Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) are social enterprises that have a social mission to directly support vulnerable community members who are facing exclusion from the labour market. WISEs involve these individuals in producing and selling goods or services, most often in a paid capacity, with the objective of supporting their integration into the work environment and society. WISEs generally have one of two long-term goals: providing individuals with secure, stable employment within the organization or supporting transition to the labour market.
CCEDNet led one of several longitudinal studies across Canada to better understand the impacts of WISEs on vulnerable populations. CCEDNet’s research looked at Alleviating Homelessness (Research Overview), in partnership with:
Running from 2017 to 2022, this research project completed initial baseline surveys with research participants and a team of Community Researchers connected with enterprise and comparison group participants to complete annual followup surveys. Our Community Researchers all worked at enterprises and brought peer experiences to their role. We value the contribution of those who completed surveys and we provided gift cards as honorariums.
Below are some of the stories of these WISEs and others, and the lives they’ve transformed.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Work Integration Social Enterprise Program.
