Sidekicks

University of Cincinnati to 501(c)3

Sidekicks began as our senior thesis project in 2017 and soon evolved into a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our program enabled children experiencing homelessness to draw anything they wanted and could imagine, which we then transformed into a custom stuffed animal. Within one academic year, we expanded from a single idea into a scalable, manufacturable program that reached nearly 200 kids. I initially led design research and later took on the role of Development Director, overseeing fundraising and partnerships.

Check us out in the news!2017 article 2018 article

Photo courtesy Phil Heidenreich

Our mission

Sidekicks Made’s mission is to empower children experiencing trauma and toxic stress through creative expression, ownership, and individualized activities.

Photos courtesy Phil Heidenreich

Our values

comfort

Transitional objects like our stuffed creations can help lesson stress by helping kids develop relationships and lessen separation anxiety.

stability

Families experiencing homelessness move an average of 7-8 times per year. Sidekicks are a constant companion in kids' lives and help them transition from place to place.

expression

Imagining and creating something for yourself is an empowering process. We give kids experiencing homelessness control of the process and agency to make their own decisions.

unity

Homelessness is an isolating experience. Our Sidekicks’ Doodlies are easily recognizable and allow kids to relate to one another.

Top left and bottom middle © WCPO

How it works

Each kids draws using our custom templates then sits with us one-on-one to discuss their drawing and pick fabric. Volunteers sew the stuffed creations to the kids specifications.

Primary research

While conducting our secondary research, we created a list of Cincinnati organizations related to homelessness and/or poverty. We spent about a month conducting over 30 hours of interviews with 20+ individuals and organizations. We became interested in families and kids experiencing homelessness and reached out to more people in this space.

Research synthesis

Photo © WCPO

Transitional objects: Our understanding of transitional objects has come a long way from Linus and his blanket. Although kids cannot be forced to attach to one object over another, transitional objects are a beneficial piece of a child’s development beyond his/her ability to self soothe.

Photo © WCPO

Research synthesis: Interview data was coded to identify themes. We chose to focus on: comfort, education, stigma/loss of humanity, agency, and the value of play.

Key definitions

homelessness

“you do not have your own place
of living”

experiencing homelessness

Changing the language changes our perception to focus on the person and not the label
‍
Experiencing homelessness should be “rare, brief, and non-recurring”

stigma

Anything which degrades humanity and compromises the worth of an individual

causes of homelessness

Lack of affordable housing
Generational poverty
Low pay for trade jobs
Unplanned accidents & health problems
Unexpected job loss
Forclosures
Lack of skills such as financial planning or education

The cycle of homelessness

*Journal of Primary Prevention & Community Health

“Once you remove the specter of homeless from children experiencing homelessness, they become just that: children.”

Dr. James P. Canfield
Professor of Social Work, LSU
International expert on child homelessness

Key supporting research

art therapy

Drawing grounds people and calms down the central nervous system. All materials exist on a continuum of fluidity (watercolors) to concrete (clay).
Application: Give kids a choice between crayons & colored pencils.

toxic stress

Toxic stress occurs from prolonged, adverse experiences. It disrupts brain development and has lifelong physical and emotional effects.
Application: Transitional objects and sensorial elements can lower stress levels.

ownership

It is unlikely that children experiencing homelessness get the chance to dictate their own situation.
Application: We create whatever they can imagine, refusing to use the phrase “we can’t.”

value of play

Play is a valuable part of a child’s development, but it is compromised in shelter life and transient lifestyles.
Application: The stuffed creations must be small and portable while encouraging interaction and imagination.

Proof of concept

We tested our initial idea with four kids at UpSpring Summer 360. After explaining the drawing to us, we realized this student had drawn a character from an animated movie. The test became: is he expecting the real Creech from the movie or his drawing of the 11 legged creature Kihine (pronounced "Creech)?" He received exactly what he wanted.

Photo © WCPO

Simplifying the process for scalability

phase 1

Hand-dyeing fabrics
4 fabric options
8 colors
Kids draw anything
Custom faces

phase 2

Store bought fabric
1 fabric option
13 colors
Kids draw anything
Custom faces

phase 3

Store bought fabric
1 fabric option
13 colors
Stencils
1 eyeball each