Lexington, Ky. — A local nonprofit is stepping up to address the challenges faced by teens as they transition into adulthood. Exhilarating Inc. is running a unique program designed to equip young people with essential life skills, helping them to navigate their futures.
The program, catering to underrepresented youth, commenced eight weeks ago and includes a selection of twelve students. Among them is Akiyah Wade, a 16-year-old participant. Wade expressed the significance of the program, stating, “At this age, I want to have my things and do things my way. I’m learning to step back from my parents and figure things out on my own.”
Founded by Mattie Morton, a former city administrator and social worker, Exhilarating Inc. focuses on providing practical skills. The initiative encompasses lessons that cover a range of adulting topics, including financial management and document organization. Morton emphasizes the importance of keeping essential documents safe, advising participants to obtain fireproof and waterproof holders for items like Social Security cards and birth certificates.
The program collaborates with Lexington’s Mobile Mission Experience, an organization that connects families and new mothers with vital resources. Morton highlights the motivation behind the program, stating, “We tell them all the time, you could’ve been anywhere else, but you chose to come here and learn something for your future.”
With the support of community organizations, Exhilarating Inc. aims to prepare teens like Wade for the responsibilities that accompany adulthood. As the program concludes, participants will emerge with new perspectives and abilities that can help navigate future challenges successfully.
