Life Learning Center - Never has now turned into FOREVER - 2020 Annual Report

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.

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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

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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.

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FOREVER changed grateful free

20 West 18th Street | Covington, KY 41011

859-431-0100

www.lifelearningcenter.us