How our non-profit practices social entrepreneurship
Without a job, it is almost impossible to change the downward trajectory of a life.
The Lita Project® has been established as a non-profit corporation that practices social entrepreneurship. As a result, the company “relies less heavily on donor funds because it creates social programs that are meant to be self-sustaining. A social enterprise is thus, first and foremost a business.” – Shrey Goyal, Social Entrepreneur
Through all the ups and downs of my life, one of the most basic and essential things that kept me going was a job. I always had a job. Some better than others for sure, but all allowing me to pay my bills and keep a roof over my head. I was able to make life decisions from a place of stability. I maintained my independence and could keep my head up despite the circumstances around me.
My first job was with a retail clothing shop when I was 16-years-old. It wasn’t long before the owner’s son surprised me in a dressing room that I was straightening. It was a shocking experience for which I was completely unprepared. The next day, shaking, scared and embarrassed, I reported the incident to his father. His response was to shame me. Needless to say, by the end of the day, I had my walking papers.
That was my first experience of sexual assault in the workplace. But it was not to be my last.
Creating a safe employment re-entry point
THE LITA PROJECT® was created to provide job-readiness, training and SAFE employment to at-risk women – AND men. It exists to offer a point of re-entry into the work force in preparation for stepping into the general workplace. Employees will hold positions in the production, marketing, advertising, promoting and distribution of “Lita’s Frozen Sauces™”. Additionally, team members will rotate in areas that include management, operations, quality control and maintenance.
As a social entrepreneurship, while a great deal of our funding will come from benefactors and donors, we are excited for the sales of our sauces to help sustain our bottom line.
More about the sauces next week!
Praying you blessings for the journey,
Yvonne (aka, Lita)
