Businesses Operating As Social Enterprises For Workers With Employment Barriers Linked To Greater Economic Self-Sufficiency

Adults with employment barriers who worked at seven California businesses structured as “social enterprises” to provide supported employment and work experience had greater economic self-sufficiency in the year after beginning their job. Social enterprises are mission-driven businesses launched by non-profit social service provider organizations to hire and help people who are able and willing to work, but who have employment challenges such as mental health disorders, homelessness, prior incarceration, or lack of work experience. Social enterprises provide on-the-job training in soft and hard skills needed to maintain employment, counseling, and life-stability supports such as . . .