Run With Me
On September 25, 2010, a one mile jog dubbed “Run With Me” is due for
takeoff! Currently, Luke Hughes of Serve LA is leading a running club
that meets three times a week. It has garnered the growing interest of the
diverse local downtown area. People who are routinely dismissed,
negatively stereotyped and ignored, run side by side with the mainstream of
society. “Run With Me” joins a list of other community
participatory initiatives that United Steps has undertaken in the recent
past—Skate With Me, Pedal With Me and Poetry With Me. Apart from
obvious health and fitness benefits, participants have the unique opportunity
to network productively within and beyond their community.
More importantly, they also chart and implement personal development
plans to rise above their circumstances while having fun. Thanks to
Brett Byrd of Give Your Sole, those without shoes also have the opportunity
to get involved. On any given Monday, Wednesday or Friday, lace
up and meet at the corner of 5th Street and San Pedro Street in downtown
Los Angeles at 11:00 am. Get fit. Have fun. Be productive.
International Singer/Actress donates $1,500 workshop for teens!
While struggling to find herself in Chicago’s inner city, Laura De León was spotted by a theater teacher who recognized her tremendous potential. He cast her as a lead in a high school play which facilitated Laura’s brilliant career. From London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts to Chicago, New York, California and around the world, Laura De Leon has thrilled audiences with her incredible singing and acting via television, film, music, and stage.
Currently, she is working on “Express With Me,” which gives youth between the ages of 13 and 17 the same opportunity that she received when it was most needed. Laura believes expressing ones heart, creating a solid plan, and taking active steps every day towards that plan, will make dreams come true. She brings her loving and positive way of living life to this wonderful workshop and play.
LIFE CHANGES LIVE
Radio host Filippo Voltaggio welcomed fans to kick off the Conscious Life Expo. Filippo’s panel of guests included Dr. Kenneth Best, celebrity chiropractor and healer ; music director Marco Missinato, Dorothy Lee Donahue, Mark M. Laisure, musician Bernard Harris and honorary guest, Charles Hill, president and founder of United Steps.
Mr. Hill started his keynote by clearly defining the word HOMELESS as one without a home. The term does not imply that someone is mentally ill, lazy, or dirty. The common misconception that homeless people are either crazy or dangerous is one of the more prevalent myths. Such misconceptions not only break peoples’ spirits, but also cause society to miss out on much needed contributions from many ignored and dismissed individuals. Treating homeless persons, as well as all people we meet, with an open mind– each with unique stories, talents, and ambitions, is key, Charles explained, to creating a thriving environment. Mr. Hill offered simple solutions to addressing homelessness in Los Angeles, solutions that every day people can apply to all aspects of life. United Steps’ practical approach of talking to people, but more importantly, listening to people resonated strongly with the attendees. Charles stated “We see people as answers, not problems. Because of that, the interaction we have leads to immediate progress. Many programs that homeless persons are exposed to seem to be perpetuating the issue instead of helping to break the cycle.”
Musician Bernard Harris displayed the type of talent United Steps suggests is prevalent throughout Los Angeles. He performed two songs, a touching solo of his composition “You’re So Beautiful” and a rendition of The Five Stairsteps, “O-o-h Child”, with Filippo and Laura De Leon. The evening came to a close with a song by Filippo Voltaggio that left audience members smiling, inspired, and motivated to be the change they wish to see in the world.