your life for the better!
Barb Holbrook From the outside, everything probably looked normal. I grew up Catholic, went to private schools. My husband and I both had full time jobs and we had been married for 16 years. But what people didn’t know was that I had a problem with marijuana, since my teenage years. My husband started using crack off and on, which led to abusing pain pills, and eventually to using heroin. To support his habit, he started selling. Eventually, DEA came knocking on our door and when all was said and done, I served three years of probation. After I was released, my first stop was to the Life Learning Center (LLC), which I had heard about while I was in jail. I had lost everything. If one of my daughters hadn’t taken me in, I would have had to live in a homeless shelter. I was told that LLC was the best kept secret in Covington, and they weren’t lying. Every week that I came to LLC, I learned something new about myself. Staff got me out of my comfort zone and really challenged me. After graduating the program, I was offered an internship here at LLC and also worked four part-time jobs. After six months, I was offered a full-time job here at LLC and have been here ever since. I’m now the Café Manager and responsible for the thousands of meals we serve every year to LLC’s Candidates. I can’t say enough about how LLC changed my life. To anyone needing this program, come in with an open mind. Have faith in yourself because this place will have faith for you even when you don’t.
Kerstina Tobergte All or nothing. That’s the point I was at as I stood outside the doors of the Life learning Center back in 2013. Standing there, it was like I was holding a box full of the shattered pieces of my life. My experience after walking through those doors was life changing. I’ve never seen people who care so much. Who will be honest with you and tell you that you’re on the wrong path. And when I shared the experiences of my life, not one time did I feel shame. There’s nothing easy about facing demons or the shadows in the closet. But you have a choice. You can either have them be the albatross around your neck or you can put them down in front of you and make them stepping-stones to a brighter future. Life Learning Center taught me that and I’ve been able to not only help myself but also help others. At the end of the twelve-week program, the shattered pieces of my life that I walked in with, were now the makings of a beautiful stainedglass window. I always had the pieces, but I was missing the glue that would get them to stick together. Life Learning Center gave me that and now I keep adding to that stained-glass window through service to others. Thank you Life Learning Center!
Rita Wilkerson Sometimes the best thing that can happen to you is to be forced to do something that you don’t want to do. That was my experience with the Life Learning Center (LLC). I had been arrested for possession of fentanyl and a condition of my release was to attend the program at LLC. I remember on my first day, thinking that I had nothing in common with other people in the class. No one could understand the emotional struggles that I was trying to deal with. As each day passed and as I started to participate more in the classes, I started to learn more about myself and more about my classmates. I learned that I wasn’t alone, that other people had struggles like I did. I truly believe that LLC saved my life. I’ve changed from the person who was sitting in that classroom feeling alone and misunderstood. I still go to counseling, but thanks to LLC, I now have a full-time job, my own place outside the city, and I get to enjoy spending time with my grandkids every weekend. The staff at LLC was so special to me that I still keep in contact with them as a source of support. The entire environment there was so welcoming and nonjudgmental that I could really focus on improving myself and have hope for the future. Thank you to everyone at LLC! 7
Mark Rhoden
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve 8
Not many people get second chances in life, but I did when I was sent twice to the Life Learning Center (LLC) from the Kenton County Detention Center. My journey to recovery started when I was arrested for possession of methamphetamines. I was enrolled in the Jail Substance Abuse Program (JSAP) and was released to attend the program at LLC. Unfortunately, I wasn’t ready to change my life and was rearrested. I was given a second chance to go to LLC and this time I gave it 100%. Honestly, when I showed up at LLC, I didn’t know if I would make it. But I just kept applying myself and every week I would learn more and more about myself. The staff at LLC was simply awesome! They helped me create a resume and to get a full-time job as a forklift operator. They helped me secure housing at a sober living house where I feel comfortable being around other people who have graduated from LLC or are going through the program right now. Probably, the best outcome I’ve had so far is connecting again with my daughter. She went six years without talking with me, but now she visits me twice a month. Without LLC, I wouldn’t be where I am today in life and been able to remain clean now for over a year. I wish LLC was in every County in Kentucky to help people in need. Mark Rhoden working out in the Fitness Center with the boxing gloves he earned through our Dignity Store.
2020 YEAR IN REVIEW
COVID 19 -
Once in a Century Pandemic
Established the Multidisciplinary Recovery Reentry Team (MRRT), a community driven recovery team providing treatment interventions and care resources in association with the judicial process, minimizing convictions with the goal of reducing recidivism while promoting long term recovery.
• As a direct service provider, Life Learning Center NEVER closed.
Partnered with the Esperanza Latino Center of NKY, to create and distribute Spanish language versions of our program and volunteer pamphlets to amplify our services in the Latino community.
• Revised every aspect of service delivery to support those most “at risk” in our community.
Hosted KY Speaker of the House, David Osborne, and 25 corporate and community leaders for a site visit and roundtable discussion regarding inmate diversion and transformational employment.
• 250% increase in enrolled Candidates.
