Graduation is more than a milestone, it’s a turning point, a moment when someone decides to believe in themselves and step into a new chapter.

This past Saturday, we had the joy of celebrating the graduates from  Foundations for a Better Life—not just for completing a program, but for the courage they’ve shown in rewriting their futures. Every cap tossed into the air represented a life reclaimed, a goal reached and a story still unfolding. These graduates stand taller today because of your support, your compassion and your belief that everyone deserves a second chance.

As they move forward, we hope you’ll continue walking alongside us. Together, we can help even more individuals write their own success stories.

Abraham’s Story

“I was referred here through the courts after completing rehab. I really had nothing left of the life I previously had except my car and a couple of backpacks. I managed to get into a sober living after my release and started the process of getting my life back. Which sounds simple enough; however, there are so many aspects of life that you don’t consider when you are in active addiction. I tended to stick with what was familiar, like the same kind of dead-end jobs that paid the bills, but not much else. I relied on cash instead of building credit, and relationships that were frivolous and circumstantial rather than meaningful and healthy.
While going through the program, the resources available here made it possible for me to reintroduce myself to ‘normal life.’ Thanks to Miss Dee and Anthony, I started eating regularly and well, which I rarely did before. Thanks to Ashley, Jax, and Neisha in the care office, I made it to class, had a place to do laundry, and got a suit that doesn’t make me look like a used car salesman. Miss Kayla helped me find a job that works around my school schedule. Also, thanks to Angela and Roger, I learned that it’s ok to aspire to greater things than living in a ‘good enough’ mindset.
Through the program, I learned one of the most important things in life: self-worth. As my facilitator, Angela said, ‘You deserve to live with dignity and not in survival mode all the time.’ Things that were daunting before, like going back to school as an adult, rejoining the workforce, and pursuing a profession that seemed alien to me, became feasible. The workweek and financial aspects of the course were especially helpful in mapping out short- and long-term employment and financial goals I would not have considered before. The insight from the relationship section helped me to consider the relationships in my life and gain a different perspective on them.
In closing, I feel that if I had not found this place, disaster would have struck. It takes time, effort, and courage to change your entire way of being after living like a refugee your whole life. The structure of the program, the classes and resources, were instrumental in my success after leaving the safety bubble of rehab and actually having more than a shot in the dark in my recovery. To quote President Barack Obama: ‘Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.’”

Abraham
Life Learning Center Graduate Speaker

Donate Today to Create More Success Stories

Thanks to support from generous donors, last year we graduated 289 individuals, which made a profound economic impact. In 2025, we put over $15M back into the economy with an average salary of $18.74/hour. In addition, we estimate that we save the community over $6.5 million in the first year after graduation through reduced reliance on SNAP, HUD assistance, healthcare costs, and treatment programs. Economic gains, such as increased payroll taxes from steady employment, complement these avoided costs. The cost savings grow year-over-year as individuals maintain employment, avoid incarceration, and reduce their reliance on public assistance. In addition, our recidivism rate was 3.82% against the national average of 83%.

Graduation is more than a milestone, it’s a turning point, a moment when someone decides to believe in themselves and step into a new chapter.

This past Thursday, we had the joy of celebrating the graduates from the Accelerated Life Skills Training and Trade Certificate program. We celebrate these individuals not just for completing the program, but for the courage they’ve shown in rewriting their futures. Every cap tossed into the air represented a life reclaimed, a goal reached and a story still unfolding. These graduates stand taller today because of your support, your compassion and your belief that everyone deserves a second chance.

As they move forward, we hope you’ll continue walking alongside us. Together, we can help even more individuals write their own success stories.

William’s Story

When we signed up for this class, I don’t think any of us expected the challenges we had to face. Some of these challenges were small and some were big (like math), but we overcame them and here we are ready to move forward.

The days I spent in this program will be with me for the rest of my life. The bonds made are well worth the awkward introductions. We learned things we assumed were beyond our capabilities and grew exponentially because of it.

None of this would have come to fruition without the pillars of this program and the people working behind the scenes. For example, the cooks with their great food and bright smiles, the care team, and classroom instructors. I cannot forget our respective trade teachers and mentors who have taught us our new crafts which will help us grow and eventually teach the next generation after us. To our families who were there for us when we took notes and work home during long study nights, thank you.

As we look into the horizon, into our hopes of the future, we all see how we can use our newfound skill and trades to provide for those we love. It will change our lives for the better. With all that said and done, I wish all of my peers, teachers, mentors, and cooks the best. Stay strong, we’ve got this.

Donate Today to Create More Success Stories

Thanks to support from generous donors, last year we graduated 289 individuals, which made a profound economic impact. In 2025, we put over $15M back into the economy with an average salary of $18.74/hour. In addition, we estimate that we save the community over $6.5 million in the first year after graduation through reduced reliance on SNAP, HUD assistance, healthcare costs, and treatment programs. Economic gains, such as increased payroll taxes from steady employment, complement these avoided costs. The cost savings grow year-over-year as individuals maintain employment, avoid incarceration, and reduce their reliance on public assistance. In addition, our recidivism rate was 3.82% against the national average of 83%.

Full List of Services as Pilot Takes Shape

Litter Removal – sidewalks, street gutters, tree wells, storm drains, flowerpots, bus stops, bio swales, main corridors, cross streets and alleys, yard signs and advertisements on streetscape infrastructure (lamp post and utility boxes).

City Cans – Wipe lids clean, remove liners and remove trash and other debris stuck under and around liners. Sweep around city cans. Pressure wash black stains from plastic liners. Report any damage and service issues or missing educational signage from recycling receptacles.

Weed Removal – seasonal remove weeds from sidewalks.

Bus Stops – remove litter, (seasonal – clean shelter glass and pressure wash concrete.

Shared Waste Stations – ensuring businesses are keeping up with housekeeping and lids are closed.

Cigarette butt Urns – will be scheduled -service and sweep up cigarette butts.

Graffiti – scheduled for May or after.

Scheduled tasks will rotate and vary as the year goes on.

Life Learning Center Foundations for a Better Life Program

The mission of LLC is to deliver an innovative, holistic, integrated continuum of education and care to assist individuals in overcoming challenges and barriers, allowing them to step up to their highest potential. By helping people learn, secure, and sustain a better way of living through gainful employment, LLC builds a caring and serving community. Since 2005, LLC has equipped hundreds of vulnerable and economically disadvantaged individuals with the necessary tools and resources to envision, achieve, and sustain a better future for themselves and their families. LLC transformational skills program, Foundations for a Better Life, focuses on addressing five domains of life: Physical, Financial, Spiritual, Emotional, and Relational. Through life skills training, career readiness programming and placement, and support resources, LLC empowers individuals to transform the trajectory of their lives. The impact of this program on the community is far-reaching. In 2025 alone, LLC put over $15M back into the local economy and saw a recidivism rate of 3.82%, which is a stark contrast against the national average of 83%.

Clean Streets, Stronger Lives: Support the Covington Clean and Safe Initiative

By keeping Covington’s downtown streets, sidewalks, bus stops, and public spaces clean and welcoming, the Covington Clean and Safe Initiative is doing more than just removing litter and graffiti—it’s creating meaningful bridge employment for individuals working to rebuild their lives through the Life Learning Center’s Foundations for a Better Life program. Every shift helps restore pride in our community while equipping vulnerable residents with job skills, stability, and hope for a brighter future. With your support, we can expand this impactful pilot program, sustain these vital services, and continue transforming both lives and neighborhoods in Covington. Consider making a donation today to help build a cleaner, safer, and more compassionate community for all.

Graduation is more than a milestone, it’s a turning point, a moment when someone decides to believe in themselves and step into a new chapter.

This past Saturday, we had the joy of celebrating the graduates from  Foundations for a Better Life—not just for completing a program, but for the courage they’ve shown in rewriting their futures. Every cap tossed into the air represented a life reclaimed, a goal reached and a story still unfolding. These graduates stand taller today because of your support, your compassion and your belief that everyone deserves a second chance.

As they move forward, we hope you’ll continue walking alongside us. Together, we can help even more individuals write their own success stories.

