Basketball team loses defensive battle

The Life Skills Center of Summit County boys basketball team lost a defensive battle Tuesday night to the All-Stars, 40-37.

Damarious Wells lead the team in scoring with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Life Skills (1-2) will play the Spurs 8:15 tonight at Mason Park CLC.

Life Skills Center of Youngstown open house

The school, located at 3405 Market St., will host an open house 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

For information, call 330-743-6698.

Life Skills Center of Toledo open house

The school, located at 1830 Adams St., will host an open house 4-6 p.m. Feb. 26.

For information, call 419-241-5504.

Life Skills Center of Summit County open house

The school, located at 2168 Romig Road, will host an open house 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 5.

For information, call 330-745-3678.

Life Skills Center of Springfield open house

The school, located at 1637 Selma Road, will host an open house 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

For information, call 937-322-2940.

Life Skills Center Northeast open house

The school, located at 12201 Larchmere Blvd., will host an open house noon Feb. 7.

For information, call 216-421-7587.

Life Skills Center of North Akron open house

The school, located at 1458 Brittain Road, will host an open house noon- 2 p.m. Feb. 14.

For information, call 330-633-5990.

Life Skills Center of Middletown open house

The school, located at 631 S. Breiel Blvd., will host an open house 12:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

For information, call 513-423-1800.

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie open house

The school, located at 9200 Madison Ave., Cleveland, will host an open house 3-7 p.m. Feb. 20.

For information, call 216-631-1090.

Life Skills Center of Hamilton County open house

The school, located at 7710 Reading Road, Cincinnati, will host an open house noon-5 p.m. Feb. 15.

For information, call 513-821-6695.

Life Skills Center of Elyria open house

The school, located at 2015 W. River Road N., will host an open house 4-6:30 p.m. Feb. 12.

For information, call 440-324-1755.

Life Skills Center of Dayton open house

The school, located at 1721 N. Main St., will host an open house noon-1:30 p.m. Feb. 20.

For information, call 937-274-2841.

Life Skills Center of Columbus Southeast open house

The school, located at 2400 S. Hamilton Road, will host an open house 6-7 p.m. Feb. 5.

For information, call 614-863-9175.

Life Skills Center of Columbus North open house

The school, located at 1900 E. Dublin-Granville Road, will host an open house noon Feb. 4.

For information, call 614-891-9041.

Life Skills Center of Cleveland plans open house

The school, located at 4600 Carnegie Ave., will hold an open house 4-7 p.m. Feb. 4.

For information, call 216-431-7571.

Life Skills Center of Cincinnati open house

The school, located at 2612 Gilbert Ave., has planned an open house 5-6:30 p.m. Feb. 5.

For information, call 513-475-0222.

Life Skills Center of Canton open house

The school, located at 1100 Cleveland Ave. N.W., will host an open house 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

For information, call 330-456-4490.

Life Skills Center of Akron open house

The school, located in the fourth floor of 80 W. Bowery St., will host an open house 1-5 p.m. Feb. 5.

For information, call 330-376-8700.

Life Skills Center of Springfield graduation pictures

Group to see "Romeo and Juliet"

Life Skills Center of Springfield teacher Kristina Jackson will take a group of Muse Machine students Wednesday to the Victoria Theatre in Dayton to see a production of "Romeo and Juliet."

Blood drive a success

Life Skills Center of Springfield officials reported that 22 participants took part in a blood drive which supported the Springield Community Blood Center.

Slide show from Life Skills Center of Dayton graduation

Collection held for students

Life Skills Center of Akron is collecting clean household goods and clothing to keep which will be distributed to students in need of help.

Items can be dropped off at the school, 80 West Bowery (fourth floor). between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For information, call 330-376-8700.

Talent show set

Life Skills Center of Trumbull County will host a talent show 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the school, 458 Franklin St. S.E., Warren.

For information, call 330-392-0231.

