About Youth Enterprise
Youth Enterprise (YE) is a non-profit organization with a Core Purpose of equipping youth living in urban areas with relevant life and business skills grounded in the hope of Christ. YE aims to help give these youth a vision and hope for the future. Our goal is that all our youth know they can make a valuable and positive contribution to the work force, their families, schools, and communities both immediate and global.
The Youth Enterprise program begins by offering students a part time job creating, printing, marketing and selling screen printed t-shirts and other apparel. This day to day after school work environment provides an incredible channel through which students and staff can interact as they learn and teach about a variety of life and business skills such as goal setting, time management, sales, marketing, leadership, finances and team work. Our program structure creates a safe space for teens that allows time to build healthy peer and staff relationships with elements of accountability and fellowship. Teens also have the opportunity to discuss issues of faith while they experience the love and life of Jesus.
Donations:
Cash donations can be made through JustGive.org
The Job:
Youth Enterprise is a screen printing operation employing 50 teenagers annually who print and earn while they learn. We operate three printing shops, offer our own line of apparel called 1Word, and print any size custom order for apparel. Call 612-724-4249 or email us at info@yefonline.com for a quote or to place an order.
The Program:
On the job training, financial management, mentoring, personal development, independent living, leadership, community engagement, academics, faith, influence, empowerment and impact.
Life:
"We talk about real life [things] instead of just shirts and work. We bring up stuff that is really happening. Then we talk about what we need to be doing."
Darrell, YE Student Staff, 3 1/2 years
"It's a motivational job. It keeps [me] motivated [and provides] a good opportunity for me to connect with God."
Precious, former YE Student Staff, 1 year
"Works helps me be focused. I plan to go to college and just go as far as I can. I'll always remember this place. It's the first job I ever had."
Lewahn, YE Student Staff, 3 years
Financials:
100% of your purchase and your donation goes to support the Youth Enterprise program. Your business and support are significant factors to the longevity and sustainability of Youth Enterprise. We ended 2010 with 100% of our operating budget covered by the sales of 1Word t-shirts and additional custom orders. Thank you to those of you who continue to support Youth Enterprise by your t-shirt purchases and by your annual giving. Your support significantly impacts the lives of teens who participate in the Youth Enterprise program. Their lives are changed forever because of the experience that have with Youth Enterprise.
As we look foreward we look toward opening a fourth printing shop dedicated to young women living and/or attending high school in north Minneapolis. If you have the capacity to donate to this project please contact Patricia Kelley by phone: 612-396-3965, 612-724-4249, email PK@yefonline.com or by mail: 3530 E 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55406. You can also donate online by clicking on the JustGive link on this page.
Volunteer Opportunities:
One night a week for 9 months as an academic tutor. Call Patti at 612-396-3965 for more information.