social enterprise: because work works
Our youth-led business makes us strong and sustainable, paying for almost half of our program. But the main reason is simple: Work Works.
why social enterprise?
Because too often our young people are treated for their problems rather than engaged as part of their own solution. In our work-based social enterprise, youth experience a real job and all that comes with it: a paycheck, a sense of mattering when a team relies on them, feedback and performance reviews, promotions and leadership.
performance & competencies
On every shift youth track attendance, rate themselves and their peers on professionalism and engagement, and reflect on core competencies designed to support their career trajectory.
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Youth Voice
Youth Voice
Youth Voice
Youth Voice
Youth Voice
Youth Voice
Youth Voice
Youth Voice
It’s our business. It’s our job. It’s putting the power in youths’ hands. Working boosted my confidence and made me feel like this isn’t just school or a camp.
- Tris, Graduate
our social enterprises
More Than Words started as the "book people" and we still are - but we are so much more. Our social enterprises are the vehicle for youth transformation and as we've grown we've innovated with new vehicles and new ways to connect with our community.
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Boston Globe Youth-Written Op-Ed
Youth gain retail, display, and customer service experience in stores in Boston and Waltham. They sell new and used books, pre-loved clothing, vinyl records, and a curated selection of products from other social enterprises.
Boston Globe Youth-Written Op-Ed
Youth gain retail, display, and customer service experience in stores in Boston and Waltham. They sell new and used books, pre-loved clothing, vinyl records, and a curated selection of products from other social enterprises.
Boston Globe Youth-Written Op-Ed
Youth gain retail, display, and customer service experience in stores in Boston and Waltham. They sell new and used books, pre-loved clothing, vinyl records, and a curated selection of products from other social enterprises.
Boston Globe Youth-Written Op-Ed
Youth gain retail, display, and customer service experience in stores in Boston and Waltham. They sell new and used books, pre-loved clothing, vinyl records, and a curated selection of products from other social enterprises.
Boston Globe Youth-Written Op-Ed
Youth gain retail, display, and customer service experience in stores in Boston and Waltham. They sell new and used books, pre-loved clothing, vinyl records, and a curated selection of products from other social enterprises.
Boston Globe Youth-Written Op-Ed
Youth gain retail, display, and customer service experience in stores in Boston and Waltham. They sell new and used books, pre-loved clothing, vinyl records, and a curated selection of products from other social enterprises.
During every shift we have lots of opportunities to step up and do more than what’s expected. That can be arriving early or staying late to support the shift to reach its goals. It can be helping out others on shift if you finish your tasks early. We work on leadership with things like tours, volunteer groups, and speaking at events. But leadership is also doing the little things like noticing we’re out of shipping labels and replacing them without being asked.”
– Nick, Graduate