Coverage of Life Skills Center of Springfield graduation

From the Springfield News Sun

Read story here

Life Skills Center of Summit County wins first game of year

The Life Skills Center of Summit County basketball team was victorious Thursday night with a huge 68-35 victory over One Time.

Life Skills had four players that scored in double figures. Matt Harris led the team with 17 points, Jermar Simmons and Damarious Wells both scored 12 points with Wells adding eight rebounds and Michael Crockett Jr. added 10 points.

Zhontae Woolridge recorded ten assists for Life Skills (1-1).

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie book club discussed

Chandra Colton and Raven Dunn of Life Skills Center of Lake Erie talks about the school’s book club.

Listen to podcast here

Life Skills Center of Summit County's basketball schedule

Tues. 1/29 8:15 P.M. All-Stars vs. Life Skills (Helen Arnold/Akron Urban League)


Thurs. 1/31 8:15 P.M. Spurs vs. Life Skills (Mason Park CLC)


Tues. 2/12 8:15 P.M. One Time vs. Life Skills (Mason Park CLC)


Thurs. 2/14 8:15 P.M. Pistons vs. Life Skills (Helen Arnold/Akron Urban League)


Tues. 2/19 8:15 P.M. All-Stars vs. Life Skills (Helen Arnold/Akron Urban League)


Tues. 2/26 7:15 P.M. Spurs vs. Life Skills (Mason Park CLC)


Thurs. 2/28 7:15 P.M. Pistons vs. Life Skills (Helen Arnold/Akron Urban League)


Tues. 3/4 8:15 P.M. Spurs vs. Life Skills (Mason Park CLC)

Life Skills Center of Summit County basketball team loses opener

Life Skills Center of Summit County's basketball team lost a tough battle against the Pistons, 54-49, Tuesday night at the Akron Urban League.

Matt Harris led the team in scoring with 16 points, while Robert Pollard had ten rebounds.

Life Skills (0-1) will next play 8:15 tonight against One Time.

State officials to visit Life Skills Center of Lake Erie

Administrator Joe Czerwien reported that officials from the Ohio Department of Education as well as various state legislators will visit the school Jan. 31 as part of a tour of various Cleveland community schools.

The visit is cooordinated by Ron Adler, president of the Ohio Coalition for Quality Education.

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie school store doing well

School administrator Joe Czerwien said the school store has done well since it first opened in October.

"The products have been selling well," Czerwien said. "We've expanded our items to include Hot Pockets. We're offering a service that's not overpriced for our students."

The store offers a mix of healthy snacks as well as candy and pop.

The administrator said although the school is still working on volunteers and the best hours of operation, students have embraced the store.

"It's been well-received," he said. "The kids have really enjoyed it."

Trumbull County graduation slide show

Life Skills Center of Trumbull County Jan. 2008 graduation slide show

Life Skills Center of Columbus North Jan. 2008 graduates

Kristen Bauer --- Columbus

Porsche Black --- Columbus

Kendrell Chambers --- Columbus

Marrio Busack --- Columbus

Gail Hodge --- Columbus

Ali Oakes --- Columbus

Emilie Richardson --- Columbus

Stephanie Medina --- Columbus

Kadi Kamara --- Columbus

Wesley Vargas --- Columbus

Ashley Chapman --- Gahanna

Rachel Kaczmarek --- Westerville

Megan Morris --- Westerville

Marlon Byrd --- Canal Winchester

Kevin Thomas --- Reynoldsburg

Amber Wilson --- Washington Court House

Book club planned

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie's book club will meet Friday, Feb. 1 during session 1 (9-10 a.m.) and session 2 (11 a.m.-noon),

Club members are reading "A Child Called It" by David Pelzer.

"The students suggested the book and if they read three more books off the list and complete a test and report they will be eligible for 1/2 of credit," said teacher Chandra Colton. "So we are working closely with the master teachers to make sure we are in compliance with helping the students reach their goal. We are hoping to be able to pass out the sequel at that time for the next meeting if everything goes accordingly."

