A Message from Dr. David Anderson, Executive Director
For most kids, going to school is a given. But for students enrolled at LYDIA Urban Academy, the opportunity to take classes and earn a high school diploma is nothing short of a miracle. These are kids who have been expelled from other schools or have dropped out; they have come to LUA for a second chance.

LUA teachers and staff are committed to helping them succeed. That means focusing on the three "R's," of course, but also on career development. To that end, we launched a work-study program last year, whose objective is to teach students about different career opportunities, help them develop marketable skills and allow them to pay for part of their tuition through meaningful employment.

During the school year, participating students work eight hours per week at local businesses in entry-level positions. Instead of receiving a paycheck, they assign their earnings to LUA to pay for half the cost of their tuition. This relieves the burden on student families, many of whom struggle to get by, and helps the school meet its financial obligations.

LUA students have been employed in the office setting, in shipping and receiving, as mechanics and as personal assistants, as well as in other positions. If you or someone you know would be interested in hiring an Urban Academy student as part of this program, please contact me by   or call (773) 736-1447. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of at-risk youth!

Work-Study Program Prepares Students for Real World
One company that has participated in the work-study program is Rothschild Investment Corporation, located in Chicago's Loop. Executive Assistant Valori Uhle, a long-time friend of LYDIA, inquired about the program last fall, and LYDIA identified Urban Academy student Delia DeJesus as a good fit.

"We hired Delia to assist me with basic secretarial tasks and the arrangement worked out very well for both us and for her," Valori says. "She proved to be very cooperative, polite and able to interact well with the staff. We kept her very busy."

Delia is finishing up her coursework at LUA and plans to attend Wright College in the fall. "I am really thankful to LUA for the work-study program," she says. "My experiences at Rothschild taught me about how to be independent and handle tasks on my own. I also learned that in the real world, everything is fast paced and everything you do or say counts. I feel better prepared for the future now."

LUA Wish List
LYDIA Urban Academy is seeking the following items:

• 15 school desks with chairs attached (and without under-desk storage) 
• Funding to pay for field trip transportation ($250 per trip, 10 per year)

To learn more or help out, contact Erica Postma, Associate Director of Development, by  or call (773) 653-2249.

Now, That's Extreme Volunteerism!
Many, many thanks to Kristine Griffith and other volunteers, who spent a week with the kids who live at LYDIA's Residential Treatment Center, redecorating the unit's living areas!

Kristine, a long-time friend of the ministry, is an interior designer and owner of Michael Edward Interiors. She coordinated the "extreme makeover" and worked with the other volunteers, many of whom are Accredited Staging Professionals. Together, they:
Chose new bedding (pillows, sheets, duvets, throw pillows) with each child;

• Installed new window valances;
• Helped the children make a trinket box and a piece of art featuring scripture;
• And created functional artwork, such as chalkboards and magnetic boards.

This project was a wonderful opportunity for the kids to express their own creativity and feel very special and loved. Thank you, Kristine and friends!

We need your help with the 2008 Benefit Gala
The Gala is coming! And you can be part of it when you serve as a table host or event sponsor, or contribute items to the always popular silent auction. Volunteers are needed for the event itself, too. The banquet will take place on Monday, Dec. 1 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. We expect attendance to be our highest ever, as we welcome well-known pastor and author Crawford Lorrits as our Featured Speaker!

To learn more, please contact Erica Postma, Associate Director of Development, by  or call (773) 653-2249.