AIM House Creates Vocational Component

AIM House forms a Partnership with Common Threads to Create Vocational Component to Program.

Common Threads is a cutting-edge consignment store in Boulder, Colorado created by Libby Alexander and AIM House Founder, Mae Martin Conroy. Common Threads provides training and mentoring opportunities for young adult participants of AIM House interested in gaining real-world work experience.

In addition to purchasing and selling gently used clothing, Common Threads also includes an open sewing area where customers can create custom T-shirts, embellish denim or sew their own creations utilizing contemporary, yet simple, Amy Butler patterns. Colorful bolts of modern fabrics line the sewing center. Common Threads is also proud to "run green" and give 5% of profits back to the Boulder community.

Mae had always hoped to open a business where young adults at AIM House can learn practical, vocational skills while participating in their program at AIM House. So far, participants have embraced the responsibility and are truly excited to be doing hands-on work and gaining essential customer service skills. One AIM House participant, Elizabeth, has been working at Common Threads for the past three months. Elizabeth states, "This job is really fun and I love the people I work with. I've learned to be dedicated to the work I'm doing and I really see how my role helps the store to be successful and run smoothly. It's just great to be able to look forward to going to work when I get up in the morning".

AIM House participants are offered the opportunity for a paid internship through Common Threads working with Libby Alexander and Victoria Olson, AIM House Internship and Vocational Coordinator. After completing four weeks of supervised shifts and a comprehensive training program, participants must then complete an application and interview for a more independent internship at the store completing tasks such as sales, pricing, inventory and creating t-shirts for retail. Jake, a participant at AIM House completed the internship process and now holds a regular shift at Common Threads. He states, "This is the first job I've ever had and it's been really helpful in learning basic skills like how to use a cash register and how to deal with customers. It's also been great because I know my supervisor through AIM House and am very comfortable with her. I'm sure it will be easier to get my next job now because I finally have some experience to put on my resume".

Through the Common Threads Internship Program, participants are able to earn money and gain life skills such as responsibility and accountability in a fun, safe environment while also learning from real life consequences if the internship expectations are not met. The Common Threads internship program has been exceptionally valuable for AIM House participants. AIM House participants and Boulder community have warmly embraced Common Threads. In fact, Common Threads was listed as "an essential" place to shop in New York Times style section of Sunday, April 30th paper entitled "25 Miles Surrounded by Reality". www.commonthreadsboulder.com

For more information visit us online at www.AIMhouse.com