Life Skills Center of Youngstown graduates mentioned in Vindicator

Read story here

Video from Life Skills Centers of Akron, North Akron and Summit County graduations

Akron Life Skills Centers students graduate





Graduation processional





Akron Life Skills Centers graduation slide show





Life Skills Center of North Akron graduate does the split

Youngstown charter schools top Youngstown School District in performance

Charter schools operating in the city showed greater yearly academic growth than city schools last year, according to a report prepared by the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Read story from The Vindicator here

Quotes from Akron graduates

"It's a relief. I'm happy and ready to keep moving forward."

Terrence Clayton, 22, Akron
Life Skills Center of Summit County




"It feels good. It's finally over."

Michael Conley, 18, Akron
Life Skills Center of Summit County





"It feels wonderful. I'm so ready to go to college."

Summer O'Brien, 21, Akron
Life Skills Center of North Akron






"I'm excited to be done and not going back to high school."

Kayla Cervantes, 18, Copley
Life Skills Center of Summit County




"Education is the key to financial stability. Life Skills does work. I'm proof of that."

Franci McCray, 21, Akron
Life Skills Center of Akron




"We should be proud of what we've done, but we shouldn't lose sight. It doesn't end here."

Sarah Gibson, 19, Norton
Life Skills Center of Summit County

Life Skills Center of Youngstown graduates

Cierra Berry --- Detroit, Mich.

Domonique Boykin --- Youngstown

Matthew Clark --- Youngstown

Tabatha Cool --- Boardman

Brittany Gardner --- Youngstown

Monique Hubbert --- Youngstown

Paul Mallin --- Youngstown

Eric Mansfield --- Youngstown

Shene' McDowell --- Youngstown

Pamela Renda --- Youngstown

Lola Richey --- Youngstown

Sarah Rutushin --- Austintown

Raul Sandino --- Youngstown

Douglas Schneider --- Boardman

Valerie Sebastian --- Youngstown

Jasmine Smith --- Youngstown

Pamela Stanford --- Youngstown

Kaelyn Swegan --- Youngstown

LaDonna Taylor --- Youngstown

Tamrisha Teague --- Youngstown

James Vranches --- Boardman

Shaleda Whitted --- Youngstown

Ernest Willis --- Youngstown

Melanie Womer --- Youngstown

Potential Life Skills Center of Hamilton County January 2008 graduates

All graduates are from Cincinnati.

Joseph Ackerman
Courtney Alexander
Codey Becker
Blake Butler
Staci Caldwell
Matt Deffinger
Hally Eisbrouch-Schatz
Sharda Ellis
Emmanuel Hargrove
Phoebe Kellough
Leah Lewis
Leroy Maddox
Clance Milo
Kee’Shaun Milo
Braylen Myers
Zach New
Latonya Payne
Shevona Polk
Karlvellis Showes
Deanna Walker
Sergio Woodard
Christopher Valletti
Sarai Yisrael

School teams up with area high schools

Life Skills Center of Trumbull County is reaching out to area high schools in the hope of raising awareness about our program. Administrator Kerry Jupina met with Scott Brown of Bloomfield High School to talk about the school as an option for students ready to drop out.

Brown was very excited to hear about our program as he has some kids that he believed would be a good fit. Jean Kosobucki sent letters to all Youngstown and Trumbull County high school guidance counselors and has received several referrals to the school's programs as a result.

Life Skills Center of Arizona graduation photos

Photos from Covenant House Life Skills Center East graduation

New graduates

Here is a list of students who will graduate tonight from Life Skills Center of North Akron:

Summer O'Brien --- Akron

Willoam Garrett --- Akron

Christopher Gurganus --- Akron

Brittany Fish --- Akron

Anna Torday --- Streetsboro

Samantha Wade --- Clinton

Nicholas Powell --- Akron

Holly Hughes --- Akron

Joseph Willingham --- Tallmadge

Featured Life Skills Center Northeast graduate

After four years of high school, Kendra Taylor almost had everything she needed to graduate.

