WCIG has taken up a unique opportunity to participate in the development of the Social Firm model in Australia. Working with Social Ventures Australia, in 2004 WCIG supported Caroline Crosse and David Young in the establishment of Social Firms Australia (SoFA).
The social firm model originated in Italy in the 1960s and is now widespread throughout Europe. A social firm is a not-for-profit business enterprise whose purpose is to create accessible employment for people with a disability. Any modifications required for the employee in need of support are built into the design of the workplace.
A social firm has a supportive work environment that:
WCIG established its first social firm ‘Cleanable’, a commercial cleaning service, in 2005. Cleanable now employs fifteen people.
This business cleans a variety of establishments, including medium to large-scale offices and commercial sites.
WCIG provides continual supervision, assistance and training to CleanABLE’s employees.
project 174 is a design business specialising in glass and marble mosaic murals.
Working directly with clients, architects and interior designers, their creations adorn floors, walls, swimming pools and sculptures.
Staff members are part of a creative team working toward the satisfaction of completing a tangible product they can be proud of.
Social Firms
Social Ventures Australia
Cleanable
Project 174
Also see how WCIG helps people with a mental illness
Register now if you're interested in working for one of these or another social firms