The Dignity Project opened its doors in 1998 with an Auto Academy designed to provide high school drop outs with a second chance. These teens not only learned automotive repair for future employment, but also provided free, reliable transportation to disadvantaged families in the area. In 2001, The Dignity Project began partnering with AmeriCorps to provide job training in the fields of automotive and computer repair, as well as after school coordination and capacity building. Now, the individuals working in our programs are not AmeriCorps members, but students and adults seeking to serve the community and add job experience to their educational training. Many of these volunteers and interns are from the University of Florida, Santa Fe Community College and local high schools.

 

 

During the nine years of the Auto Academy, we have given away more than 645 cars, mostly to qualified single-parent, low-income families in Alachua and Bradford Counties. These cars provide the parents a way to maintain or find a better job, go to school, and be able to take their children to activities and doctors’ appointments instead of trying to work around the public transportation schedule. The program is able to operate with donated vehicles from our community members. These vehicles are repaired for our giveaway program, salvaged, recycled or sold at low cost. Our vehicle sales benefit those who do not qualify for a giveaway, and the proceeds help us fund needed repairs. Our automotive mechanics are are both volunteers with extensive mechanical experience as well as students willing to learn a the trade.

 

 

Since its inception in 2003, the Computer Academy has given away more than 685 computer systems to local non-profits, individuals with disabilities, senior citizens and low-income families. The non-profits receiving our computers have allowed us to ‘bridge the digital divide’ for more people in our community and beyond. The volunteers in this program bring their talents in computer repair and instruction to the agency to assist our clients. They also take part in developing computer classes for the After School Program. Our newest computer service is to provide hands-on tutoring to adults in the area that want to learn to use a computer.

 

The After School and Summer Programs began as part of the Auto Club - a way for teens to stay focused on their schoolwork and learn auto repair.  The Dignity Project provides a safe haven for these teens, keeping them from being latchkey kids. We pick them up from school and take them home in the evenings. While at Dignity, the students follow a weekly schedule developed by the after school and administrative volunteers. Students participate in career development training, computer activities, tutoring, health/life skills training, and recreational activities. They will also participate in several community service projects this year. In the summer, students are at Dignity for the majority of the day and receive more extensive training in these areas.

 

Our newest program is an adult-to-adult mentoring program called Life Defined. This program is designed to provide adults struggling with poverty and/or self-sufficiency with mentors who will guide and encourage them in achieving their life goals. Mentors and mentees dedicate 3-4 hours per month for a year long relationship during which they will establish attainable goals and work toward completing them. The Dignity Project acts as a facilitator and provides any additional resources that will support the match, such as workshops on finances and parenting, resources on career and academic advancement, or contacts in the community to encourage networking. Life Defined is currently accepting applications for both mentors and mentees.

 

The Dignity Project is an integral part of in the strengthening our community. We have been and will continue to focus on bettering the lives of the economically disadvantaged people in our area. With the support of our community partners, donors and grantors, we will continue to carry out our mission of service to the community.