Apprenticeship
Program
As Fashionkind grows, we are adding to our team and mission by providing apprenticeships to women in recovery, further enhancing work ethic and long-term employability. Our pilot program offers valuable experience and skill development in a safe, supportive environment where the bottom line is giving back.
Recipients of Our Program
Our first program participant is a 25-year-old native of San Diego residing in a sober living residence. To respect her privacy, we’ll call her Jill.
Jill completed a rehabilitation program and began working with us after being free of substances for over 100 days. Beginning in high school, she spent the better part of a decade in the grips of addiction, unable to attend college or acquire marketable skills. During this time in early recovery, she was focused on developing coping mechanisms for overcoming challenges and building relationships with others on the same path toward wellness. The next step on her path to self-sufficiency was finding work.
Our pilot program trained Jill in preparation for the workforce. In an environment where the goal is helping others, Jill earned money serving the charity’s mission while gaining valuable digital marketing skills in demand in the San Diego workforce. She assisted in areas such as web development, graphic design, and social media marketing. She gained managerial experience with the coordination of volunteer activities. She also played a major role in the strategic development of the charity’s message. This is especially important since Jill represents the very demographic Fashionkind aims to reach.
Fashionkind covered Jill’s salary and transportation to and from our headquarters three days a week for sixteen weeks. In the process she developed soft skills like punctuality, accountability, and responsibility. As a conscious company, we emphasize self-care including breaks for yoga, meditation, or sponsor check-ins. In addition to skills and experience, Jill left with increased self-esteem and confidence, an enhanced resume, and enough money earned to purchase a reliable vehicle.
Our model is based on the belief that uplifting women will put them in the best position to belong and contribute to the community. Every woman who overcomes crippling adversity serves as a model to many others. Jill was the first of many young women to benefit from our life-affirming program.
