About L.U.M.I.
Leading Urban Minds Intentionally.
Youth Wellness & Development
L.U.M.I. is the youth wellness and development branch of Roots of Healing Wellness—a New Orleans community creating meaningful experiences that help young people ages 6–16 grow well, live fully, and discover what's possible.
Why L.U.M.I. exists
L.U.M.I. was created from a simple observation: our children are spending more and more of childhood behind screens. But growing up well requires experiences that can't be downloaded—experiences that help young people develop into healthy, confident, connected, curious, and well-rounded individuals.
We're not simply keeping young people occupied. We're intentionally creating experiences that shape how they grow, how they see themselves, and how they experience the world.
What we help young people build
L.U.M.I. takes an expansive view of youth wellness—supporting the whole young person, not just one part of them.
How L.U.M.I. Began
"I created L.U.M.I. after watching something I think a lot of parents have noticed."
Our children are connected to everything online, but sometimes disconnected from what's right in front of them. I wanted more for my own children—and for other young people in our community.
More friendships. More experiences. More curiosity. More culture. More memories. More opportunities to discover who they are away from a screen.
That's where L.U.M.I. began.
— Lakischa Smith
Founder, Roots of Healing Wellness
What we believe
Wellness isn't the absence of struggle—it's the presence of a full life.
Confidence, curiosity and connection grow through experience.
Culture is something you live, not just learn about.
Joy, play and movement are part of growing well.
Our elders carry wisdom that deserves somewhere to go.
Every young person deserves a place to belong and become.
Our New Orleans Roots
New Orleans is a classroom.
Our children live in one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. Cultural identity and belonging are core to wellness. Through neighborhoods, music, food, art, storytelling and the people who carry our city's stories, L.U.M.I. helps young people understand where they live and the culture they're part of. New Orleans shouldn't only be somewhere they live—it should be somewhere they know.
What We Carry With Us
The L.U.M.I. Youth Pledge
I lead with intention. I show up for my community. I honor where I come from. I create, I explore, I try. I lift others as I grow. I carry culture, curiosity and care wherever I go. I am part of something bigger than myself.
This pledge is part of L.U.M.I.'s cultural identity—a reminder of what we carry with us into every experience.
Part of Roots of Healing Wellness
L.U.M.I. is the youth wellness and development branch of Roots of Healing Wellness, a New Orleans-based community built around connection, culture, wellness and a life well-lived. For adults, that means more life. For young people, it means growing well, living fully, and discovering what's possible.
ROHW
More Life.
L.U.M.I.
Grow Well.
Ready to help them grow well?
Healthy minds. Meaningful experiences. Limitless possibilities. It starts with Roots.
Join the Roots Community