[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 177 (Thursday, October 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING LIFE DIRECTIONS

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                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2023

  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor Life Directions, a 
community-based organization whose mission is to motivate young adults, 
to mature into responsible, productive adults through self-direction, 
as they celebrate fifty years of service.
  Life Directions was founded in Detroit in 1973 when five like-minded 
individuals, Alexander and Judith MacDonald, Reverend John Phelps, 
Sister Rosalie Esquerra, and Reverend Alex Steinmiller, came together 
in search of community-based solution to combat increasing rates of 
violence in impoverished areas of the city that was impacting and 
taking the lives of young people. From these initial meetings, Life 
Directions peer mentorship programming was born. Eventually Life 
Directions' programs such as Peer Motivation, Peer Mentor and other 
enrichment programs were offered in schools to help teens and young 
adults navigate better solutions and become peace builders in their 
communities.
  The Life Directions Programs were established in Detroit, Tucson, New 
Orleans, Chicago, and San Antonio. To date, Life Directions combined 
programs, Peer Motivation, Peer Mentor, Neighborhood Enrichment, focus: 
Life Retreats, Focus Family, Enfoque la familia, Women Bridging Change 
and Men Bridging Change has reached over 180,000 youth and young 
adults.
  Please join me in recognizing Life Directions' commitment to building 
a brighter future for young people, as they celebrate fifty years.

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