But she missed one thing - passing the Ohio Graduation Test.

"A lot of times I didn't think it was going to happen," Taylor recalled. "I wouldn't be able to pursue my future and my goals (of getting a good job)."

She kept pursuing her dream after she finished high school in 2005, even during a six-month incarceration in 2006.

"I was referred to Life Skills in August (2007) by a vocational program," Taylor said. "The teachers and staff members really helped me and was there for me. They made me feel that I was supposed to be there. They helped me pass the test and I was really excited (when I heard I passed)."

After graduation, Taylor she wants to study cosmotology as well as fashion design and attend either Kent State University or Virginia Marti College of Fashion in Cleveland.

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie January 2008 graduate list

Ashley Strimbu - Cleveland
James Landriscina - Lakewood
Stacie Yurko - Cleveland
Brian Sullivan - North Olmsted
Sonja Johnson- Cleveland
Brian Adams - Brooklyn
Lamar Grant - Cleveland
Laura Sweet - Parma

Featured Life Skills Center of Summit County graduate

When Ashley Armbruster moved back to Ohio from Florida as a freshman in high school, she chose to attend Life Skills Center of Summit County so she could work more to support her father.

She hasn't looked back.

Armbruster, a Norton resident who will turn 19 on Dec. 23, is expected to graduate in January from the school.

"I like the teachers there," she said. "They were great to me. If I needed anything, they were always there. I used to be picked on, especially by the teachers. But Life SKills teachers cared about my education and that I came. That kept me at Life Skills. It helped improve my grades. I was an average student in middle school, but at Life Skills never got below a B."

She said the teachers helped her at the school.

"It was great," Armbruster said. "It wasn't overwhelming. They talked to you about real-life scenarios and opened our eyes. They made you look at real-life. At 16, it was a good thing to be taught responsibility. A lot of kids need that."

"When she came here, it was straight from the middle school," said Nick Rossler, a teacher at the school. "She stuck through it and finished all of her credits here. She has a great personality and she went the extra mile to make sure the assignments were done and done right. She communicated well with her parents and they supported her."

After graduation, she plans to work full-time at a daycare and earn enough money to buy a laptop and take online college classes in psychology.

"I've been through a lot in my life," Armbruster said. "I want to help others (who are going through the situation) since I've been through this before."

Congratulations graduates

The Cincinnati Enquirer profiled the school's graduation on Friday. Photos are courtesy of the paper.

Read story here

Life Skills Center of Elyria graduation slide show

Comments from January 2008 Life Skills Center of Canton graduates

Dillon Vincent, 17, Plain Township

"It felt good to be able to finish early."






Glenn Beck, 18, Canton

"It's sweet. It's about time. It's great knowing I'm done and I can get
that job."





Jonathan McGregor, 20, Plain Township

"I wasn't sure if I would make it, but I did and I'm proud of myself."






Destani Winn, 17, Canton

"I stand here today as a high school graduate. Some people thought I
would never make it. I didn't even think I would, but I'm up here."

Video of Life Skills Center of Canton graduation

Video of January 2008 graduates receiving their diplomas

Congratulations

Pictures from the school's recent graduation.

Canton school graduates

Here is a list of Life Skills Center of Canton graduates.

Bryson Barksdale --- Canton

Glenn Beck --- Canton

Lyndsey Burnworth --- Canton

Amanda Farhat --- Canal Fulton

Jonathan McGregor --- Plain Township

Jonathan Mencer --- Plain Township

Leah Pierquet --- Plan Township

Corey Thacker --- Plain Township

Jenifer Todich --- Perry Township

Dillon Vincent --- Plain Township

Keshia Washington --- Canton

Destani Winn --- Canton

Trumbull County school graduating class

Here is a group photo of the Life Skills Center of Trumbull County January 2008 graduating class.

Trumbull County school graduation coverage

The Tribune-Chronicle covered Friday's graduation.

