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OIM's Youth Programs - Part 2

Updated: Jul 18

Last week Jordan wrote about a couple of components of OIM's Innercity Arts program.

Recognizing that many of the youth in the program were lacking certain skills needed to escape from their troubled lives, a few years ago we added Step-Up (formerly called Workskills).


In the Step-up program, we teach basic soft skills required in any workplace environment. Many of the applicants in the program have had no role model from whom to learn how to communicate, to dress, about hygiene, about integrity and reliability. By performing basic tasks in an office environment with an instructor, teaching begins. Each applicant has a different starting point depending on the severity of their issue. Together with the Youth Program Coordinator, we try to help each applicant not only overcome their personal battles, but also to become a potential valuable employee and gain some successes in their lives. The challenge when working with them is to discover the best encouragement method for each individual that will work to grow their self-esteem and help them overcome their anxiety. It is a real joy to see their progress. Some may take longer than others, but the end goal is that all of them will become stronger men and women in our society and become better equipped to take care of themselves.


A few months ago, we launched a Cooking and Baking pilot for these Youth to further help them develop daily living life skills. The goal of this program is to provide the youth with basic cooking and baking skills that are essential for independent living. There is a therapeutic component as well, i.e. to help ease anxiety, improve concentration and give them some sense of structure. Most important, a successful cooking or baking experience affirms them, and encourages them.


As they cook for themselves, they also get the opportunity to show off their skills to their peers in the Art group. Not only does this build confidence in themselves, it also gives them a sense of purpose. And more, as they share with their peers, their successes encourage others to take up the challenge of self-sufficiency. We are hopeful this pilot will be able to evolve into a full-fledged program offering!


~ Ellen Niekoop, Administrator




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