Freedom4U Leadership Group Service Schedule - 2019-2020
Each activity is designed to give our teens the opportunity to help and interact.
We will learn from the experience of serving others.
Boys and Girls Club Port of LA
Peer Mentoring
Fun games and discussion groups
Meet in PVE at 3:15pm, return by 6pm
Wednesdays 2020:
Wednesday, March 4th, 2020
Wednesday, May 20th, 2020
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020
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Long Beach Rescue Mission (LBRM)
Serve working in the kitchen cafeteria areas, before,
during and after lunches to the
homeless and with the residents of LBRM.
Discussion with some residents.
Meet in PVE at 9:15am, return by 1pm
Sundays 2020:
Sunday, February 9th
Sunday, April 12th
Sunday, June 14th
NOTE: RSVP must be by 3 days before the activity!
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Other opportunities
Teens are invited to help at Freedom4U community events
with setup, and take down.Teens are invited to participate
in elementary school assemblies focused on character.
Art Expression Nights happen throughout the year, where
teens perform in music and
songs.
South Bay Teens Serve Inspiring Long Beach Rescue Mission Residents
On Sunday, November 4th, teen leaders from South Bay’s Freedom4U, a non-profit organization centered around helping identify, develop and release the potential of youth into their life purpose by offering peer-driven healthy activities such as creative arts, life skills, service projects, and leadership opportunities to youth, took a trip to the Long Beach Rescue Mission.
The Long Beach Rescue Mission provides food, clothing, shelter and spiritual guidance to the homeless, less fortunate, or at-risk individuals of the community. The rescue has been in place since 1972 and currently is comprised of two facilities: The Samaritan House, which serves as a home for men, and the Lydia House, which is a safe haven for women and their children.
Freedom4U teens were quickly ushered into the kitchen and directed to do certain tasks to prepare for the lunch services: setting the cups and plates out, filling drinks, and preparing to serve hot meals as the homeless came in. Before getting to enjoy meals themselves, residents of the Long Beach Rescue Mission came in to help set up and serve the homeless along with our teen leaders. It was interesting and inspiring to see these residents trying their best to better themselves, something Freedom4U youth can relate to. Many talented teens took the stage to truly “wow” everyone
While serving at the Rescue Mission can look good for college resumes, it’s the connection these teens build with each other and feeling inspired by the resident’s stories that truly makes it all worth it.
“After being a part of the service project I was able to take away a lot of things from my experience. I really enjoyed being able to be exposed to how other people live especially those that are not as fortunate as others may be. It was extremely nice to see how everyone was very appreciative of the volunteers. I also enjoyed talking with everyone and observing the different personalities in the room. I will definitely be planning on returning and volunteering some more at the rescue mission.” Lea, Freedom4U Teen
One resident we spoke to, Matthew, told us of his long and difficult journey that led him to the Long Beach Rescue Mission, including giving up being a church Pastor and going down a path that ended up negatively influencing his life. Now, Matthew found himself in a much better place in life and has been at the residence for just over 4 weeks. His positive and outgoing personality was contagious to our group! Matthew is striving his best to make better choices and his story is one our youth will remember. One of Freedom4U’s staff members recalls her encounter with Matthew:
“Listening to Matthew’s positivity and drive to really create a better life for himself was so inspiring. What I connected to most was that there are human beings just like us and we have a lot more in common than we might realize. Matthew truly was a storyteller and we talked about our mutual love for writing and storytelling. I admire that about him and for his strength to keep going and make positive choices going forward.” Samantha, Freedom4U staff
Freedom4U knows the positive impact that participating in a service project like this can have on our teen leaders. It not only opens their eyes up to a whole new way of life and living, but shows them where certain life choices can take someone.
We look forward to returning to the Long Beach Rescue Mission and hope to be inspired by residents in the future.