Recently I connected with an organization that collaborates with business owners to provide new business start-up incubation, corporate sponsorship development and vocational training environments for empowerment of at-risk youth and the urban poor. One of the organizers is someone I’ve known for quite a few years through other entrepreneurial endeavors on his part. He had also known my Dad for quite a long time, so he is someone I trust. I decided to go to a meeting to learn more about their organization and how I can help.
The objectives of the organization are:
- Transformation. Provide a dynamic and healthy environment for healing and restoration.
- Mentoring. Provide quality points of connection for mentoring to take place.
- Training. Provide vocational and life skills training to equip people to work.
- Employment. Create new jobs through small business start-ups and through our partnerships.
- Self-sustainability. Create profitable economic models that develop into self-sustainable businesses.
- Collaboration. Build meaningful partnerships with like-minded, Christ-centered businesses.
- Profitability. Our best chance to create jobs is if our businesses are winning.
Straightways, a 501c3 non-profit organization, creates independent, for-profit businesses to provide employment and on-the-job training for at-risk youth. Each business is committed to the core values of Straightways and donates 10% of profits back to the non-profit work to continue the cycle of creating jobs, training and mentoring opportunities and sharing the love of Jesus. Currently there are 3 companies that have begun and support the mission of Straightways (Rehab Building Company, Black Coffee, and Jordan’s Cafe).
Are you someone who wants to make a difference in the life of an at-risk youth or someone living in poverty? Will you partner with Straightways to make a difference? You may be asking how you can help. There are a few ways you can make an impact. The first way is to become a mentor and train someone through your business to give job skills and the potential for future employment. Allow a candidate to work in your business to learn what it takes to be a great employee and gain skills they might not otherwise learn. A second way is to support their fundraiser. Do you love the basketball? Would you like to attend a fundraiser at the Staples Center, play on the same court as the Lakers, and watch a game against the Hornets? Want to attend the comedy dinner at the Palm Restaurant? These are all options available through their packages. Details can be found on their website.
If you can make a difference, I encourage you to participate. I know the founders of Straightways will appreciate your support, and those who benefit from your generosity will appreciate that you want to help them make better lives for themselves.
