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Youth Enterprise (YE) is a Christian faith-based organization with a Core Purpose of equipping youth living in urban communities with relevant life and business skills grounded in the hope of Christ. Many of the students we work with have not been afforded the same privileges many of today's youth seem to take for granted. 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 and marketing 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, 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.

The Job:

Youth Enterprise is a screen printing operation employing 50 teenagers annually. We operate three printing shops, offer our own line of apparel called 1Word, and print any size custom order for apparel.

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, 1 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, 2 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 2008 with 93% of our operating budget covered by the sales of t-shirts and custom orders. For the rest we rely on funding from individual donations, church and foundation support.

1st through 3rd quarter sales of 2008 were great but in order to achieve a 93% coverage we had to reduce two program staff from full time to part time. Those two programs were the Academic and one of our t-shirt printing shops in South Minneapolis.

As we look forward with grateful and hopeful hearts to 2009 and the work we will do impacting and influencing the positive and solid direction of teenagers we say, "Thank You," to those of you who have supported us and will continue to support us this year. We are truly grateful for your business and your contributions. Thank you for your business and for telling others about us. We are truly grateful for this ministry and the lives it has already affected. This program works and you are a big part of its success. Please continue to spread the word about Youth Enterprise, what we do, and how we do it.

Volunteer Opportunities:

One night a week for 9 months as an academic tutor. Call Tara at 612-724-4249 for more information.

Donations:

Cash donations can be made through JustGive.org

"Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, and I am very pleased with him.
I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not fight or shout; he will not raise his voice in public.
He will not crush those who are weak, or quench the smallest hope, until he brings full justice with his final victory.
And his name will be the hope of all the world."