Ruthie’s Story

“Hi, my name is Ruthie Stidham. I am 45 years old from Middletown, Ohio. I come from an arrested development type of family, which means broken home, domestic violence, unhealthy relationships, the streets, and a life of crime and chaos. I became comfortable with this type of lifestyle. It was normal for me. I did not know what normal was. It led me down the darkest days of my life and straight to prison for 7 years. When I was there, I began to change who Ruthie was. I wanted a normal life but did not know how to do it. I attended Sinclair Community College and earned two degrees: a community public service assistant and a correctional rehabilitation degree. I went to vocational school, completed a janitorial apprenticeship, and earned 120 certificates.

I always wanted to help people like me. They offered me a job and training in peer support. This is where I began my journey of healing and believing in myself. I had a plan; I knew what I wanted to do. The day I got released, I went to a sober living called Sunstone, and they referred us to Life Learning Center. This is what laid the foundation for my life. Life Learning Center taught me about myself and who I was again.

We had the best facilitator who always had our backs. She pushed us to thrive when we did not want to. She believed in us when no one else did. She was a helping hand. She wanted the best for her class. She had many available resources. She was an awesome person inside and out. Life Learning Center helped me with my car insurance, tattoo removal, a checking account, hygiene bag and food bags weekly, Dress for Success and The Hanger provided clothes for us.

What I gained from Life Learning Center was empowerment, transformation, and permanent change. It lets you be the change you want to be. You become the best version of yourself. You get the guidance, tools and support to break down those barriers that you developed. You will build a path of long-term success.

I am now a licensed peer support at Lumiere Healing Centers. I love my job and hope people like me. I give them lived experiences and hope for a brighter future. Some advice I would like to give others is to stay open to change. New chapters bring new opportunities to grow and learn. Believe in yourself and trust the process. Setting future goals and having clear ones can keep your focus. Lean on support systems and take things one step at a time.”

Ruthie
Life Learning Center Graduate Speaker

Donate Today to Create More Success Stories

Thanks to support from generous donors, last year we graduated 289 individuals, which made a profound economic impact. In 2025, we put over $15M back into the economy with an average salary of $18.74/hour. In addition, we estimate that we save the community over $6.5 million in the first year after graduation through reduced reliance on SNAP, HUD assistance, healthcare costs, and treatment programs. Economic gains, such as increased payroll taxes from steady employment, complement these avoided costs. The cost savings grow year-over-year as individuals maintain employment, avoid incarceration, and reduce their reliance on public assistance. In addition, our recidivism rate was 3.82% against the national average of 83%.

Event Details

At Life Learning Center, we serve individuals trapped in cycles of poverty and unemployment, offering a path forward through life skills training, career readiness programming and placement, and personalized care resources. Our work empowers individuals to be the key to change in their own life—and the Gala plays a critical role in making that possible.

The Life Learning Center Gala is more than an evening of celebration—it’s a powerful gathering in support of transformation, resilience, and human potential. All net proceeds from this inspiring event directly fund the life-changing programs that help individuals reclaim stability, dignity, and purpose.

This year’s Gala will feature a live auction, bourbon pull and other exciting surprises that invite our guests to engage in meaningful and memorable ways. Together, we can change the narrative for individuals working to overcome barriers and build a better life. Your support fuels real impact. Your presence helps rewrite stories—one life at a time.

Our Honorees: Mark and Casey Guilfoyle

Casey and Mark Guilfoyle consider themselves fortunate to be able to serve our community in a variety of roles.

Casey currently serves as President of the Northern Kentucky Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  From 2018 to 2024, she served as a Trustee at her alma mater, Thomas More University.  In the past Casey served as the Chairperson of the Covington Latin School Board of Education and as a Member of the Boone/Gallatin Foster Care Review Board.

Mark currently serves as Chairperson of the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education and as Secretary of the Serra Club for Vocations, Northern Kentucky.  In the past he has served as a Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America, Dan Beard Council; as Chairperson of the Catholic Charities Board in the Diocese of Covington; as a Board Member of the Kentucky Chamber Commerce; and as a member of the Advisory Board of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Professionally, Mark is a partner at DBL Law where he helps clients navigate state and local government bureaucracies.  Casey also practiced law in the area of family mediation and Elder Law, retiring in 2017 to spend more time with grandchildren.

