History
During the late 1990’s, a group of volunteers took on the much needed task of addressing the challenges incarcerated parents face. In the process of working with incarcerated parents, the volunteers recognized the need to celebrate the strengths and unique qualities of children who have been impacted by parental incarceration.

Jo Chapman led these volunteers as they set out to create a safe place for youth to participate in positive recreational activities.  With this concept in mind, they created what is today known as the LIFE Project, a program of Centerforce.

 

About The LIFE Project

Mission

Leaders in Future Environments (LIFE) Project is a mentoring program that aims to strengthen and promote leadership in youth impacted by parental incarceration.

Services

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area, the LIFE Project provides ongoing support and positive adult role models to youth who have been impacted by parental incarceration.

We accomplish this through a program that provides one-on-one mentoring, group activities (every six weeks), and an annual retreat that focuses on the special needs and challenges that our mentees face.

The LIFE Project began as a result of our work with incarcerated parents. It became obvious that their children faced unique situations and obstacles that impacted their ability to succeed in school and in life. Centerforce volunteers set out to create a safe place for youth to participate in positive recreational and learning activities. With this concept in mind, they created what is today known as the LIFE Project.

" " The LIFE Project is a place where you get love, and the people understand what you’re going through. "" - LIFE Project Mentee

Goals

By empowering youth to make healthy decisions and set constructive goals, the LIFE Project strives to:

  1. Build self-esteem and confidence
  2. Encourage on-going communication and relationship building with their incarcerated parent
  3. Expose youth to new life enriching experiences
  4. Provide positive adult role models
  5. Expand supportive peer networks
  6. Promote healthy life choices
  7. Strengthen family and peer relations
  8. Support academic achievement and beneficial attitudes towards education

The LIFE Project focuses on helping youth develop their capacity to succeed in education and in life.

 

 

Do You Want to Mentor?

If you are interested in mentoring for the LIFE Project, please fill out the following form. We will contact you with more information!

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