Who We Affect
The mission of So You Can is to aid in the development of self-reliance of individuals and communities.
So You Can and Vershawn House of London have collectively affected hundreds of youth in urban and disadvantaged areas in giving them an outlet for their creativity. Youth attending our after school programs have developed friendships among like -minded individuals who support positive results. Students who attend our programs become aware of a new Industry, a new opportunity and are given the skills to compete.
Creativity is often used as a preventative tool for At Risk youth. So You Can offers creativity as not only a tool but a solution to economic challenges facing this population.
The Examiner recently wrote:
“Learning a trade can be one of the most financially rewarding decisions you will ever make. A skilled trade can provide monetary security, plenty of freedom in your work environment, and a chance to work in a career that offers plenty of jobs and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The world of skilled trades covers many different types of jobs, the most well known are those that deal with building and utility repair, maintenance, and installation. “
So You Can believes sewing, alterations, show production and creation fall into the categories of skilled tradesman.
Our Competition –
There is virtually no other organization, nationally, that offers the programming and opportunities that So You Can offers its communities.
Small sewing/knitting organizations and programs exist nationally in addressing homelessness, prison re-entry and drug halfway houses. These programs are localized and narrow in scope. So You Can will work further with these program models to build upon and expand their specific focus nationally.