Casey and Mark are co-recipients of the following recognition:

  • The Marcella Strategier “Angel of Hope” Award from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Covington
  • The Bishop William A. Hughes Award, conferred by Thomas More University
  • The “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross,” awarded by Pope Francis; and
  • The Robert J. Storer Visionary Leadership Award, conferred by the Northern Kentucky Education Council

Mark and Casey are the proud parents of five adult children and three grandchildren.

Wine and Dine

6:00-7:00

VIP Reception honoring Mark and Casey Guilfoyle

VIP event sponsors and invited guests will be welcomed to an exclusive VIP reception, where meaningful connections await—and each guest will receive a special key to unlock a surprise, symbolizing the power we each hold to open doors to change.

6:00-7:00

Cocktail Hour

Guests will be treated to a sophisticated cocktail hour, accompanied by the soulful sounds of Floyd and The Walkman, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening.

7:00-10:00

Dinner and Program

Guided by emcee Evan Millward, discover how Life Learning Center and our distinguished honorees have been a key or catalysts for change in our community—and unlock your own potential to make a lasting impact in the lives of those in need.

Emcee: Evan Millward

Evan Millward is professional storyteller and longtime anchor/reporter based in Cincinnati. Highlights include the Bengals Super Bowl appearance, several Presidential appearances and campaigns, and the 2015 MLB All-Star Game. He was recently awarded Best Anchor in Ohio by the Society of Professional Journalists. When not in the newsroom, Evan is a runner and volleyball player – so he can try all the new restaurants and bars our area has to offer.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THIS YEAR’S EVENT OR PURCHASING AN AD? 

PACKAGES ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

Program Overview

Learn Life & Trade Skills

In partnership with the Enzweiler Building Institute, our program goes beyond learning the basics of your selected path and teaches important life skills like managing money and planning for the future. Choose from career paths like Carpentry, Facilities Maintenance/Remodeling, Heritage/Restoration Trades, HVAC, Masonry, Plumbing and Welding, and start your journey to becoming a skilled leader in the field. Classes meet 4 days per week from 3:00-6:00 PM for 13 weeks and is free for all Kenton County residents.

Get Critical Resources

Get help with important resources like food, transportation, work gear, hygiene items, access to our fitness facility and more. We’re here to help with anything that might get in the way of your personal and professional development. Once you complete the program you become a Member of Life Learning Center for life granting access to critical resources when you need them most.

Find a Career

Get connected with employers in the field and trained staff who will help you find a job that will set you up for success on your new career path.

Graduates of the program typically earn between $22 and $28 per hour. Additionally, some employers are now investing in their employees by covering the costs for further education, opening doors to even greater opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Get Started Today

From keeping the lights on to building homes, roads, and schools, skilled tradespeople are the driving force behind every thriving community. These are careers with purpose, where your work directly impacts the world around you. Choose a career path in one of these high demand fields today.

Contact Brittany Walters at 859.488.7433 or bwalters@lifelearningcenter.us to learn more about how you can build a career you are passionate about.

The Enzweiler Building Institute and the Life Learning Center have graduated the second cohort from their collaborative Life Skills Training and Trades Certificate Program. This milestone exemplifies the power of partnership in providing individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the trades industry.

The Life Skills Training and Trades Certificate Program, a joint initiative between the Enzweiler Building Institute and the Life Learning Center, combines comprehensive life skills training with specialized instruction in various construction trades. Through this unique program, students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for successful careers in fields such as Carpentry, Facilities Maintenance, Heritage/Restoration Trades, HVAC, Masonry, Plumbing and Welding.

Read More

Innovative life skills program, Foundations for a Better Life, receives $12 million in state funding to bring services to Southern Kentucky

A program that has seen extraordinary success in Northern Kentucky helping at-risk individuals earn, secure and sustain a better way of life through gainful employment will soon plant roots in Somerset and serve the Lake Cumberland region. 

Read more