Lexington Leadership Foundation

Urban Impact & Woodhill Community Center (WCC) - This initiative includes several programs to empower youth to stay in school, develop confidence and self-respect, and become leaders. Collectively, these engage multiple partner agencies and volunteers impacting over 560 children and youth during 2023. Included are in-school group mentoring, as well as after-school programming at WCC. After-school sessions consist of reading, character development, life skills training, art, and gym time. A special emphasis was placed on youth ages 12 and up identified as being at greatest risk of being the victim of or perpetrating gun violence. These youth were enrolled in our Leadership Academy, which provides extensive youth development programming through five pillars: identity, education, discovery, service, and exposure. Volunteers and staff also met with middle and high school groups for cooking club, drama club, futsal, and open gym times. Celebrations for high school graduates and college prep coaching continued for high school students in our network. For the fourth consecutive year, volunteers hosted the Woodhill International Market from May-October, offering affordable fresh local produce to the neighborhood. Including families served through a variety of activities at Woodhill Community Center, over 2300 youth and families were served during the year. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including businesses, foundations, local government and individuals.

Fatherhood Initiative (FI) - This initiative began in October, 2011 following award of a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Following conclusion of that grant in 2015, staff and board decided to continue the work, seeking funding from other sources. The goal of FI remains: to provide fathers with the tools they need to be restored and equipped to become an engaged, responsible dad. Small group curricula centered around these components is offered, as well as individual tracks for progress in recognition of each individual's circumstances being unique. FI partners with over 50 community and faith-based organizations to execute its partnership-driven model. During 2023, 333 fathers were served, (representing over 650 children). Fathers are referred from local judicial and social service agencies, grass roots service providers including addiction recovery centers, and the community-at-large. Funding comes from corporate and individual sources, foundations, and local government. The annual Father's Day community celebration was held, once again gathering hundreds to celebrate fathers and families, and present educational resources to the community. Beginning in 2021 and continuing through 2023, LLF helped launch Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families (CCFF) as an independent non-profit organization to further the work of father centric programming across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Amachi Kentucky - Since 2004, the Amachi program has been providing one-to-one mentoring for children aged 6-16 affected by incarceration, poverty, and opioids. Children are matched with caring adult volunteers (mentors) who have committed to spend at least one hour per week with them. Mentors and mentees participate in a variety of positive, goal driven activities. Mentors are recruited from a broad spectrum across the community including faith groups, businesses, and the public at large. Volunteers undergo a thorough background check, including in-home visits and reference checks, and receive specialized training using Positive Youth Development methodology. Students are referred from local schools and social service agencies. During 2023, 161 matches were served and over 8,300 hours of mentoring was provided by 161 volunteers. Funding for Amachi comes from a variety of sources, including sub-awarded federal funds, private foundations, corporate and individual support. Included in 2023 revenue are three sub-awards to the Amachi program, each being projects of the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Those awards included Knoxville Leadership Foundation's Opioid Affected Youth Initiative ($29,101), Leadership Foundation's Mentoring Youth for Leadership ($44,856), and Youth Collaboratory's Mentoring Plus project ($55,717).

Prayer Initiative - Includes operation of the Prayer Room, designed to foster intimacy with Jesus and mobilize intercessory worship throughout the Body of Christ in Lexington. Over 500 individuals from congregations and prayer ministries across the city utilized the Prayer Room during 2023. Staff also extended pastoral care through mentoring, life coaching, and prayer counseling.