"LEAD gives teens something to do and options to make life better. It gives you a second family and someone to talk to if you can't talk to your own family. There are good people here to do things for you. LEAD is like turning something grey into bright yellow." ~ Caleb, a veteran LEAD Participant

Leadership Education Adventure Direction

LEAD is an organization that provides low-income teens with life-enriching experiences. LEAD was established in 1996 by teens and adults in the Housing Authority. The LEAD Program, in its current incarnation, began in 1998 under the leadership of Maj Hutchinson as a partnership with the City of Eugene and Housing and Community Services. In 2001 LEAD became a 501(c)(3) non-profit and has grown into a vibrant, community-supported organization. LEAD's mission is to develop the leadership skills of low-income teens, empowering them to address community problems and change the world.

We serve: Low-income teens, ages 12 – 17, we served 60 in the 2005 - 2006 year. 

We offer: Weekly group meetings, outdoor adventure trips, week long over night camping trips, mentoring, and community service projects. 

We teach: Leadership skills, goal setting, oppression theory, listening skills, public speaking, communication, cooperation, and how to have fun in productive, healthy ways.  We also work to enhance self-confidence and build self-esteem with teens who often have few positive role models.

LEAD is now located in the Nuestro Lugar/Our Place Teen Center:

• 965 Oak Alley in Downtown Eugene
• Between 10th & Broadway and Oak & Willamette. Behind the Downtown Athletic Club and under the Overpark Parking Garage