What is a “social enterprise”
model and could it be used to help provide
job training and employment for
other special populations
(refugees, ex-offenders, seniors, single
mothers, veterans, etc.)?
The Social Enterprise Model is simply the recognition of a
social problem and using entrepreneurial principles to organize, create and
manage a business venture to make social change.
The Social Enterprise Model is all inclusive, holistic and
flexible in its practice and implementation.
Doesn’t that sound like you and
how you do ministry at your church? The model combines the components of
job readiness training, emotional preparedness and personal strategic planning
with the introduction to an actual marketable skill set.
Our Story
St. Michael’s formed REAP
(Richmond Entrepreneur’s Assistance Program), as a 501(c)3 entity, with the
goal of providing job training and meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities. We
launched Heart to Heart Gift Baskets
& Packaging in October 2011. We
are planning to launch New 2 U Sports
in March 2012.
Our inaugural season of Heart
to Heart was filled with God’s blessings.
Through our partnership with The Choice Group, the Skills Development
Center
In January, we hired everyone who was seeking
employment. They are currently working
part-time, waiting for us to grow Heart to Heart to a year-round business so we
can increase their hours and provide training for another group of
interns.
Project Give for Our Military and Their Families.
Our staff made Valentine’s Day baskets for 150 veterans at
the VA Hospital. They are currently
working on keepsake jars of red, white and blue candy as a gift for Memorial
Day. As funding is secured, we will
reach our goal of providing gifts for veterans at the VA Hospital and families
at the Fisher House, 4 to 6 times a year.
This helps our staff by providing consistent work, it showcases
them making a contribution and being a source of encouragement to another group
of people that need and appreciate our support.
Beautiful, isn’t it?
Why do we do what we do in ministry?
We would probably all say something like…because God shows
us a need, puts a person or people on our hearts, calls us to pray and listen
and then He shows us His way. And in His
time, He sends His people to help us…and miracles happen.
That has been my journey with REAP/Heart to Heart/New 2 U Sports.
Praise God and thank you for your past, present and future prayers and
practical support.
Church Partnerships
I believe that we are already in “partnership” with each;
always willing to work together on events, ministry activity and certainly when
it comes to helping people in financial need.
Perhaps because I am “grant focused” for REAP and other
ministries, I think there is value in being more intentional with partnerships.
“Partnership” can be as simple as putting announcements in your bulletin or a
link on your website to hosting a gift basket sale or a used sports equipment
drive to serving on the Board or somewhere in between.
My questions…do you have a ministry that serves individuals
with disabilities? Do you work with
another population to help with job training and employment? Would you like to explore the possibility of
working together?
We would be delighted to have you join the journey with
REAP/Heart to Heart/New 2 U Sports.
We’d be equally delighted to share any knowledge and
expertise we have to help you develop whatever ministry God is calling you to
at this time.
Karen Hannon
Founder, REAP (www.reapva.org)
Coordinator of Human Concerns, St.
Michael Catholic Church
527-1037 x 29
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