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As youth transition out of the foster care system, they often face major barriers to finding stable jobs and building independent lives. We connected with Addison Shockley, president and CEO at Ready for Good Co. in Lawrence, KS, to learn more about how his organization is empowering young people through job training, mentorship, and life skills support.

What’s your story? What inspired you to start Ready for Good?

My wife Lydia and I co-founded Ready for Good in late 2021 after years of working with at-risk youth in residential foster care settings. We had seen firsthand how many young people face immense challenges as they transition out of the foster system, and we felt called to create an organization that could offer not just job opportunities but also mentorship, life skills, and a sense of hope.

We felt called to create an organization that could offer not just job opportunities but also mentorship, life skills, and a sense of hope.

Ready for Good started from a belief that every young person deserves a chance to succeed, and our nonprofit furniture store—launched in April 2022—has become a space for empowerment, growth, and second chances. It’s more than just a store; it’s a training ground where youth can gain the confidence, experience, and skills they need to move forward in their lives.

What are some of the biggest barriers you’ve seen youth aging out of foster care face when trying to enter the workforce?

Many of the youth we work with face systemic challenges—gaps in education, lack of stable housing, and limited access to mentorship or family support. Developmental delays, emotional trauma, and self-doubt often compound these obstacles, making it difficult for them to envision a path forward.

There’s also a significant lack of opportunities for meaningful, hands-on work experience, which can make it hard for these young people to build the confidence and skills they need to thrive in a professional environment. Sometimes there’s an overwhelming sense of uncertainty about their future, and without guidance or a support system, it’s easy to fall into cycles of unemployment or instability.

How does Ready for Good help young people develop job skills and secure employment opportunities? Can you share any examples?

We provide a supportive, hands-on work environment where youth can learn practical skills like furniture assembly, repair, retail operations, and customer service. Beyond technical skills, we focus on soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

We’ve had youth who came to us with little work experience, but after completing our program, they’ve gone on to secure jobs with our employer partners or in other industries. For example, we recently helped a graduate of our program secure a job at a local coffee shop. They are now working part time, gaining valuable work experience, and enjoying the process! Success looks different for each youth, but our goal is that each youth takes a step forward in their job readiness journey.

Success looks different for each youth, but our goal is that each youth takes a step forward in their job readiness journey.

We have also recently developed an exciting partnership with LifeSkills Connection, through which qualifying participants can access up to 800 hours of paid employment, which significantly boosts their confidence and resumes. All of our graduates qualify for LifeSkills Connection, therefore this partnership helps us connect youth with additional resources, creating a more holistic support system.

Beyond job readiness training, what other types of support does your organization provide to help youth build stability and independence?

Our programs are designed to address the whole person. In addition to job training, we provide mentorship, emotional support, and a safe environment where youth can build connections with trusted adults.

We also work closely with partners to expand opportunities for older youth, and we’re always exploring new ways to help them achieve stability—whether that’s through vocational training in fields like barista skills or sewer scope inspection or by helping them develop life skills like budgeting and goal-setting.

For many of the young people we work with, building stability isn’t just about having a job. It’s about learning how to navigate life’s challenges, set personal goals, and establish a sense of independence. We aim to be a consistent source of support they can rely on during this crucial period of their lives.

For foster families and caregivers, what are some key things they should know when supporting a youth who is transitioning out of the foster system? In what ways can they get involved with Ready for Good?

It’s crucial for foster families and caregivers to recognize the emotional and practical challenges youth face as they transition out of care. Providing consistent support, encouraging self-reliance, and helping them build basic life skills can make a huge difference.

Caregivers can also play a vital role by encouraging youth to pursue opportunities that build their confidence and prepare them for the workforce. Simple steps like helping with resumes, practicing interview skills, or offering a listening ear can go a long way.

If caregivers are interested in getting involved with Ready for Good, they can refer youth to our program, volunteer alongside us, or help spread the word about our mission. We would love to have their support and collaboration as we work to create brighter futures for these young people.