Huddled in the breakroom with his students, Addison Shockley said teaching at-risk kids professionalism and job skills is an unmet need in many areas of the country.
That’s why the Eudora man is proud to be part of one of the few businesses to change that.
Shockley started Ready for Good Co., a nonprofit furniture store in Lawrence, earlier this year to provide job experience for at-risk teenagers in the foster care system, the juvenile detention system and homeless youths.
The nonprofit, at 1410 N Third St., receives referrals from group homes and other agencies, accepting eight kids — ages 14-17 — per 12-week period.
While completing the 12-week program, the teenagers gain work experience while participating in life skills workshops that teach skills such as conflict resolution, professionalism and how to impress future employers.
The store is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m Sundays. The store sells a variety of furniture, including chairs, tables, stools, decor, lamps and rugs, that primarily comes from overstock companies.
Shockley said he was inspired to start this nonprofit after his years of work at O’Connell Youth Ranch, an agency that houses and assists at-risk children and their families.
He said at-risk youths are in need of stable job experience because of how much they move with their families, their lack of transportation, and their lack of professional and social skills.
“I try to create an environment where they can work but also build relationships in a place where they can have fun,” Shockley said. “When we’re laughing and having fun, we build trust with one another, and they will listen more when talking about job skills.”
Joe Randolph, who works full time at Ready for Good Co., aged out of the foster care system at 18. He said his personal experience helps him work and understand the kids better.
“The most rewarding thing about my job is seeing the confidence building inside them,” Randolph said. “I see them realize, ‘I’m capable of contributing to society and doing more than taking care of myself.’ I couldn’t be a part of something bigger than that.”
Shockley said the Lawrence community’s support means everything for the company’s growth. He said he often meets customers who are outspokenly supportive of his mission.
Megan Wilburn, a customer from Winchester, Kansas, said she travels to shop at Ready for Good Co. because of its mission.
“I’ve always been taught that we should all strive to be better people,” Wilburn said. “If you can help, you should. And that’s exactly what they’re doing here.”
Shockley said the company hopes to expand the life skills workshops to include topics such as gratitude, positivity and enthusiasm. They also hope to find future corporate partners in the community that kids can transfer to after graduating from the program.
Reach reporter Jenna Barackman at [email protected]