Read story here

Life Skills Centers on display

White Hat Management is sponsoring a CDELA exhibit at the Denver Family and Kids Expo on Jan 26-27 in addition to a Life Skills Center exhibit.

Tim Spencer, CDELA staff members and Krista Wilkinson will be there to encourage families to find out more about the CDELA education opportunity.

Cincinnati, Hamilton County students learn to work together

Students from Life Skills Centers in Cincinnati and Hamilton County have been gathering at the African-American Cultural Research Center (on the campus of the University of Cincinnati) every Monday for the past several months.

"Pathways to Success," headed by Bluzette Marshall, is a program that allots students the opportunity to participate in structured, team-oriented activities after the school day has concluded.

Each Monday afternoon provided a different challenge for the Life Skills students.

From learning proper dining etiquette, to overcoming fears of public speaking, each component of the "Pathways" curriculum focused on improving the social skills of the program's participants.

This evolutional journey culminated in a celebration of the group's accomplishments. Friends, family, and school personnel gathered on UC's campus to enjoy a shared meal, and, more importantly, a shared journey.

Youngstown school thanks supporting agencies

Life Skills Center of Youngstown Administrator Ruth Ann Smith Harris had baskets of hot cocoa, cookies and candy delivered by Outreach Coordinator Jean Kosobucki thanking agencies for their support over the years.

Youngstown school helps others in song

Life Skills Center of Youngstown students and staff members recently sang at the Boardman Speciality Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Pontiac school holds holiday luncheon

On Dec. 21, Kenneth Jones, Administrator from the Life Skills Center in Pontiac, invited students and their parents to attend a very special holiday luncheon.

With the recent partnership with Costco nurtured by Rosemary Couser - Outreach Coordinator for Michigan and Toledo, and help from Kevin Monk, Marketing Manager at Costco of Bloomfield Twp., Mich., they were able to provide plenty of great tasting holiday treats for this event. The Life Skills Center staff, students, and parents had a grand time.

Rosemary Couser has also worked diligently to introduce the Life Skills program to over 60 organizations during the month of December. Youth Villages, the Federal Youth Services program, Michigan Works Job Link Center and Pontiac Area Transitional Housing have all invited Couser to make presentations about the schools.

School partners with Department of Drug Strategy

The Department of Drug Strategy has been very excited to partner with Life Skills Center of Denver.

Both Karla Maraccini and Pedro Zabala from the Department of Drug Strategy visited the school, were able to discuss opportunities available to youth at the school and in the community. Krista Wilkinson has also built excellent referral relationships with the Denver Youth Area Services, Junior Achievement of Rock Mountain Gang Awareness Coalition (GRASP) and Compassion.

Outreach efforts

While assisting with Outreach efforts in Florida, Krista Wilkinson - Outreach Coordinator for Colorado, visited Blood Net USA. Krista donated a pint of blood and got three new student referrals in the process for Life Skills Center of Polk County.

All of the community organizations that she visited in Florida were interested in the Life Skills information to distribute and are happy to spread the word about the wonderful opportunities for youth at Life Skills. Krista was able to contact and discuss the Northern Florida Life Skills Center programs with over 45 organizations during her week there.

Outreach efforts

On Dec. 21, Kenneth Jones, Administrator from the Life Skills Center in Pontiac, invited students and their parents to attend a very special holiday luncheon.

With the recent partnership with Costco nurtured by Rosemary Couser - Outreach Coordinator for Michigan and Toledo, and help from Kevin Monk, Marketing Manager at Costco of Bloomfield Twp., Mich., they were able to provide plenty of great tasting holiday treats for this event. The Life Skills Center staff, students, and parents had a grand time.

Rosemary Couser has also worked diligently to introduce the Life Skills program to over 60 organizations during the month of December. Youth Villages, the Federal Youth Services program, Michigan Works Job Link Center and Pontiac Area Transitional Housing have all invited Rosemary to make presentations about the schools.

