Mission: Life Pieces To Masterpieces, Inc. (LPTM) is an arts-based, comprehensive youth-development organization located east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. Our mission is to provide opportunities for African American males (ages 3-21) to activate their innate, creative abilities to change life challenges into possibilities.
Programs: The arts/creative expression program is designed specifically to engage apprentices on a weekly basis in our creative process: connecting, creating, contributing and celebrating. The program guides apprentices to channel their life experiences using the creation of acrylic collage paintings, original poetry, prose, oratory, movement/dance, and music. The creations are then shared with a broader audience. This program continues to strengthen as we add new artists who bring their own unique artistic styles to the experience. The academic/education program engages all apprentices in rigorous homework assistance, tutoring, literacy training, math skill development, and computer training on a daily basis. We also offer our apprentices:-education and workforce development training through life pieces art works-leadership development-academic enrichment through extra-curricular activities-exposure to other cultures and a global community-awareness of and exposure to diverse spiritual practices-health education to enhance fitness, health, and wellnesstogether, all of these programs will serve as a foundation for a successful learning experience and transition to productive adulthood for our apprentices. Additionally, lptm has facilitated workshops and trainings with local non-profits, teachers at drew elementary school and the bishop john t. Walker school for boys, the world bank group, homeless children playtime project, dc promise neighborhood initiative and conferences hosted by the coalition of schools educating boys of color (coseboc), the college board, and others. Through our color me community conversations series, our skilled team of trainers builds discussion with dc community members from all backgrounds around the implications of race, gener, cultural background, and other forms of identity in our communities.
I did volunteer work for LPTM , the organizations goals/aspirations are truly amazing. The care that the mentors show is unconditional, and they always have positive outcome the Apprentices.
Life Pieces provides after school services to African American young men and boys in Wards 7 and 8 - focued on the arts, academics and though a unique pedagogy and curriculum to build courage, confidence, character and resilience. LPTM young men have 100 percent high school graduation rates in the organization's 18 year history. Co-founder Mary Brown won the Legacy of a Dream award from the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University in 2013 in recognition of her leadership and impact; was featured in a multi-part series nationwide by NPR, and was featured on the Katie Couric show. Recognition deserved for the commitment and passion in building a truly caring culture and organization thatis nuruting young men and boys to success. Sign up for a one hour `circle-time' and experience the program up front and close.