Teaching theTrades
Empowering At-Risk Youth
Trading Up
The trades offer an opportunity for a brighter future—a well-paying job that makes self-sufficiency and well-being within reach. With generous funding from Google, Mobile Hope launched “Trading Up” to help youth from historically underrepresented groups learn job skills to prepare them for an independent, bright and sustainable future. Read the press release here.
Moving from homelessness to self-sufficiency can be a complex journey—Mobile Hope provides the opportunity for youth to take the first step in a supportive environment. As we work with our kids to ensure they are stably housed, fed and clothed, we ask about their dreams and passions. Their answers are often painful and sometimes surprising.
Many of our youth have lost hope for the future—we see it differently. We know each moment represents a new beginning…the start of a journey that can prove fruitful and fulfilling. Interrupting patterns and breaking cycles takes a collaborative effort—it takes resources and community.
Board members Rob Guerra and Sheila Heinze are pictured here with Trading Up student Laura Brooks. Laura was awarded a scholarship in May, 2022 from the Mobile Hope Scholarship Fund, a charitable trust established by Robert and Ruth Guerra to fund educational endeavors for Mobile Hope clients. Laura will be earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) certificate.
A Path Forward
Many of our youth work two jobs to make ends meet. They are looking for a path to learn job skills to prepare them for an independent, bright and sustainable future.
While enrolled in our trade school, our kids will stay engaged in learning as they are transitioning to adulthood. The program is designed specifically to serve homeless and at-risk youth with limited opportunities.
For many kids, teenage years represent a time of exploration—exposure to new experiences and ideas to spark interest and discover passions. Homeless and at-risk youth have sacrificed intellectual curiosity for survival—securing a place to sleep and their next meal consumes their focus and energy.
“Trading Up” provides the opportunity for youth to explore a variety of trades. Developing relationships and trust building are prioritized along with skill acquisition and mentorships. Students will learn and explore at their own pace.
Trading Up
The school connects students with opportunities to learn trades such as carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, welding, drywall, electrical and automotive.
In addition to vehicles, Vintage Airstream trailers will be gutted and renovated through the trade school, which will then serve as housing and shelter for our program participants. Skilled craftsman and content experts will work with program participants to restore the trailers and create modern, livable and sustainable living spaces.
Youth will learn multiple trades, invest "sweat equity", contribute to the community, and address the significant affordable housing shortage in our region. The program will be staffed by a combination of volunteers and paid employees.
Making it Happen
Funding
Funding Mobile Hope’s trade school will launch our initiative. We expect to serve 25 youth during the inaugural year, and look forward to increasing the number of students and certifications each year.
Mentors
In addition to developing hard skills, students will benefit from soft skill development. Mentor/mentee relationships can be transformative.
Tradesman
Skilled craftsman will teach the curriculum and work with each student in the program to develop marketable skills in drywall, auto mechanics, plumbing, welding and carpentry.
Car Donations
Cars and other vehicles will continue to be accepted for our youth to learn to repair. Once repaired, the vehicles will be provided to our crisis kids or sold to fund the trade school program.
Tools & Equipment
We will need donations of new and gently-used tools, tool boxes and supplies for each trade represented. We are looking to partner with businesses representing each trade.
Lift & Equipment
A vehicle lift will need to be purchased and installed in our three-bay garage. Other equipment will be needed to outfit the garage and enable the other trades.
FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY
