By: Justin Powell
Youthlinc is hosting three fellows from YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative) this year. YLAI is a program sponsored by the Department of State that places emerging leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean with various organizations around the United States to collaborate and learn from each other.
Our first fellow this year, Shavonne Strachan, is from the Bahamas. Shavonne runs an organization called WeLife which organizes carnivals and events in low-socioeconomic neighborhoods and provides food packages for struggling families.
WeLife’s mission is to provide programs, encouragement, food and other daily necessities to persons living in inner city communities. We also aim to set individuals free in their mind, body and soul. We believe that we can live a better life once we are liberated from impoverished communities, world hunger and battered souls. We want to spread the gift of LIFE and LOVE because God is love and God is for everyone.
WeLife’s vision is to harness love and freedom in each individual; directing them toward a better life through acts of kindness, encouragement, self-help programs, and spiritual consciousness.
Over the last several years WeLife has launched more than a dozen community initiatives on four different islands throughout the Bahamas. We have expanded our efforts to feed the body and soul, helping individuals break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient. These empowerment events included Christmas in the Community, Backpack Giveback, and Spring Harvest Grocery Giveaway.
Watch this video about WeLife to learn more and hear from Shavonne!
Youthlinc and WeLife will be collaborating on a variety of items that will bring value both to Youthlinc and WeLife. This includes a service initiative and an international community and leadership building event. More details to come in the future!