Internship

Meet Leah, Fenix Intern & Youth Advocate

At Fenix Youth Project, we believe young people deserve support from adults who truly care — people who lead with empathy, creativity, and intention. Today, we’re excited to introduce someone who embodies all of that and more: Leah Letterman, our Nonprofit Management Intern and Youth Resource Navigator.

Leah joined the Fenix team with a passion for community and a heart for service. She’s someone who steps into spaces with purpose, listens deeply, and shows up for young people in real, meaningful ways.

Why Leah Chose Fenix

“I’ve always had a passion for wanting to help people and be part of a mission that serves those in the community,” Leah shared. “The youth are our future — and if we can support them now, we’re investing in a brighter tomorrow for everyone.”

Leah believes in community care, and she brings a grounded, gentle energy to her work with youth. She understands that showing up consistently can change someone’s life.

If She Had a Superpower…

Leah says that if she could choose a superpower, she’d pick teleportation — a way to see the world, meet people across cultures, and stay connected to the communities she cares about.

This dream aligns beautifully with her reality: Leah will be studying abroad starting in January, expanding her worldview, exploring new cultures, and continuing to grow as a leader and advocate.
But before she heads out on her next chapter, she’s dedicating December to supporting local youth through resource navigation, housing connections, and goal-setting sessions.

Her superpower reflects exactly who she is — someone who wants to show up everywhere she’s needed, connect deeply, and carry what she learns back to her community.

Her Favorite Art Form: Poetry

Poetry is Leah’s current art love — the way words hold power, truth, healing, and connection.

“Poetry allows us to express the deepest parts of ourselves while offering healing, connection, and motivation.”

Her love for poetry fits right into Fenix’s mission — using art as a tool for transformation, expression, and reclaiming voice.

What Leah Brings to Fenix

As a Youth Advocate, Leah supports young people with:

  • housing navigation

  • mental health resource connections

  • school and job support

  • benefits and documents help

  • creative and personal goal-setting

She approaches every young person with compassion, patience, and a belief that they deserve safe, judgment-free support.

A Message From Leah

“I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing organization and to support youth wherever they are in their journey — especially before I begin studying abroad. I’m here to help however I can.”

And we’re just as excited to have her.



Back in The Office: From the Desk of Audi


Happy New Year! 

It is my first week back in the center. I have been working on preparing for the next housing fair that will be held in April. With so much in the works, there will be more to report for next week. I also had the opportunity to attend a training course on ACES, which stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. A few things that I have learned is that children can experience all types of stressors. The same stressors can appear in boys and girls differently. The most interesting thing I learned is a way to build resilience for youth is to build their self-esteem, provide opportunities for learning, and learn their triggers and communication style. 




From the desk of Audi - Week 4 at FYP

Hello!

This week I finally presented my PowerPoint presentation for the HALS COC meeting.. I was very nervous but in the end, I had a good turnout and created much conversation. With the Youth-Led Townhall coming up this week I have attended meetings and created an agenda for how the Town Hall will go. There should be a great turnout since we have been doing as much advertising as we could. Over the weekend, SU students passed out over 150 fliers! 

As many know, finding a job can be difficult. Putting in countless applications can be frustrating, especially when you do not get an interview or call back. Now imagine having more barriers such as being an ex-felon. How do we expect people to integrate back into society when a lot of rights, such as voting and privileges are taken away from them? After doing some research on what companies do consider or take felons into consideration. I have created a list of a few companies in Salisbury and surrounding areas. 

  • AT&T

  • Verizon 

  • Ace Hardware 

  • Baskin- Robbins 

  • Buffalo Wild Wings

  • Chili’s 

  • Chipotle 

  • Dollar Tree

  • Family Dollar 

  • Goodwill 

  • GreyHound 

  • Red Lobster 

  • PetSmart 

  • Jiffy Lube 

  • Kohl’s  

https://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/siteimages/peace/documents/Jail_and_Prison_Ministry/List_of_Felon_Friendly_Employers.pdf