New Staff = New Opportunities for Youth to Thrive!
In October we shared that the Youth Homes Auxiliary had gifted their Thrift Shop to Youth Homes, since then we have been busy taking ownership of the shop and making plans to use it to expand our workforce development program, Stepping Stones. While we are in the very initial phases of developing this expansion, we have taken two very concrete steps forward by hiring a Thrift Shop Manager, Stacy Overcamp, and Manger of Transition Age Youth (TAY) Support Services, Landon Miller. Please join us in welcoming them both to the Youth Homes team!
Meet Landon Miller:
I am honored to serve as Manager of TAY Support Services. I come to Youth Homes with a heart for our youth. I have always had a passion for youth ministry, mentoring, and tutoring. I graduated from the school of business at Alabama A & M University and did very well in that field but felt a pull for purpose concentrated on our young people. That is when I began teaching and directing classes/camps across the Bay Area ranging from entrepreneurship, leadership, computer science, public speaking, financial literacy, project management, social justice, urban planning, and cultural identity.
Youth Homes has given me a new challenge by focusing on a population that is often forgotten. Very similar to my past endeavors, this is a group that many choose to ignore for their own comforts, which in turn can create a community that feels silenced. This is what activates me. The amazing things our youth create with and without the proper tools is astonishing. I thrive on watching youth change their perspective, take advantage of new opportunities, and create and build themselves.
My plan is to create as many opportunities as possible to showcase that, acknowledge the tools they already have, and show them how to gain access to others. Navigation is key to cross the road to success. If you believe in what you are doing, why you are doing, and how you are doing, then it’s not hard work but Heart Work!
Meet Stacy Overcamp:
Hello Youth Homes community! I’m thrilled to be the new Thrift Shop Manager and welcome the opportunity to tell you a little about myself. I was in advertising and marketing for 20 years, high-end luxury retail for 17 years, and managed a nonprofit retail store for two years.
I am actively reaching out to contacts to obtain higher-end donations both in housewares and wearables. With help from the wonderful Thrift Shop volunteers, we have also changed the store around quite a bit to enhance the customer experience.
Coming on to the Youth Homes team as the new Thrift Shop manager was a no-brainer! Children and youth are our future and it is our responsibility to provide all young people with the opportunity to thrive so that they may grow into successful adults. While the success of the retail segment of the Thrift Shop is a primary concern of mine, expanding the shop to be used as part of Stepping Stones so that youth can gain experience and develop the skills needed to provide for themselves, is a wonderful opportunity for me to support a cause and mission I feel is so important! If you haven’t stopped by the store, please come visit us at 15 B Vivian Drive in Pleasant Hill, and if you have enjoyed your shopping with us, please give us a review on Yelp! See you soon!