Life Skills Center of Elyria January 2008 graduates

Michelle Grandberry --- Elyria

Simone Jones --- Elyria

George Keller --- Elyria

Aaron Lambert --- Lorain

Naja Logan --- Elyria

Samoya Page --- Elyria

Megan Thompson --- Elyria

Lindsey Gill --- Berea

Life Skills Center of Elyria featured graduate story

Michelle Grandberry wanted to stop hanging out with people who she said weren't good for her.

She found help at Life Skills Center of Elyria.

"I'm not around a lot of kids who were a bad influence and I'm able to work at my own pace," said Grandberry, 17, an Elyria resident who started attending the school in March. "You don't have to worry about being in a rush to get your work done."

"When she first came to us, she had problems interacting with other students and fighting," Title One Reading teacher Crystal Garmon said. "She wasn't able to focus and keep track.

We didn't know what to expect. But she has really rebounded and separated herself from negative influences. She comes in, sits down and gets to work. She's becomes self-sufficient. After she leaves, she will take some of the spark out of my classroom."

School helps self-starter graduate

Keisha Slocum is able to reach her goal of graduating before she turns
18 through Life Skills Center of Cincinnati.

Slocum, who entered the school in February in hopes of graduating early,
is expecting to graduate in January, an amazing feat considering she
works at her home and has been living on her own after undergoing family
problems.

The 17-year-old Cincinnati resident has always been interested in
academics.

After sixth grade, she said teachers were so impressed by her academic
achievement that she skipped the seventh and eighth grades.

Slocum said she's impressed by the individual attention offered by
teachers at Life Skills Center of Cincinnati.

"You can have more one-on-one time with teachers there," Slocum said.
"They help you more there."

Master teacher Rebecca Smith says the student meets with her weekly to
discuss her academics.

"She was the one who pushed herself for her diploma and would call on me
for advice," Smith said. "Most would give up after what she's gone
through, but she really stuck with it."

After graduating, Slocum wants to enter hair stylist school and
eventually wants to pursue law school.

Life Skills Center of Toledo featured graduate

Having the flexibility to graduate early helped motivate Tiara Clayton
to start attending Life Skills Center of Toledo.

"(After moving to Toledo) I didn't have a ride to my school district
(Springfield)," said Clayton, 17. "It would be easier on my parents. I
also wanted to finish school before June."

Clayton, a Toledo resident, said she found her flexibility at Life
Skills Center of Toledo after starting to attend there in September.

"It's a great school," she said. "The faculty is nice. They help you
learn and stick with you."

After graduation, Clayton said she plans on working as a nursing aide
and attend college to pursue a career in social work.

Life Skills Center of Lake Erie featured graduate

After being kicked out of two schools for fighting, Life Skills Center
of Lake Erie helped Brian Adams fight for his future.

And with help from his mother and teachers, the 18-year-old Brooklyn
resident is expected to graduate in January.

"The teachers helped make the classes easier to understand and I really
buckled down more," Adams said. "I didn't screw around. Time seemed to
go by quicker. The teachers took an interest in me. They always seemed
to be around."

"He's a hard-working kid," said Angelica Tovanche, his English teacher.
"His mom really helped support him in coming back to school. He wanted
to better support his girlfriend and child."

After graduation, Adams said he would like to attend college and pursue
a pilot's license.

Practical experience helps graduate

Practical experience at Life Skills Center of North Akron is helping
Summer O'Brien shape her career plans.

O'Brien, 21, of Akron, said she's attended the school since it opened in 2005.

She's worked at the front desk of the school for over a year.

"It was a great opportunity," O'Brien said. "What better job can you get
at the school. I know now how to do administrative duties and enrollment
as well as mailing, filing and faxing. I learned how to work with
people. I was kind of shy, but not anymore."

O'Brien said she also likes the teachers at the school and has learned
much better there after dropping out of Cuyahoga Falls High School.

"They're awesome," she said. "The staff is excellent and they pushed me
to get my work done. If I didn't go to Life Skills, I probably wouldn't
have graduated."

After graduation, O'Brien said she's interested in working as a
secretary or medical assisting.