IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
In 2013, the city of Riverside launched the Homeless Reduction and Prevention Strategy, its five-year plan to prevent homelessness and support the existing homeless population in the city. One non-profit organization, Path of Life Enterprises, is taking the mission very seriously. With numerous homeless outreach services including two emergency shelters that house individuals and families, the group serves over 1,800 people in crisis in Riverside.
An Employment Opportunity for the Homeless
Path of Life’s latest endeavor is a fully operational business, Angel Wings Bakery, which employs residents of the shelters who seek to build on their job skills. “What we really set out to do was use the enterprise as an on-the-job training vehicle through a paid apprentice program,” said Tracey Fitzsimmons, Path of Life spokesperson and CEO of Angel Wings Bakery.
To qualify applicants for the apprenticeship, bakery managers interview them and start them on a 30-day internship before they enter into paid employment. “For people that lack a good employment history, this is a chance to work under a Le Cordon Bleu trained pastry chef and learn the skills that are necessary to have a job,” Fitzsimmons said. “It’s more than job readiness; it’s a transitional opportunity for them.”
In addition to providing earned income and job placement for its employees, the bakery pours profits back into Path of Life homeless services. “100% of the profits go back to Path of Life, which is the largest homeless service provider in Riverside County,” she said.
The bakery specializes in cookies, cakes, pastries and other traditional bakery edibles. One of the most popular services is custom orders for cookies with a business logo on them. Event catering is also available.
Less Government, More Corporate Sponsors
Path of Life embodies a new model of homeless services, in that it has purposely set out to reduce dependencies that the typical nonprofit has on government funding. While the organization receives public funds now, its leadership has a goal to eradicate its need for government funding by a projected date. “In 2005, Path of Life was 92% government funded,” Fitzsimmons said. “In 2013, it was 63%. Our goal is to be at 15% or less by 2025.”
One way the goal is being achieved is through corporate sponsors. Angel Wings Bakery has sponsors that include family-friendly radio station KSGN and staffing agency Adecco USA. The organization is actively seeking more corporate sponsors now.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Another unique aspect of Path of Life is its dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty in the lives of the people it serves. “This is more than a model of shelters and food,” Fitzsimmons said. “It’s also coaching; everyone is assigned a service coach to help them break the cycle of poverty.” Donations to Path of Life can be made at www.ThePathOfLife.com. Angel Wings Bakery takes online orders, books catering events and offers corporate sponsorship information at www.AngelWingsBakery.com.