“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” - John Maxwell 9
CORE VALUES CHANGE occurs through intellectual determination and commitment to learn and develop social and emotional intelligence. SUSTAINABILITY is achieved through job placement opportunities and mastering life skills for long-term success. DIGNITY is redefined through personal growth, financial savings, value formation, and behavior change. CONTRIBUTIONS are made by giving back their time and talents through service.
5 DOMAINS PHYSICAL
10
EMOTIONAL
RELATIONAL
FINANCIAL
SPIRITUAL
ENVISION A HIGHER PURPOSE Life Learning Center delivers an Education and Care Continuum to help identify and address barriers preventing Candidates from sustaining employment. When Candidates first begin Orientation, the volunteer faculty encourages each participant to focus on one’s past and present while envisioning a better future. Once his or her personal barriers and goals are shared, Candidates participate in “Pillars of Growth� classes to learn how to overcome obstacles faced in every domain of life (physical, emotional, relational, financial and spiritual). While attending classes taught by volunteer faculty, Candidates learn life skills such as time management, healthy relationships, boundaries, and budgeting.
Additionally, Candidates are assigned a volunteer Candidate Support Coordinator who serves as a mentor to provide accountability and support on Life Blueprint goal completion throughout the program. Specifically, Candidate Support Coordinators continue to hold the Candidate accountable by leveraging resources and job openings so the Candidate is able to secure employment based on his or her talents and assessed skills.
11
Collaboration is defined as a variety of entities working together toward a common goal. The common goal for our Care Continuum is providing wrap around care offerings to mitigate the Candidates multi-faceted barriers. • In 2020, over 6,689 care offerings and resources were utilized, equating to an in-kind value of over $128,461. • Having served over 9,850 meals in 2020, LLC Candidates receive daily meals and protein packs for the weekend. • Candidates have access to LLC’s on-site technology lab, fitness center, and clothing closet. Additional assistance is available for clothing, transportation, childcare, and laundry services.
Thank you to our RESIDENTIAL PARTNERS
Physical Health Screening
Food Assistance
Expungement & Legal Services
Diaper Assistance
Employment Assistance
Housing
Medical Assistance
Parenting Assistance
Parenting Assistance
Tattoo Removal
Medication Assistance
Nutrition Counseling
Flu Shots
Cell Phones
Recovery Support Group
Medication Assistance
Child Care
Insurance
Housing Assistance
Insurance & Senior Services
• We have also provided over 254 safety net backpacks with immediate hygiene and personal care essentials. • Life Learning Center offers a minimum of 8 twelve step meetings weekly on site at LLC as well as 4 intensive outpatient programs. • Life Learning Center serves as a host site for Family Reunification meetings for Candidates required to participate in supervised visitation. All of these collaborative partnerships reinforce that Community Unity is our Common Ground.
12
03 DOMAINS LIFE OF
Volunteer Opportunities
Probation & Parole
Recovery Support Group
Food Assistance
Financial Literacy
Thank you to our COMMUNITY PARTNERS 4C for Children
Evanston Employment Center
Life Point Solutions Network
Oxford House
Action Ministries
Family Nurturing Center (Florence)
Life Recovery Center
Pendleton County High School
Alcoholics Anonymous
First Step Home
Lifeline of NKY
PNC Foundation
BAWAC
Freestore Foodbank Cincinnati NKY
Lincoln Grant Scholar House
Project Yoga of Cincinnati
Gateway Foundation
Frances & Craig Lindner Foundation
RC Durr Foundation
Grateful Life Center
Ludlow High School
Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Madison Ave Christian Church
Rose Garden Mission
Hamilton County Office of Reentry
Madonna House
Health Point Family Care
Master Provisions
Henry Hosea House
Mental Health of America
Holmes High School
Mentoring Plus
HOPE Ministries
Mercy Home of NKY
Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky
Mount St. Joseph University
Housing & Urban Development
Narcotics Anonymous
Be Concerned Beacon of Hope Bright Outlook Recovery Building Value Butler Foundation CareNet Castellini Foundation Catholic Charities of Covington Center for Great Neighborhoods Chapter 9 Children’s Home of NKY Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority Cincy Smiles City Gospel Mission City of Covington Commonwealth’s Attorney 16th Judicial Circuit, Kenton County Covington Independent Schools Crossroads Church Diocese of Covington Drees Home Foundation Dress for Success Easter Seals of Greater Cincinnati Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Emergency Shelter of NKY Employment Connections Kentucky Career Center Esperanza Latino Center
Housing Authority of Covington Housing Opportunities of NKY Joseph House Justice Action Network Kenton County Adult Education Center Kenton County Detention Center Kenton County Public Library Kentucky Department of Corrections Kentucky Hospital Association Kentucky Jailers Association Kentucky Nonprofit Network La Soupe Leadership Council for Nonprofits Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2020
