LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington has a unique program helping teens prepare for their futures.

What You Need To Know

  • Exhilarating Inc. in Lexington is helping young adults successfully make the transition to adulthood 

  • The group offers hands-on learning and has partnered with Lexington's Mobile Mission Experience, which helps new mothers and families connect and build resources

  • Last year, the program received a $1,000 grant from ONE Lexington, the city's youth gun violence prevention program 

Akiyah Wade, 16, is one of a dozen students finishing eight weeks of focusing on becoming more well-rounded and preparing for adulthood. 

"At this age, I want to have my things and do things my way," Wade said. "I'm learning to step back from my parents and figure things out on my own." 

For most teens, growing up can feel like a never-ending cycle of new responsibilities. But thanks to local nonprofit Exhilarating Inc., Wade and other teens are ready to tackle new challenges head-on. 

Founder Mattie Morton, former city administrator and social worker, said the program is about practical skills and giving young people from underrepresented communities the necessary tools to thrive. It offers hands-on lessons in adulting, including everything from finances to document organization. 

“Get a fireproof, waterproof document holder because we want to make sure one of the things we do is make sure everybody has a Social Security card, birth certificate, photo IDs," Morton said. "We want to make sure they keep them in a safe place."

The program has partnered with Lexington's Mobile Mission Experience, a fellow organization that helps new mothers and families connect and build resources.

"We tell them all the time, you could’ve been anywhere else, but you chose to come here and learn something for your future,” Morton said.

Related Stories