Bens Lighthouse

Our outreach service trips provide youth the hands-on opportunity to: Connect with new people from different cultures and backgrounds, including other volunteers & homeowners. Understand the needs of others, particularly those from different cultures backgrounds, and socioeconomic circumstances. Improve their own lives and the lives of others in practical and long-lasting ways Participate in meaningful work resulting in a sense of accomplishment. Develop an appreciation for teamwork and shared goals Push past their comfort zones ina safe and supported environment. Learn new skills and gain confidence. Bring light, hope and healing to other communities impacted by disaster and tragedy. Twelve students participated in the 2017 outreach tripto Denham Springs Lousiana. nen een neem nnne enna

Our Tech4Good program pairs high school role models with younger students in an enriching and supportive environment intended promote and foster the student/mentor relationship through the use of technology, while supporting the development of social Skills, empathy and self-awareness. In addition to learning valuable coding skills, participants learn about how technology is being used to solve problems that people and children face all over the world. They are discovering how empathy can drive action to create change. With a focus on creativity and problem-solving, activities are designed to show kids that they have the ability to use their unique gifts to make a difference in the world. Our mentors serve as top-notch role models, helping kids persevere through challenges and connect with their peers in a positive and authentic way. Both mentors and mentees receive the benefits of enriched Social experiences and the development of community connectedness. The program was held in three separate sessions throughout A 10-week Spring session was heid weekly 2/3/17-4/7/17. A weeklong full-day summer session was held A 10-week fall session was held weekly 10/3/17- 12/5/17. 80 individuals participated in the program during the year

Through a variety of local service learning projects, participants have an opportunity to make a difference in their community and beyond. These projects allow kids and teens to learn about social issues and how they as individuals can have an impactinthe in the world. Our projects make a real difference in a broad span of issues including hunger, homelessness, veterans, animal welfare senior citizens, refugees, children impacted by trauma and adversity, and communities dealing with the aftermath of disaster. Our unique service learning projects have exposed kids to social issues and raised awareness about problems faced by others in their sommunity and beyond, providing valuable perspective. Participants are empowered to turn empathy into action to make a difference Through involvement in these projects, kids have the opportunity to develop connections with their peers through common interests These particular projects also impacted the lives of those we served - refugees, homeless, veterans, seniors, children affected by trauma, families displaced by natural disaster - in real and tangible ways. 175 students participated in 34 projects in