Diversified Insurance Solutions has awarded its fifth 2015 SPARK Grant to Lighthouse Youth Center (LYC), an after-school program that serves children ages 10-18 who live in the central-city neighborhoods of Havenwoods and Garden Homes. LYC has two campuses that provide youth with a safe place to gather, receive homework assistance and learn essential life skills that will help them become successful adults.

The $5,000 SPARK Grant will be used to establish a Jobs Training initiative that includes workshops, job shadowing, tours of local businesses, resume writing assistance and mock interview practice.

“Our goal is to provide strong adult mentors, education, job training and job placement to help change the lives of area children and ultimately the entire community,” says Pastor James Buske, executive director Lighthouse Youth Center.

Each day, the center welcomes approximately 65 students to its two campuses. When they first visit, the youth sign a character contract that focuses on respect, kindness, self-control, and honesty. During the school year, students are required to bring homework and must spend 45 minutes working on their assignments. LYC maintains an 8:1 student-to-adult ratio, which allows staff and volunteers to provide homework assistance and establish individual relationships.

“Lighthouse Youth Center is laser focused showing children they can create a positive future for themselves. The center has been working with Milwaukee youth for nearly 10 years and has an excellent track record. 100% of students who consistently use the center’s resources at least two days a week graduate from high school, which is an important step on a pathway to success,” says Jim McCormack, co-founder and chairman of Diversified Insurance Solutions.

Diversified Insurance Solutions is one of Wisconsin’s largest, full-service insurance brokers, providing employee benefits, risk management and business insurance to area companies. For more information, visit www.div-ins.com.