The Emerging Light Foundation - Assisting Our Youth

The recession has impacted many social services programs that were available. As a result, many organizations have to rely more on volunteers and donations to assist them with their needs. One such group that is filling a void for our youth to have positive role models is The Emerging Light Foundation.

The Emerging Light Foundation (ELF) is a non-profit educational and relational organization that seeks to match up volunteers with under-served youths. Christopher Jahng is the Youth Director and volunteer coordinator. Jahng and ELF's volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that these youths receive the guidance and mentorship that they deserve.

ELF's motto is "They don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." They currently run 5 youth clubs in Los Angeles County. If organizations such as ELF did not exist many of these kids would not have a chance at succeeding in life. They partner with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and local communities, schools and churches to serve and empower youth through love, hope, education and empowerment.

Emerging Light is always seeking and training volunteers for their weekly youth clubs, group mentoring excursions, LSAP coaches and more. The LSAP (Life Skills Advancement Program) is where they create the future for which the kids can hold on to. They create camps and workshops that can teach and lead specific life skills. ELF recruits teachers and celebrities that can lead kids in a hands-on working environment where they can feed off their own unique interests and create a foundation for which a life career can be developed. Imagine teaching kids creative writing, and at the end of the workshop the highlight will be to write a novel together for publication. They provide multiple opportunities and seek positive individuals, couples and families who are willing to provide real relationships to youth in need.

They also have special monthly outings where they take members of the youth club to specific events such as theme parks, sports engagements, or other social activities for a one-day or weekend excursion. These events come from specific fundraisers or sponsorships.

There is always a great demand on social service organizations and especially during the holiday season. Many of these kids would not have a holiday if it were not for ELF. As always, non-profit organizations are always seeking donations, fundraisers, employers for summer internships, sponsorships and volunteers.

To find out more information on how you can become a mentor, employ a teen, become a volunteer, sponsor or fundraiser visit ELF.