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Economic Opportunity Council of San Francisco
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 Economic Opportunity Council of San Francisco 1426 Fillmore Street, Suite 301 San Francisco, CA 94115 Phone: (415) 749-5600 FAX: (415) 749-3956 Internet: www.eocsf.org
Youth Learn Life Lessons for Success at the EOC's Summer Programs
San Francisco-Economic empowerment is the theme of the Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) this summer as demonstrated in three new programs designed to give young people ages 16-25 a leg up. The programs that emphasize mathematics, directs youth to engage emerging stem cell research and biotechnology, and the power of personal image, have been well received. This article will focus on the changes being made in young ladies as they embark on personal empowerment. "Dressing Up From the Inside/Out", is a personal development training that builds skills that will support young adults through a self-empowerment process that will assist them with seeking employment. The training emphasizes the importance of self-esteem, self-awareness, personal grooming, wardrobe planning, interpersonal communication skills and much more. The program was created and implemented by Kelly Armstrong, a 20-year image consultant and instructor. Fourteen young women are learning to advance themselves in life by examining and enhancing their lives "from the inside/out."
The students' classes are based in the executive offices of the Economic Opportunity Council, 1426 Fillmore. For some it is their first exposure to an office setting. "We want the young people to feel welcome here and to know this is just the beginning. They belong in executive suites and the best is yet to come," said Dennis Yee, Economic Opportunity Council Executive Director. Armstrong's class includes the girl's learning about Maslow's Hierarchy, strategies for developing self-awareness, developing self esteem by combating negative thinking, acting responsibly toward others, making a conscious decision to value self, strategies for stress reduction, overcoming procrastination, wardrobe planning, personal grooming, career development, managing time and achieving goals among other life changing and enhancing topics. One of the unique aspects of Armstrong's style is to include other accomplished role models. Sylvia Montgomery, Image and Etiquette Consultant of Castro
Some of the students share how they felt about the field trip: "While visiting the One Stop, I learned that when an opportunity is available to not just overlook it. Seek into it and see how far it can take you even if you're not interested in it. The more experience the better," said 16 year old Ayonna Currington. "I met people that have made something of nothing and those people were giving us information," said Patricia Edwards, 17 "I am interested in doing Mr. Lewis' and Mr. Green's program because computers really fascinated me, so I'm really thinking about joining their program," said Da' Jiana Mims,17 17 year old Cleopatra Stevens said of her experience, "I learned that anyone can really do whatever they want and that whenever openings come up for you even if you're not interested, take it. Also today, I was told how to dress-professionally, what's appropriate to wear for an interview."
From health, to work, to fun "Dressing Up From the Inside/Out," is helping change young lives. Filmmaker Kevin Epps, of "Straight Outta Hunters Point & Black Rock" fame, is documenting those changes. "We're pleased to have our youth work with people like John Templeton, Kelly Armstrong, Raymond Thompkins and others and have their work with our young people memorialized by a Bay Area talent like Kevin," said Darnisha Wright, EOC Deputy Director. "We're working hard at the EOC to give opportunity beyond our core programs of child development, energy assistance and those at the Potrero Hill Family Resource Center.
Click Image to see Filmmaker Kevin Epps' story of students visit with instructor John Templeton to the International Society for Stem Cell Research's Annual Meeting or click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVGn5J28N1I or paste in your url.
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