Living in Purpose

Living in Purpose Turning pain into purpose!đź’Ż
Helping youth take their problems and turn it into purpose!

Overcoming adversity and turning obstacles into stepping stones is the expertise of author, speaker, and philanthropist, Yannik McKie. At age 11 Yannik suffered the heartbreak of his parents’ divorce and learned that both Mom and Dad were HIV positive. By the age of 15 Yannik lost both of his parents to the deadly AIDS disease. Consequently, in an effort to deal with his pain, Yannik turned to dru

gs, gangs and dangerous illegal activity. Turning such pain into purpose has helped Yannik earn his reputation as an expert on leadership and perseverance. Yannik’s amazing life story has been featured on numerous media outlets including ESPN, The 700 Club, The Huffington Post, The New York Daily News, Good Day Atlanta, and many more. Yannik is the Founder and Executive Director of the McKie Foundation through which he donates his time and resources to at-risk youth. For his efforts in youth leadership & business, Yannik was awarded the Change Maker of the year award from the National Leadership Council and he was inducted into his alma mater, Georgia Southern University’s, top 40 under 40 alumni class. Yannik’s diverse life experiences make him a highly sought after speaker for universities, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Yannik has a degree in marketing from Georgia Southern University and a Master’s Degree in Christian Ministries from Liberty University. Yannik is the proud husband to his beautiful & supportive wife, Linda and the loving father to Jahlyn & Elyse McKie.

Today we celebrate Juneteenth!Freedom won, legacy honored, and futures still being built.At Living in Purpose, that work...
06/19/2026

Today we celebrate Juneteenth!
Freedom won, legacy honored, and futures still being built.

At Living in Purpose, that work continues every day: pouring into the next generation of Augusta's young people so they can step fully into who they're called to be.

Happy Juneteenth.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom isn’t just history, it’s a call to purpose. We build toward a future where every chil...
06/19/2026

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom isn’t just history, it’s a call to purpose. We build toward a future where every child is free to dream, grow, and lead.

At Living In Purpose, we believe serving starts with being rooted.THRIVE is an extension of that, a place where worship,...
06/18/2026

At Living In Purpose, we believe serving starts with being rooted.

THRIVE is an extension of that, a place where worship, the Word, and community come together before we go out and serve.

The mission hasn’t changed… the reach has.

Join us this Friday at 5:30 PM
1439 12th St Augusta, GA

Father’s Day can bring on lots of emotions.For some, it is a day of gratitude. For others, it can bring grief, complicat...
06/18/2026

Father’s Day can bring on lots of emotions.

For some, it is a day of gratitude. For others, it can bring grief, complicated memories, or longing for connection.

But fatherhood isn’t just about a title. Sometimes it's reflected in the men who choose to show up, offer guidance, provide covering, speak life, and stay consistent when a young person needs someone in their corner.

This Father's Day, Living in Purpose honors fathers AND father figures including the grandfathers, uncles, pastors, mentors, coaches, brothers, and community leaders who have stood in the gap for young people who needed steady support.

Showing up matters.

Through mentorship and programs like Men in Training (MIT), Living in Purpose helps young men build discipline, confidence, leadership, character, and a stronger sense of purpose.

This is one reason the Purpose Center matters so deeply. Young people need safe spaces where caring adults are present, consistent, and invested in their future.

To every man who has chosen to show up: Thank you.
Your presence matters more than you know.

Give Purpose. Build Belonging.

đź‘‘ Calling all Young Kings, Fathers, Mentors, Coaches, Uncles, Grandfathers, and Positive Male Role Models!Join us for a ...
06/18/2026

đź‘‘ Calling all Young Kings, Fathers, Mentors, Coaches, Uncles, Grandfathers, and Positive Male Role Models!

Join us for a day of connection, encouragement, fun, and fellowship as we bring together young men and the men who help guide them. Together, we’re building stronger relationships and growing future leaders.

Because it takes a village to raise a leader. Be the village.

đź’Ş Real Men. Real Stories. Real Impact

For years, our organization has invested in developing young leaders through programs like Men in Training because we be...
06/16/2026

For years, our organization has invested in developing young leaders through programs like Men in Training because we believe strong communities are built by equipping the next generation to thrive.

But over the years, one question continued to come up:
"What are you doing for our girls?"

The truth is, our young women are facing enormous pressure every day. Pressure to fit in. Pressure to compare themselves to unrealistic standards. Pressure to find their worth in likes, relationships, and opinions that can change overnight.

