January’s Faces of FACCES are father-son duo, Kaiden and Derek Smith. Kaiden has been a part of the Life-Ready Teen (LRT) Program for two years, while his father Derek has volunteered alongside him.
While being an LRT, Kaiden has learned life skills that aren’t always taught in the classroom. From hands-on activities like cooking in our kitchen every Saturday, to direct community engagement such as passing out groceries during Fresh Market, FACCES has helped him build confidence and prepare for life beyond school. Kaiden shared that he used to be shy, however his time at FACCES has helped him break out of his shell by talking with different people and working directly with the community.
One of the pair’s favorite memories with FACCES, was the 2025 “March Dadness” event. Families and fathers from across the community come together in a supportive and energetic space. “When you’re raising a child, they say it takes a village… and FACCES has become that village,” said Derek.
We are grateful to Kaiden and Derek for their dedication and willingness to show up together. Their story is a powerful example of how FACCES programs strive to bring our community and its families closer.
If you want your teen to gain life-ready skills, explore new opportunities, and be part of a positive, supportive environment, sign them up for the Life-Ready Teen program and discover how FACCES can help them thrive!