NAMI Northern Kentucky New Foundation New Hope Center New Perceptions Newport Adult Learning NKY Health Department NKY NAACP
Reset Ministries Safety Net Alliance of NKY Shelter House Sisters of Notre Dame Smith Family Foundation Solutions in Living St. Elizabeth Healthcare Journey Recovery Center - Medically Assisted Treatment St. Vincent DePaul of NKY Sun Behavioral Health Talbert House Ten Ten Tender Mercies Transitions, Inc Twin Rails Sober Living
NKY Area Development District
UK Extension Center
Northern Kentucky Intervention Team
UK Targeted Assessment Program United Way of Greater Cincinnati
Northern Kentucky University
University of Cincinnati
Northern Kentucky Youth Advocacy Board
University of the Cumberlands
NorthKey Community Care
Welcome House
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation OhioMeansJobs OneSight
Upspring Well-Suited Women’s Crisis Center Xavier University 13
Thank you to our CORPORATE PARTNERS
14
04 DOMAINS LIFE OF
CANDIDATE DEMOGRAPHICS & BARRIERS Average Age 34
62% MEN 38% WOMEN 90% CAUCASIAN 6% AFRICAN AMERICAN 3% MULTIRACIAL 1% HISPANIC/OTHER
HAVE A MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSIS
LACK A RESUME
78%
57%
REPORT $0 MONTHLY INCOME AT PROGRAM START
66% LACK WORK HISTORY OR HAVE A GAP IN EMPLOYMENT
71%
59% LACK A DRIVER’S LICENSE
93%
29% LACK A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED
HAVE A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
62% HAVE A PHYSICAL HEALTH DIAGNOSIS
HAVE A FELONY CONVICTION
HAVE A DUAL DIAGNOSIS
ARE SINGLE PARENTS
68%
86%
78%
43% LACK QUALIFICATIONS
92% HAVE A HISTORY OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
7%
REPORT UNSTABLE HOUSING
79%
REQUIRE TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE 15
Life Learning Center was formed out of the quest to deliver a more permanent – even transformational – solution within our traditional social services networks for individuals who are able and willing to seek a life of sustainability with dignity. The Center provides Candidates with the necessary tools and resources to permanently break the cycle of situational or generational poverty. To make terms simpler: we are not a rehabilitation center, nor a homeless shelter, nor a psychiatric hospital. Rather, Life Learning Center is the gateway to sustainable employment; creating a sector specific career pathway. The “at-risk” population the Center serves are individuals either unemployed or underemployed who require holistic life skills training to become productive members of society. Applicants find the Center through a variety of referral agencies and resources.
16
05 DOMAINS LIFE OF
1 in 3 STRUGGLE TO MEET BASIC NEEDS DUE TO POVERTY
32% OF THOSE IN POVERTY REPORT EXCELLENT OR VERY GOOD HEALTH VS. 63% OF THOSE LIVING ABOVE 200% POVERTY
$66.82/day
72% OF JOBS IN THE REGION PAY LESS THAN $50,000 PER YEAR - THE WAGE REQUIRED FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR TO BE SELF-SUFFICIENT
COST TO INCARCERATE AN ADULT IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
$24,000/year IS WHAT A FAMILY OF FOUR LIVING AT THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL EARNS. SELF-SUFFICIENCY IS POSSIBLE ONLY WHEN THAT FAMILY OF FOUR REACHES 200% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL OR $48,000
ENROLLMENT & REFERRAL PIPELINES
76% JUDICIAL REFERRAL PARTNERS
10%
Addiction Support Groups
6%
COMMUNITY AND NONPROFIT AGENCIES
3% MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS
3%
CANDIDATE & MEMBER REFERRALS
2% OTHER
17
Financial Summary October 2019 - September 2020
EXPENSES
REVENUE
19%
14%
CORPORATE & CORPORATE FOUNDATION
PROFESSIONAL & INSURANCE*
18% SPECIAL EVENTS
15% ADMINISTRATION
50%
42%
CANDIDATE SUPPORT
UNITED WAY
17%
15%
FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL FOUNDATIONS
FACILITIES, UTILITIES ETC.
6%
4%
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
18
INDIVIDUAL GIVING
ALL REVENUE COMES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR WITH NO PUBLIC FUNDING *CONTAINS NO SALARIES
Volunteer Faculty Candidate Support Coordinator Mock Interviewer 20 West 18th St., Covington, KY 41011
Intern
859-431-0100
Administrative Support
www.lifelearningcenter.us
Ambassador
Online: www.lifelearningcenter.us/donate
Refer 18 Years or Older Pass Drug Screen Stable Living Arrangement Committed to Change & Gaining Employment Background Check Required 7th Grade Reading Comprehension
Mail Check: 20 West 18th St., Covington, KY 41011
Donate
$5,000
Underwrites the cost of one family to complete the Center’s education and care programs, including training, personality assessments, class supplies, wrap around care offerings for the family, and on-site meals.
$1,000
Provides one cohort (up to 15 Candidates) the necessary tools for drug screens and background checks to ensure qualified applicants are accepted into the program.
$500
Underwrites the cost to print class material for one cohort, including: resumes, manuals, credit reports, faculty training guides, and classroom schedules.
$100
Provides bus vouchers for one Candidate to secure reliable transportation to and from Life Learning Center throughout the program.
$50
Underwrites Jobtimize assessment test to further a Candidates self-discovery process. 19
FOREVER changed grateful free
20 West 18th Street | Covington, KY 41011
859-431-0100
www.lifelearningcenter.us
Published on Dec 3, 2020