This June, we ask you to join us in raising a metaphorical glass in honor of the Lanier family.

In 2018, Mr. Lanier and his wife, Teresa, founded Jubilee Youth Service and Leadership Academy (J.Y.S.L.A.). The non-profit is an affordable and high-quality mentorship and leadership program. Through J.Y.S.L.A., the Laniers hope to transform the lives of young boys along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

“We teach our cadets perseverance and how to solve problems and challenging circumstances,” Mr. Lanier said. “The results are them learning character, grit and a never-give-up attitude.”

Both Mr. and Mrs. Lanier are immensely qualified to run a youth non-profit, and are clearly committed to enriching the community. Mr. Lanier is a proud native of Mobile, Alabama. His extensive qualifications include Utah State University, the United States Army and a juvenile detention bootcamp instructor for the Boys & Girls Club. Mrs. Lanier’s background is just as impressive with 38 years of nursing experience, especially with the underprivileged population.

J.Y.S.L.A. provides a variety of experiences for young boys that they may not find anywhere else. For example, the Laniers and their volunteers host the Early Risers: Leadership & Ranger Outdoor Adventure Camp. The boys and their mentors visited the Hank Aaron Birthplace Museum in May 2021. There are still spots available for the tour of the Mobile Bay peninsula in July 2021!

If you would like to contribute to J.Y.S.L.A. and, by extension, give back to the Gulf Coast community, there are a variety of ways to do so! You can become a sponsor or make a one-time donation. If you would like to enroll your son in this unique program, visit www.jysla.org today.

Many call the Gulf Coast their home, including beach-lovers, artists, athletes, fishers, foodies and, of course, the mosquito. But who makes the Gulf Coast a home for this vibrant, multifaceted population? The realtor. Let’s all raise our glasses to Elaine Sessions, a Gulf Coast leader in both real estate and volunteerism.

Elaine has the honor to work with Roberts Brothers, the oldest local real estate company on the Gulf Coast, as leader of the Sessions Team. Founded in 1946, Roberts Brothers recently celebrated their 75th anniversary and continue to expand their business. Elaine herself has worked in real estate for 44 years.

“My job is to make a real estate transaction as stress-free as possible,” Elaine said. “I help people with their budget, match a home to their lifestyle and counsel families to help make wise decisions.”

However, even with that impressive resume, Elaine’s impact on the Gulf Coast expands beyond real estate. Elaine serves with several organizations, including the Mobile Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce. She works with McKemie Place as a board member. Elaine also serves as a board member of Pretty Feet, an organization that supplies shoes to children across the world. Elaine’s work with children includes serving as a Big Sister to a young girl for 7 years.

When asked what she plans to do in the future, Elaine said, “Continue working with the homeless, continue working with under-privileged children and continue to be active in my church, Dayspring Baptist Church.”

If you or someone you know needs real estate services, reach out to Elaine Sessions at Roberts Brothers.