Our Values
The core of who we are, our values, drive our program and serve as the lens through which we create our programs.
FOCUS ON WHOLE CHILD
Our students come to us with a varitey of life experiences. Some struggle in school, others have experiences significant amounts of trauma, while some are just looking for a place to belong. At Like a Lion we want to see each child for who they are. To see their unique qualities and support them in the ways that they need most. For some this is academically, for others it’s emphasizing emotional support. No matter what, we seek to make our program a space where all our students can thrive!
RELATIONSHIPS FIRST
We always say that our students won’t look back and remember the amazing curriculum we created or program we provided, but they will remember the relationships they built at our program. With eachother, with our staff and with volunteers. We know that relationships change lives. That’s why we are committed to building authentic relationships every day at our program.
INTENTIONALLY SMALL
We have always felt like a small fish when it comes to nonprofits. Instead of serving hundreds of kids, we serve about 20-30 students in each program. This is on purpose though. We truly believe in going deeper rather than wide. We want EVERY student who walks through our doors to know they are cared for. To not get lost in the shuffle. Our smallness allows us to be intentional with this! We take time to see each child for who they truly are. Their stories matter, their voices matter, and they are never just a number.
LONGEVITY
We’re in it for the long haul. We always say that we want to get our students as young as possible and keep them as long as we can. This is most evident in students that joined our program as 1st gradres, stayed for years for our program, became volunteers and were then eventulaly hired on as junior staff for our summer camp. The challenges many of our students face our vast. There is no quick fix. That is why we commit to show up day after day, year after year and be that consistent presenes in their lives.