Social Enterprise

Before coming to the Fairfield County Emergency Shelter, John was sleeping in a tent. Then he was hired by Fairhaven Lawn Care, LSS’ first social enterprise endeavor that gives residents from the Fairfield County Emergency Shelter and Fairhaven Place the opportunity to regain independence, earn a steady paycheck and learn new skill sets by holding sustained employment.

Since then, John has credited the program with getting his life back on track.

“I felt that it was never going to get better. Without this job, I would probably still be somewhere earning minimum wage and unable to pay for a place to live. I see where I’ve come from, and makes me want to work harder and be a better person."

LSS Social Enterprise

Social Enterprise

In the summer of 2008, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio (LSS) launched a social enterprise initiative. In its simplest form, a social enterprise is a business that is created to support or enhance an organization’s mission.

As an extension of our mission of “creating a better world by serving those in need,” we intend to create meaningful work experiences for residents of our homeless shelters. Our vision is to build an employment model that equips shelter residents with the necessary skill sets to live a more independent and satisfying life.

Fairhaven Lawn Care, our first social enterprise venture, is based out of the LSS of Southern Ohio office and employs clients of our Fairfield County Emergency Shelter and Fairhaven Place supportive housing program. Fairhaven Lawn Care provides a full spectrum of commercial lawn care services throughout southern and central Ohio.

Freshbox Catering, our second effort, is a boxed-lunch company where patrons enjoy a sandwich, chips, apple, pickle spear and chocolate-covered Oreo and contribute to social change. When you purchase a boxed lunch, you are supporting Faith Mission, as 100 percent of the proceeds support the shelter’s work-training program. Through the program, clients will gain assistance in a number of employment fields, including interview preparation, fiscal literacy, computer skills, and customer service and argument mediation. For more information or to place an order, visit www.freshboxcatering.com.

For more information, contact:

Fairhaven Lawn Care

740-701-5287

Call today for a free estimate.

Freshbox Catering

info@lssco.org

Or click here to request more information.