More Than Words

More Than Words (formerly Teen LEEP) empowers youth with entrepreneurial jobs helping to manage a bookselling business. In addition to spending time in a productive work environment and earning much needed money, the youth have a supportive opportunity to develop the necessary technology, social and professional skills and behaviors critical for success in the world of work. Youth residing in group homes and Independent Living Programs are employed anywhere between 4-25 hours per week to help operate the business and also to participate in skill building workshops. The employment experience is structured to provide clear and consistent expectations for the youth to learn what is required in a professional job, and supervisors provide ample feedback and guidance for youth to learn to self-evaluate their performance. Additionally, as youth are ready, they are given increasing responsibility for managing various facets of the business ranging from interviewing and training new employees, supervising shifts, managing projects and developing peer training workshops. Teen LEEP launch an online bookselling pilot venture in the summer of 2004. This served as a vehicle for youth preparing to age out of the foster care system to spend time in a productive work environment and earn much need money, while developing the necessary technology, social and professional skills critical for success in the world of work. In June 2005, Teen LEEP experienced exciting growth by moving the online bookselling venture to a storefront operation called More Than Words bookstore, which also doubles a youth art gallery and space for spoken word and community events. The youth continue to run the online business and also manage the retail component, which provides critical opportunities to hone customer service and communication skills. The store offers youth increased opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and leadership development.