Understanding Social Enterprises at Mission Possible

You might know that Mission Possible has two social enterprises, MP Maintenance and MP Neighbours, but what exactly is a social enterprise?

Social enterprises can look like your typical for-profit business, but what makes them unique is that they aim to use the revenue they make to achieve social, cultural, community economic, and/or environmental outcomes. In other words, they use their profit to enact positive change in their community. For social enterprises, not only is the work important, but equally so, their missions.

In addition to directing profit for good, social enterprises will often train and employ people who are typically excluded from the traditional workforce, creating opportunities for people to experience a renewed sense of dignity and purpose leading to a more sustainable livelihood. Sound familiar?

At Mission Possible, our two social enterprises support our Employment Readiness Program alongside our donors and supporters. Once an associate has joined the program, they become part of the Clean Team which does the majority of MP Maintenance’s Litter Pick-Up and Sharps Disposal work. Since the beginning of 2024, associates on the Clean Team have picked up over 21,500 needles, over 10,500 bags of garbage, and over a staggering 285,400 single use containers! While doing so, they have been developing routines and community as well as gaining confidence and momentum in a supportive work environment that will follow them into their next endeavor. 

For some associates, their next step will lead them to our second social enterprise, MP Neighbours, a community-based solution to outreach and safety. Once an associate has completed two months on the Clean Team, they’re welcome to apply for other jobs with MP Maintenance doing landscaping, graffiti removal, and more, or they can apply to become a Community Navigator with MP Neighbours providing support for Downtown Eastside residents and businesses. With two enterprises that offer different services, associates have an opportunity to learn more about what they want to do and expand their work experience on their resume. 

In addition to the work experience MP Maintenance and MP Neighbours provides, these social enterprises also help fund the Employment Readiness Program with any profits they generate. 

MP Maintenance and MP Neighbours are crucial to the success of the Employment Readiness Program, and we are grateful for all social enterprises that help make the world a better place. 

You can support our social enterprises today by donating to our Vehicle Fundraiser! We are raising funds to help us purchase our second electric pickup truck in order to meet the community demand for our Employment Readiness Program while making a positive impact on the environment as well.