More Than Words

Track Sponsors: The Fund for Philanthropy & Education

Founded: 2004

Current Budget: $750,000

Need

In the United States, 5.4 million vulnerable youth face risks of long-term unemployment, homelessness, incarceration, addiction, being a victim of or involved in violent crime, or being dependent on the adult welfare system:

Over 60% of youth “aging out” of state custody do not have either a GED or high school diploma.

Less than 3% of youth in foster care obtain a college degree.

Three-fourths of youth aging out of foster care in Massachusetts are either unemployed or underemployed.

70% of 16–24 year olds in Massachusetts are unemployed; this statistic increases to 92% for low-income and minority youth. Those who are system-involved, homeless, or out of school face a myriad of barriers to gain the skills and experience critical for adulthood and self-sufficiency.

Preventing a high-risk young person from adopting a life of crime has been estimated to save society $2.6 – $5.3 million.

About

More Than Words (MTW) is a social enterprise that empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. By working as a team to manage their own retail and online used book business, café, and community space, youth develop the employment skills, leadership, and self-confidence they need to successfully transition to adulthood. In addition to store-based job training, youth are engaged in personal transition planning and case management to support their progress towards employment and education. The MTW model is premised on the belief that when at-risk youth are challenged with authentic and increasing responsibilities in a business setting, and have high expectations and a culture of support, they can and will address their personal barriers, create concrete action plans for their lives, and become thriving members of society. Through the success of its model, MTW is motivating communities to rethink how to engage vulnerable youth and reshape the way services are delivered to this population.

Key Accomplishments

Since its inception, MTW has served over 100 youth, over 70% of whom are still in contact and remain part of the MTW community.

Approximately 70% of youth in contact are engaged in full-time work and/or education.

90% of youth served have indicated they experienced improvements in employment skills "more than they ever thought possible."

MTW has garnered recognition and support from the State house and venture philanthropy groups and was recently selected as the "People's Choice Award" at the Social Enterprise Alliance Conference.

Join the Cause

In-Kind Support

Book-sourcing relationships

Truck or large van for book pickups

Warehouse or retail space for second MTW site

Financial Support

$25,000	Investment in expansion of MTW to second location
$7,000	Employment training for one youth for one year
$1,000	Education planning support for one youth