Celebrating 10 years of supporting homeless youth & our community through bikes, business & relationships
(Written by Guff Van Vooren)
In 2012, Full Cycle and SVP are picking up right where they left off on their 2011 “foundation building” initiatives. With a business plan, strategic plan, five-year vision, a new mission statement in their toolbox, and the 2011 Annual Report just about ready to roll off the presses, they are initiating a Growth Capital Campaign this year. As Matt Tennant said, “The 2011 SVP experience has allowed Full Cycle to build internally so we can grow externally.”
Most important are the homeless young peoples’ lives that are changed through their Full Cycle experience, further proof that SVP partners’ investment is both appreciated and shows a great return!
We share a few of their stories here.
When Jennifer came to Full Cycle she lived in various shelters for almost a year so that her mom, who had severe health problems and was unable to work, wouldn’t have the pressure of providing for her. She was determined to prove herself through her internship – she showed up early every day, asked lots of questions, and encouraged her fellow interns to show up and succeed.
Jennifer obtained an apartment and a steady job, including a promotion, and visits Full Cycle to give interns advice on how to graduate and move forward in positive directions.
For Jennifer, success meant working hard for a stable life and sharing her experience with others who may benefit from it.
A true dreamer with big personal goals, Jay had something to prove – and had the odds stacked against him. From a young age, Jay battled familial substance abuse and periodic homelessness, which made finding or maintaining employment nearly impossible. Yet he pushed himself to finish high school and got his first legitimate job from Full Cycle as an intern. Embracing the chance for independence and stability, Jay turned his intern stipend into new opportunities, enrolling in college and landing a second job in a peer outreach position.
For Jay, success meant receiving the tools and support he needed to reach his potential.
Daniel was too often cut off from what he needed. Having lived through a childhood in foster care, Daniel didn’t have stable shelter and relied on his bike to get around. When he came to Full Cycle, he recognized the value of building relationships, honing his networking skills, and using resources to help secure a safe home and save money. The experience of being a Full Cycle intern became what Daniel called ‘a catalyst for the rest of his life.’
For Daniel, success meant building a stable life through connection.
Since its inception in 2002, Full Cycle has had over 30,000 interactions with homeless youth. In 2011, Full Cycle served 3,393 youth on 7,478 contacts, through their four integrated programs: six-month paid internship, free bike appointments, Groveland Food for Youth, and street outreach. These four programs meet the needs of homeless young adults on a spectrum ranging from survival to independence.
To get involved in Full Cycle’s 2012 capacity building plans, please contact Lead Partners, Bob Boucher and Guff Van Vooren. And don’t forget to stop by the shop to donate a bike, buy a bike, and buy parts and accessories – spring is just around the corner!
