LEXINGTON, Ky. — A local nonprofit is equipping teenagers with essential life skills as they prepare for adulthood. Exhilarating Inc., founded by former city administrator Mattie Morton, has launched a unique program aimed at helping youth from underrepresented communities transition smoothly into responsible adulthood.
The program, currently in its eighth week, includes a dozen participants, with 16-year-old Akiyah Wade among them. “At this age, I want to have my things and do things my way,” Wade stated, emphasizing the importance of learning independence. This initiative not only provides practical knowledge but also helps students develop confidence in their ability to navigate adult responsibilities.
Morton highlighted the program’s focus on key skills essential for young adults, including financial management and document organization. “Get a fireproof, waterproof document holder because we want to make sure one of the things we do is make sure everybody has a Social Security card, birth certificate, photo IDs,” Morton explained. The objective is to ensure participants understand the importance of safeguarding crucial documents as they become more independent.
The program has also partnered with Lexington’s Mobile Mission Experience, which assists new mothers and families in building necessary resources. Morton encourages participants to appreciate the opportunity presented to them. “We tell them all the time, you could’ve been anywhere else, but you chose to come here and learn something for your future,” she remarked.
As young adults face mounting responsibilities, programs like these are pivotal in providing foundational skills. Through engaging lessons and hands-on experiences, Exhilarating Inc. aims to prepare these teens for various challenges they will encounter as they step into adulthood.
