The Lake Area Classic/Talent Show will be noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, in the Foreman Reynaud Community Center, 215 Albert St.

New Steps Reentry for Youth and Ubuntu Village NOLA are hosting the event. Connie Lewis, founder/director of New Steps, said the free event is a way for young people who are in bad situations to show their talents.

“They don’t have to be perfect,” she said. “We just want them to feel uplifted and benefit from the show.”

Lewis said some of the featured performances include dance, singing, poetry, gospel and secular rap.

Lewis said New Steps works with youth who have recently been released from prison and educates them so they can become productive. The goal, she said, is to lower recidivism rates in the area.

“We want to be someone in the community they can depend on for whatever situation they may be in,” Lewis said.

Lewis said New Steps has worked closely with Ubuntu Village NOLA, an organization also dedicated to helping young people move away from the prison system and violence, and into becoming leaders in their community.

There will be door prizes, face painting, food and resource tables that Lewis said will provide information for services that people in crisis situations can use.

For more information on the event, call Lewis at 438-1856.