Project X LB

“Handle me with care.”
“Do not judge.”
“Kind. Loyal. Honest.”

Today, our youth told us exactly who they are—and how they deserve to be treated.

Through our Care Tag activity, they turned reflection into expression… and expression into power.

Because when young people understand their value,
they stop settling for less.

We’re not just running programs.
We’re helping youth define themselves.

Today we used art to break down something a lot of young people struggle with—but don’t always have the words for: anger.

We talked about how anger doesn’t just appear out of nowhere.
It builds. It sits. It grows… like a volcano.

Through drawing, students explored:
• What builds their anger
• What it feels like before it explodes
• What happens when it does

No pressure to share. No right or wrong answers. Just space to reflect.

What stood out most wasn’t the drawings—it was the focus, the honesty, and the willingness to engage.

This is what it looks like to create space for young people to understand themselves without judgment.

Support. Heal. Inspire. Flourish. Transform.

Today at the the NorthTown Festival we asked a simple question:
“What makes you happy?”

Families, kids, and neighbors filled the page with words that matter most — family, faith, community, love, and helping others.

Sometimes healing starts with a small reflection.

This is the heart of what we do through SHIFT with Project X LB — creating spaces where people can pause, reflect, and connect with what brings meaning to their lives.

Today in SHIFT, I asked our middle school students to create their Emotional Toolkit and the tools they use to navigate the ups and downs of middle school.

One 7th grader titled this piece “Serenity.”

Look closely.

There’s noise.
Pressure.
Confusion.
Crossed-out thoughts.
“Do this!”
“So ugly.”
Chaos all around.

And in the center?
A calm blue figure wearing headphones.

That’s the toolkit.

Serenity isn’t the absence of noise.
It’s learning how to center yourself within it.

Middle school is loud and socially, emotionally, mentally.
But our students are learning how to pause, regulate, reflect, and protect their peace.

This is what healing-centered work looks like.
This is prevention.
This is emotional literacy.

And it starts with giving young people space to express what’s really happening inside.

SHIFT isn’t just a program.
It’s a safe space to build tools that last beyond the classroom.

Proud of this young leader. 💛