Social Enterprise Model Helps People Transition from Prison

SEATTLE, Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Unique for a nonprofit, Pioneer Human Services is a social enterprise that operates a diverse line of businesses to provide on-the-job training and work experience for people overcoming the challenges of criminal histories and substance abuse in Washington State, in addition to providing treatment and housing services.

Pioneer Industries, the manufacturing enterprise of Pioneer Human Services, has diversified and steadily grown its revenues by more than 60 percent in the commercial and aerospace divisions since 2011, with over 70 percent of the workforce having criminal histories. Pioneer has continued to expand its capabilities by adding machinery that enables full production of titanium sheet metal parts, and 4-axis CNC mills to allow for more growth in its machining operations. The generated revenue from the enterprise helps fund Pioneer's social mission.

Recently, Pioneer Industries received a 2013 Boeing Performance Excellence Award for maintaining quality and on-time delivery for 12 consecutive months. In addition, Pioneer's workforce development division was awarded a $1.17 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand its training program and build a mentorship program. Pioneer offers a range of training opportunities to help people overcome employment barriers and teach them the skills they need to find and retain jobs.

Karen Lee, CEO of Pioneer Human Services stated, "At Pioneer, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance and we know a job can make the difference between going back to prison and becoming a contributing member of society. Through our training programs, students gain the certifications and knowledge they need to navigate the job market and climb the ladder to success."

About Pioneer Human Services
Pioneer started as a single halfway house in Seattle in 1963 with a vision of providing a chance for change to people leaving prison, and today we serve over 10,000 people a year in approximately 60 diverse treatment, housing and employment programs across Washington State. Additionally, Pioneer offers employment readiness training and occupational training programs in manufacturing, food services and light construction. Watch how Pioneer changes lives in this commemorative short film: https://vimeo.com/75617135. Visit our website at www.pioneerhumanservices.org.

SOURCE Pioneer Human Services