DOVER, DE- Summer arrived early in downtown Dover as The Scoop on Loockerman reopened Thursday—serving sweet treats and second chances to local youth.
Founded in 2023 and powered by NeighborGood Partners, The Scoop is a youth-run ice cream shop that aims to support justice-involved and at-risk teens through job training, mentorship, and life skills.
Inspired by Café Momentum—a successful restaurant and training program for justice-involved youth in Dallas—Public Affairs Specialist Kimberlynn Reeves brought the idea to Dover, believing the community could benefit from meaningful opportunities for its youth.
"It's a social enterprise. We opened a business to address a social issue, and the issue in this instance being crime."
The Scoop on Loockerman is Delaware's only youth workforce development social enterprise, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the local community.
Reeves says it provides work-based learning designed to help young people build skills beyond the shop's doors.
"It provides the youth an opportunity to come in, get work-based learning opportunities that they can then transfer once they leave employment. It also provides an opportunity for individuals seeking a second chance."
Next door to the ice cream shop, The Service Hub, also powered by NeighborGood Partners, offers additional support and resources, ensuring young workers have the guidance they need to stay on track.
For Rona Harris, who works with Restoring Central Dover, The Scoop is more than just an ice cream shop—it's a beacon of hope for local youth.
"The kids around here really don't have too many positive things within the community. The Scoop brings a lot of positivity, gives them something to do and something to look forward to."
Harris believes the program offers young people a better path forward—an opportunity, she says, that is often missing in the Dover community.
"It gives them a way to be productive in society, showing them that crime is not the only way to get ahead."
The Scoop says all sales help fund job training and resources for local teens, helping local youth craft their own sweet success stories.