Life Enrichment Program
Over the better part of
two decades, the Uptown Shelter has evolved from a
homeless shelter meeting the needs of basic survival
to a program-based model equipping homeless men to
rebuild their lives. However, we recognize the need
that exists to help our clients differentiate from
day to day. The Life Enrichment Program meets this
need.
 The
Life Enrichment Program (LEP) is a modular course
program designed to give our clients an appreciation
for life beyond the level of survival. The goal of
the LEP is found in its mission statement—“The Life
Enrichment Program provides the spark for the
clients of the Uptown Shelter to enrich their
lives through the arts, self-expression, and
creative problem solving for succeeding in life.”
Primarily, the LEP is a modular course program that
offers a variety of “modules” or classes in six-week
increments. Each module takes place at a designated
time and meets for an hour to an hour and a half
each week. Some of the courses are ongoing
activities, such as Men’s Chorus and Intramurals, as
well as some intermittent activities, such as
basketball tournaments, chess tournaments, and
talent showcases.
Purpose
of the LEP
The purpose of the Life Enrichment Program is
three-fold:
-
The LEP will help our clients find and develop
other interests and serve as a catalyst for them
to be more committed to the Shelter and
rebuilding their lives, by adding structure to
their lives.
-
The LEP will create many volunteer opportunities
for new volunteers to have a more hands-on
approach to volunteerism.
-
Through the LEP, our clients will become
positive community representatives for the
Shelter, its programs and its success, thereby
giving back to our community.
Planned
Modules
 Art
History and Appreciation
Clients will develop a deeper appreciation and
understanding of art through engaging in a short
educational series to overview art in general,
travel to local galleries, art studios and the
African-American Cultural Center.
Music History and Appreciation
Clients will develop a deeper appreciation and
understanding of music through engaging in a short
educational series to overview various forms of
music, travel to local music venues, concerts,
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, etc.
Art Application
Clients will engage in various types of artistic
expression, such as painting, pastels, sculpture,
etc.
Photography
Participants will engage in a short educational
series and study of photography. Tours could be
arranged of local photography galleries and art
shows.
Culinary Arts
Clients will take part in a short educational series
and study of cooking and food safety. Tours could
be set up of local restaurants and culinary schools.
Creative Writing
Participants will learn basic forms of creative
writing and how to express themselves through this
medium.
 Current
Events Discussion
Clients will engage in a discussion group of current
events, i.e. political events, economic issues,
social issues, etc., as well as attend City Council
and County Commissioner meetings.
Book Discussion
Participants will read and discuss a new book for
each module. Book selections will range from
classics to moderns.
“Inside Television”
Clients will engage in a short educational series
about television production and the “behind the
scenes” aspects of it. Clients could tour local
news rooms, watch a taping of the news, and interact
with news anchors.
Drama
Clients will engage in a short educational series to
overview drama in general, travel to local plays and
learn dramatic pieces for a drama showcase to be
performed at the shelter and off-site.
Contemporary History
Clients will engage in an educational series on
contemporary history (such as modern history since
World War II).
Ancestry and Genealogy
Participants will gain a sense of their own heritage
and individualism through researching their ancestry
and constructing their own family tree.
 Chess
Participants will learn the finer points of chess
strategy and execution. Clients could perhaps
compete in a local chess tournament.
Healthy Living
Clients will learn the benefits of physical activity
and exercise and engage in various forms of it, i.e.
calisthenics, aerobics, yoga, tae kwon do, etc.
Masonry
Clients will learn to lay brick from a professional
instructor or mason, possibly enabling them to find
employment in that field.
 Career
Development
Clients will learn to the basics of resume writing,
interview skills, and employment application.
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