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What is a social enterprise?

A social enterprise is an organization pursuing both social and financial goals. At JustWork, we understand social enterprise as a tool to provide employment for individuals unable to find work in the traditional workforce. Therefore, the social goal of providing employment is the end we seek while business activity is the means we have chosen to pursue that end.

Why social enterprise?

JustWork seeks to develop and support social enterprises because many individuals need something more than is offered by typical employment programs. We believe social enterprises offer that “something more” as they:

  • Allow individuals who are often deep in poverty to generate income without resorting to the informal economy (e.g. binning, panhandling, etc.)

  • Support the development of perspectives, life skills, and positive relationships in a work setting

  • Foster hope for new ways of living and being

For more information on social enterprise development, go to our Resources page.

JustWork History
Vision, Mission & Values

A JUST STORY

Dohpay had been looking for work as a nanny but was finding it difficult to make the necessary connections to parents in need of help. As English is her third language, this presented a significant barrier to work. However, her experience with JustGarden provided her with a strong reference to a local family looking for a nanny. In August 2006, she began caring for the children of a physician and a full-time graduate student. Her new employers could not be happier with her work. They interviewed many people for the position and Dohpay emerged as the
strongest candidate.

Because of her success, her new employers have now hired JustGarden for work in their garden.