Organized Kaos: Building Futures, One Apprentice at a Time The Power of 100

Presented by 100 People Who Care Brant

This month’s focus: Organized Kaos

AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY GIVING CYCLE, MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL GIVING CIRCLE 100 PEOPLE WHO CARE BRANT ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE A CHARITY OR NON-PROFIT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE COLLECTIVE DONATIONS FROM OUR GROUP. IN THIS NEW MONTHLY COLUMN, WE WILL SHINE SOME LIGHT ON THE WORK AND COMMUNITY EVENTS OFFERED BY NOMINEES WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF OUR DONATIONS. MAY’S FOCUS IS ON ORGANIZED KAOS

In the heart of our community lies a beacon of hope and purpose for young people: Organized Kaos (OK). Founded in 2017 by Shawn Stuart, OK is not just a youth program; it’s a transformative journey that empowers youth through mentorship and hands-on trade experience.

Shawn Stuart’s vision for OK stemmed from his own upbringing, where he found solace and growth in the world of skilled trades With a team of dedicated trade mentors from local churches, Shawn set out to create a safe haven where young minds could thrive. What started as three weeks of summer programming with 24 students has blossomed into a full-fledged initiative, with over 80 youths participating in core mentorship programs.

At the core of OK’s mission is the belief that every young person deserves to be seen, valued, and equipped with the tools for success. Many of the youths who walk through OK’s doors come from backgrounds where parental involvement is lacking, academic struggles abound, and self-worth is questioned Through the Core Mentorship program, OK provides a lifeline for these youths, pairing them with skilled tradespeople who serve as mentors and guides.

The mentorship model at OK is simple yet profound: one tradesperson is assigned to work with two youths, allowing for meaningful relationships to blossom. Whether they’re turning wrenches or swinging hammers, these youths not only gain valuable trade skills but also experience firsthand the power of caring relationships They discover their intrinsic value and realize that they are capable of achieving great things

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