First Tuesdays @ JoJo's on U Street This Month Featured Mentoring Today

This month in recognition of National Mentoring Month, we featured the fantastic work of Mentoring Today.

Started several years ago by two American University law students, Penelope Spain and Hill resident Whitney Louchheim, Mentoring Today is the only organization focusing on reintegrated formerly incarcerated youth back into the community.

Located in Anacostia, Mentoring Today links DC youth incarcerated in Oak Hill Youth Center (read detention center or prison) with dedicated positive mentors. The mentors are matched with the youth when the youth have a few more months before being released. Mentors visit the young men at Oak Hill (just outside Laurel, MD) each Thursday for three months and then stay connected with them for a year in the community after their release.

Mentoring Today also works with the youth’s families. Chevy Chase Bank on the Hill and Realtors at Long & Foster Capitol Hill are developing financial education series. Guest speakers are always welcomed. Read more HERE

(All photos by Khadijah Ali-Coleman, blog copy by Maceo Thomas)

All rights reserved. To inquire about use of the photos, please email us at LiberatedMuseProductions@gmail.com


On another note:

The recession is not just hitting every day joe's in the pocket, independent learning institutions are also feeling the crunch. Liberated Muse social network member Ras Kwame is extending a plea to the general public to help support the great work of his school Nubian Village Academy located in Richmond, VA.

An African-centered school setting, children are embraced and introduced to the rich aspects of their cultural lineage while building key learning skills necessary to compete in this technologically advancing society.

Consider donating-- whether $5, $50 or more-- and help this wonderful full entity stay afloat. Nothing has been more sad on the economic front then the closing of several independent businesses, particularly those that are a refuge from meglo-monopolies and promote artistic exploration. One local example has been the closing of the popular book chain Karibu Books. That closing definitely left a smarting in my mouth. Let's not let Nubian Village be next. Donate TODAY!