Meet Billy-Wayne

Billy-Wayne’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible with the right support and belief.

After completing nine months of treatment and getting sober, he came to Life Learning Center searching not just for stability, but for a life worth staying sober for.

Through structure, encouragement, and meaningful relationships, LLC helped him build confidence, purpose, and the courage to face life head-on. During job week, Billy-Wayne created a resume that led to a position as a personal trainer at Planet Fitness; where, just five months later, he became the most booked trainer in the tristate area. Most importantly, he became a present, dependable father; someone his children can count on and be proud of.

Life Learning Center didn’t just support Billy-Wayne’s recovery; it helped him transform it into a thriving, purpose-driven life.

With your support, Billy and hundreds like him can rewrite their stories. Your gift helps underserved individuals rise beyond their circumstances and build lives where they can thrive.

Give Today

Your Gift Helps:


  • Build life skills across five vital areas—physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, and financial

  • Prepare for meaningful careers aligned with their strengths and interests

  • Access critical care and support resources, including food, clothing, transportation, housing assistance, etc.

  • Find purpose, belonging, and connection within a supportive community


    Choose an amount to give:








    Or enter your own amount:

    Make this a monthly recurring donation





    Your contribution, no matter the amount, directly supports life-changing programs and reminds our students that they are not alone. Together, we can continue building brighter futures, one life at a time.

    $20

    Celebrate 20 years of service to our community by making a $20 monthly recurring gift. Provides meals for a week to help meet a Candidate’s immediate needs

    $50

    Supplies life journals, padfolios, and essential classroom materials to support a Candidate’s learning journey

    $100

    Covers bus vouchers so one Candidate can travel to and from Life Learning Center

    $250

    Supplies backpacks with basic hygiene supplies and everyday essentials

    $500

    Provides professional attire and a portfolio so one Candidate can confidently participate in mock interviews

    $1,000

    Covers rent for two months so Candidates can find shelter and stability

    $2,500

    Provides transportation assistance (bus vouchers) for a full cohort

    $5,000

    Sponsors one at-risk individual through Life Learning Center’s full transformational program

    I went from the lowest feeling in the world to the greatest feeling.

    James Lay
    program graduate

    At 15, James Lay was homeless, isolated and abusing alcohol to numb the pain. At 40, after decades of substance use and incarceration, he discovered Life Learning Center and chose a new life for himself and his children.

    Our Impact

    Based on 2025 programming

    At program start, only 13% were employed and 65% had no income

    We help Candidates secure stable employment and guide Members as they work to sustain it

     

    87% were employed prior to graduation

     

    100% were employed or enrolled in post-secondary education before gaining Member status

     

    Life Learning Center Members have a 3.82% recidivism rate, while the national average is 83%

    We give people the tools they need to choose a different life and continue on that new path

     

    93% reported improvements in healthy behaviors since starting the program

    Improvements in eating patterns, working out, routine healthcare visits, dental care, attendance at recovery meetings, etc. 

     

    $15 million has been put back into the economy with an average salary of $18.74/hour

    Subscribe to Life Learning Center’s mailing list!


    You’ll receive email updates featuring graduate success stories, along with the latest news on our organization-wide strategic initiatives and expansion efforts.