Dear Friends of YOTO,
It is with mixed emotions that Youth On Their Own announces the closing of the Home Store on May 12, 2018. In the last two and a half years, we have met the most wonderful and generous donors, shoppers, volunteers, and student interns. This unique store grew a mighty fan base under the loving management of store manager, Georgina Waller. Although we deeply appreciate this wonderful group of individuals, after a year of review, we have reached this difficult decision.
The closing of the Home Store is part of the first phase of accommodating the increasing number of youth YOTO is serving. Since 2010, the number of youth enrolled in our program has increased by more than 350 percent, and in the past five years alone, by 150 percent. Students deserve a welcoming place to access services, get out of the heat, and receive guidance from their program coordinators.
Primarily, the closing of the Home Store will provide much-needed space to the students we serve. YOTO will relocate the Mini Mall to the Home Store space, creating a larger and more welcoming area to “shop” for food, hygiene, school supplies, clothing, and other needs. The space will accommodate more students and expand the items we can offer, including small household appliances and furniture. Additional plans for expansion of areas serving students are also under consideration.
Since the opening of the Home Store in 2015, 36 students have participated in the Student Intern Program, receiving entry-level employment skills training. Inspired by our interns’ positive experiences at the Home Store, we are in the process of revamping the Student Intern Program to accommodate more students by offering varied internships with businesses throughout Pima County, and overcoming student transportation challenges. We will share information on the new program once the plan is completed.
We would like to extend our thanks to YOTO’s Board of Directors, who helped in evaluating the program, and most importantly, thank you for the amazing support you provide to the youth we serve.
Please stay tuned for new opportunities at YOTO. We will continue to seek donations to fill our Mini Mall and look forward to expanding the items we may accept.
With gratitude,
Nicola Hartmann, CFRE, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Youth On Their Own
1660 N. Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85712 (520) 620-9244
(520) 870-1482 cell www.yoto.org
Home Store Closing Schedule and Sales
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday
April 18 – 21, 30% off everything in the store
April 25 – 28, 40% off. This is the last week we will accept donation for the Home Store.
May 2 – 5, 50% off
May 9 – 12, 75% off
May 12th is the final day the Home Store will be open.
