Recognizing Life Directions

Floor Speech

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Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor Life Directions, a community-based organization whose mission is to motivate young adults, to mature into responsible, productive adults through self-direction, as they celebrate fifty years of service.

Life Directions was founded in Detroit in 1973 when five like-minded individuals, Alexander and Judith MacDonald, Reverend John Phelps, Sister Rosalie Esquerra, and Reverend Alex Steinmiller, came together in search of community-based solution to combat increasing rates of violence in impoverished areas of the city that was impacting and taking the lives of young people. From these initial meetings, Life Directions peer mentorship programming was born. Eventually Life Directions' programs such as Peer Motivation, Peer Mentor and other enrichment programs were offered in schools to help teens and young adults navigate better solutions and become peace builders in their communities.

The Life Directions Programs were established in Detroit, Tucson, New Orleans, Chicago, and San Antonio. To date, Life Directions combined programs, Peer Motivation, Peer Mentor, Neighborhood Enrichment, focus: Life Retreats, Focus Family, Enfoque la familia, Women Bridging Change and Men Bridging Change has reached over 180,000 youth and young adults.

Please join me in recognizing Life Directions' commitment to building a brighter future for young people, as they celebrate fifty years.

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