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New eco-friendly clothing skills taught:
We have added a new aspect to our program. With it being so crucial to protect our environment, we are teaching eco-friendly clothing making. So, not only do we teach them "if you are poor, you don't have to look poor" by using resale clothing -- but, we can now teach them how to take this clothing and upgrade them to the newest trend learning critical skills at the same time.
Trainers/mentors will teach teens how to:
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Write titles and descriptions
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Value and price donated items
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Design all aspects of the online advertisement
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Digitally photograph items
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use of camera
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item display
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upload to computer
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insert to posting
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Shipping
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rates
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exchanges
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email correspondence
Participating teens will:
On-line Ecommerce Project:
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Carry out all phases of the sales process.
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Learn basic digital photography software and application.
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Develop communication skills (online bidding, email, and shipping).
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Develop accounting and finance skills (applicable to both business and life skills).
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Learn self-reliance and trust while working independently and as part of a team
Mentoring Program:
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Mentors provide each teen with guidance, life skills instruction, and one-on-one role modeling.
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Teens work toward building trust and developing interpersonal skills
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Teens work with mentors on home economic, crafting, personal finance, and cultural literacy projects.
Participating teens are provided with:
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Access to a clean, safe, homelike center.
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Carefully selected quality clothes for job interviews or other life events.
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Basic home and health necessities.
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Letters of reference (when appropriate).
Though each teen will learn differently, the average time for full competency is one month. Following the initial training period, teens will have the opportunity to independently practice their new skills (all teens will be program literate upon graduation). Once the teens have successfully completed the program, mentors can help them prepare a resume and identify job opportunities.
Currently, Hope Dolls has trained over 50 youth from the local community, various high schools and metro area colleges. A fully equipped and funded on-line ecommerce computer program can train between 15-20 youth per month.
Staffing Requirements:
In addition to Lea Lakeside-Scott, Hope Dolls currently employs several On-line Ecommerce Computer Technology and Mentoring program graduates (rotation). These youth have mastered the skill set required for on-line ecommerce sales and auctions, and are available to mentored new participants.
* Hope Dolls requires one full time supervisor to oversee the trainers, volunteers, mentors, and teen participants.
Evaluation:
Hope Dolls has successfully trained more than 50 youth for on-line ecommerce auction and sales positions. Their proficiency is measured in completed daily quotas and successful online transactions. Mentor/trainers determine the youth level of mastery, then provide them with onsite experiential learning opportunities. Youth learn and practice with a team of dedicated staff, volunteers and peers.
In addition, the personal nature of the mentoring portion of the on-line ecommerce program provides opportunities for qualitative and quantitative evaluation processes. Indicators of success can be monitored by working with referring agencies, families, and the community.
Some of those indicators are:
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Positive responses in treatment programs
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Positive attitude changes noted by the primary caregiver
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Positive responses to community service projects
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Positive changes in how they view themselves and their community
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A expressed interest to continue our mentoring program
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A noted ability to show empathy toward children and families in need
By working in conjunction with other agencies to evaluate these indicators, we can ensure success in our efforts while strengthening the efforts of our community partners.
Funding:
Proceeds from Hope Doll’s resale store and on-line ecommerce sales contribute to sustaining current youth programs. Several grantors have supported Hope Dolls since 2001 including (but not limited to): Lake Oswego Junior Women’s Club, Juan Young Trust, Hoover Family Foundation, Autzen, and the Hillman Foundation.
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