At Living In Purpose, we believe they deserve more.
That's why we are excited to announce the launch of Blueprint! đź’™

Blueprint is more than a program. It's a place where young women ages 13–19 can be mentored, encouraged, challenged, and reminded that they were created on purpose and for a purpose.

Through Blueprint, we will help young women build confidence, discover their identity, develop leadership skills, understand financial literacy, explore entrepreneurship, learn practical life skills, and become the kind of women who are equipped to positively and powerfully transform every space they enter.

Because before you build a future, you need a blueprint.
We can't wait to kick things off with our very first FREE Blueprint Community Event!

đź’™ Food
đź’™ Fun
đź’™ Games
đź’™ Prizes
đź’™ Connection
đź’™ Encouragement

đź“… Saturday, June 27
⏰ 11 AM – 2 PM
đź“Ť Living In Purpose Center
1650 Olive Road, Augusta, GA

If you have a daughter, granddaughter, niece, student, or young lady in your life between the ages of 13–19, we'd love to meet her.

The future is bright, and we're committed to helping build it one young woman at a time. đź’™

When school ends, summer begins. But for some children, summer doesn't mean one more vacation. It means one less meal.Li...
06/16/2026

When school ends, summer begins. But for some children, summer doesn't mean one more vacation. It means one less meal.

Living in Purpose serves a Title I community, meaning more than 75% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. During the school year, these children can count on meals at school. & when summer arrives, many families are left trying to figure out how to fill the gap.

That's why our Living in Purpose Freedom School matters.
Before a child can focus on reading, learning, and growing, that child has to eat.

This summer, our goal is simple:
Feed all 40 of our students!

For just $200, you can provide two healthy meals a day for one child for the entire summer.

100% of your gift goes directly toward feeding children in our community.

Because no child should have to choose between learning and hunger.

❤️ Your gift. Their future.

Give today at LivingInPurpose.org

06/16/2026

Huge thank you to the North Augusta Chamber Youth Leadership Academy for spending the day at The Purpose Center helping us get ready for Freedom Schools! 🙌

These students jumped right in, helping organize classrooms, move supplies, and prepare our space to welcome scholars on June 22.

We’re incredibly honored to serve as a Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® site this summer. Over the next six weeks, students will experience a literacy-rich program designed to build a love of reading, strengthen confidence, and help them discover their voices and potential.

Seeing young leaders serve their community while helping prepare the next generation of leaders is pretty special.

Thank you to the North Augusta Chamber and Youth Leadership Academy for partnering with us and investing in something bigger than all of us. We can’t wait to welcome our scholars and get started!

Living In Purpose Non Profit Children’s Defense Fund

At Living in Purpose, The kitchen is part of the mission.In 2024, 18.4% of U.S. households with children experienced foo...
06/15/2026

At Living in Purpose, The kitchen is part of the mission.

In 2024, 18.4% of U.S. households with children experienced food insecurity, according to the USDA Economic Research Service.

Food insecurity is not just about an empty plate. It can affect focus, health, stress, energy, and how ready a child is to learn.

That is why food support has to be practical and consistent.

Through meals, gardening, and culinary learning, young people can be nourished today while building habits and skills that support their future.

A stronger Purpose Center means more than a renovated kitchen. It means more room to feed, teach, gather, and grow.

Give Purpose. Build Belonging.

Visit the link in bio to support the Purpose Center campaign or learn how to get involved.

Living In Purpose is excited to partner with Freedom Schools to provide an unforgettable summer experience for students ...
06/12/2026

Living In Purpose is excited to partner with Freedom Schools to provide an unforgettable summer experience for students entering 3rd–8th grade!

This isn't just a summer program it's a place where students grow in literacy, leadership, confidence, and purpose while building friendships and having fun along the way.

Program Highlights:
Literacy Activities
Team Building
Leadership & Confidence Development
Mentorship from Caring Adults
Social-Emotional Learning
Recreation & Fun
Healthy Meals & Snacks
A Safe, Uplifting Environment

📅 June 15 – July 31
🕗 Monday – Thursday | 8 AM – 3 PM
đź“Ť Living In Purpose Center
1650 Olive Road, Augusta, GA

Space is Limited – Only 40 Students Will Be Accepted!

To Register, Text "FREEDOM" to 706-725-4902

Let's help our students grow, learn, lead, and discover their purpose this summer!

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Augusta, GA
30904

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