🌟 Inspiring Youth Mentorship in Bunkie: Living Hope Outreach Celebrates Christmas 🎄

For the past five years Kendricks and Calisha Johnson, with the help of numerous volunteers, have consistently met with youth in the Bunkie community every Saturday through their youth mentoring organizations under Living Hope Outreach.

Their pioneering girls program, Godly Empowered Motivated to Succeed (GEMS), now brings together more than 40 girls twice a month. The boys program, Guiding Young Men to Success (GYM2S), meets on alternating Saturdays and continues to grow, with attendance nearing that of the girls program.

Through these sessions, youth are taught a wide range of life skills focused on developing the whole child and equipping participants to become successful adults who positively contribute to the well-being of their community.

On Dec. 20, the youth celebrated their annual Christmas party, which featured a variety of fun activities including painting, games, karaoke, and a designated space for creating TikTok videos. Organizers said the event reflected the group’s ongoing effort to meet youth where they are and create a welcoming, engaging environment.

Living Hope Outreach leaders say the impact of the program continues to be evident through the growth, participation, and engagement of the youth involved.

Those interested in supporting the organization or partnering with Living Hope Outreach as a presenter may contact Calisha Johnson at 318-264-8436 or Kendricks Johnson at 318-264-8447.

Pictured above are: Members of Living Hope Outreach’s youth mentoring programs, Godly Empowered Motivated to Succeed (GEMS) and Guiding Young Men to Success (GYM2S), gathered Dec. 20 for their annual Christmas party in Bunkie.