Project Place operates three ongoing businesses that temporarily employ clients who complete the Work Ready and Industry Internship programs. Clients carry over their learning from the classroom and fieldwork from industry training to a real job setting for which they receive a regular paycheck. On completion of their three- to six-month employment, they will have gained a reputable work history and a meaningful work performance to list on their resumes for their next job search.
Each client is able to build a solid work history to launch their career off of. Supervisors write a recommendation for each worker, which is a valuable asset for seeking future employment. In addition, income generated from the Social Enterprises contributes to the Project Place budget, allowing the enterprises to be a partially self-sufficient set of programs. This ensures that, overall, they are more sustainable.
*To employ the services of, or partner with, one of our social enterprise programs click here.
Clean Corners…Bright Hopes
Clean Corners…Bright Hopes (CCBH) is a facilities maintenance and landscaping enterprise that provides beautification, exterior property and facility maintenance services to buildings and neighborhoods throughout the Boston area through fee-for-service contracts. Clients who participate in this program graduate with skills that transfer directly to a variety of industries, including custodial services, facilities maintenance, waste management, and landscaping.
These companies have engaged the services of Clean Corners:
Boston Redevelopment Associated, Boylston Street/Back Bay Neighborhood Association, Chinatown Neighborhood Association, City Year, Cristo Rey School,The Red Sox, New England Holocaust Memorial/Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Boston University/Kenmore Square, New Market Business District, Peter’s Park, Community Builders, Beacon Hill Neighborhood Association
LEAP
Expanding off of its predecessor, Project Pepsi, the Logistics Enterprise Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) is a social enterprise business that provides vending and delivery services throughout Greater Boston, while preparing individuals for a career in logistics – transportation, warehousing, construction, etc. On the job, clients are primarily hired as drivers and loaders while receiving supplemental training in specialized skills like technology and software relevant to logistics, customer service, and a working knowledge of monetary responsibility and accountability.
The following groups have relied on Project Pepsi staff to run their vending machines:
Aberdeen Group, ABM Service, Ben Franklin Institute of Technology, Cardinal Medeiros Program (Boston YMCA), Federal Management Group, Fresh Pond Apartments, Goodwill Industries, Hearth House, International Institute, John Hancock Insurance, John Hurley School, Joseph Smith Community Health Center, Mandela Apartments, Massachusetts National Guard (Cambridge), Miller’s River Apartments, Northgate Condos, Union Square Condos, Webster House
Working Opportunities for Women
WOW is a social enterprise at Project Place offering business services for producers of specialty products. WOW employs women to perform light assembly and production, packaging and labeling, order processing, order fulfillment, and sales and marketing to local businesses seeking to expand their operations. In return, women receive hands-on skill development and relevant industry experience. Historically participating less then their male counterparts, WOW is built to help homeless women, particularly mothers, learn to balance work and life obligations, secure their personal safety, and change their lives through work.
In conjunction with Working Opportunities for Women, Home Plate is a food preparation internship program where participants provide food and catering services for corporate and private clients. Additionally, Home Plate trainees prepare daily meals for clients and guests out of the Project Place commercial kitchen. Through preparing for a career in the food service industry, they also develop their customer service and money handling skills.
We are proud to have catered to these organizations:
Bay Cove Human Services, Ben Franklin Institute of Technology, Boston Private Industry Council, Boston Redevelopment Agency, Codman Square Health Center, Massachusetts Shelter & Housing Alliance, New Sector Alliance, Technical Assistance Collaborative, The Boston Foundation, The Community Builders, The Druker Co. Ltd., Urban Edge, Victory Programs