Hezakiah Hedgecock was 18 and uneasy about making his way in the world after learning his girlfriend was expecting a baby.
But with some guidance as well as a few baby items from a Homewood-based nonprofit, he feels like he’s now on better footing.
At Sweet and Thrifty 2, Hedgecock received help obtaining a Social Security card and identification card, assistance with school enrollment and a bathtub and other items for his baby, who is now about 6 months old.
He also found a friend and mentor in Sweet and Thrifty founder Moneki Hall.
“She showed me how to be a father, a parent figure,” Hedgecock said. “She showed me how to do certain stuff instead of doing it the wrong way, so I’d stay out of trouble.
What’s more, she set an example.
“She was a positive role model to look up to” said Hedgecock, who lives in Calumet City with his girlfriend and baby.
Hezakiah Hedgecock, 18, of Calumet City, shows some of the items he received from the nonprofit Sweet and Thrifty 2 in Homewood, where he also learned job skills and received other assistance. (Moneki Hall)
The thrift store helps youths ages 16 to 21 get back on their feet, showing them how to help themselves through job training, obtaining a GED, finding housing, food or advice and giving them some perks like clothes or other items from the shop. Some are referred from the juvenile justice system and others from foster homes.
Hall started the organization in 2020 as Sweet and Thrifty with a main focus on job training. But she found people also needed help find housing, food and, in some cases, “an ear to listen to talk them out of a situation.” So the next incarnation, Sweet and Thrifty 2, became a nonprofit that can do more she said.
“It was a vision from God. He knew I wanted to help these kids,” said Hall, who lives in Homewood with three adopted children, 10, 16 and 17, who started out as fosters and who have been an inspiration for her efforts.
Hall wants to introduce Sweet and Thrifty 2 to the wider community during an open house and Q&A session from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 at her thrift store, 18667 Dixie Highway, Homewood. About 10 people came to a similar event at the store Sept. 17.
The thrift store allows Hall the funds to help youths and a place to show them how to work.
“I wanted something where I could work with them individually, where they’re at,” said Hall. “Sometimes they look like everything is normal and they have it all together, but they really don’t.”
So far, 11 of the 12 youths she has enrolled have made it through her program, emerging afterward feeling independent enough to go forward. She and her staff help a handful at a time.
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Training includes an evaluation of their goals and what skills and help they need. If a person wants to work in a fast-food restaurant, she makes sure they work on speed and safety, as well as customer service. They watch videos and talk about scenarios where they might need to make fast decisions about problems.
If someone needs help she can’t provide, like counseling, she refers them out.
She also went to school for cosmetology and offer haircuts for a low price, or for free if necessary.
“If you build the confidence of their appearance, you can build confidence,” Hall said.
It’s hard work but well worth it.
“The people, the happiness, me being able to give them a safe place even if it’s nothing but 2-3 hours,” she said. “I feel our youth need us because of the way the world is now.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
This content was originally published here.
