Empowering Lives

Social Imprints is a one of a kind social enterprise.

It is well known that recidivism rates among ex-offenders and relapse rates among drug addicts is very high. Programs to reintegrate these individuals into society are generally unsuccessful; in large measure due to the lack of support provided upon their release. Simply providing a low paying job to individuals with long histories of self destructive behavior and expecting them to “swim” on their own is not enough.

After many years of experience working with at risk adults including ex-offenders and recovering drug addicts, the founders of Social Imprints have come to believe that only a comprehensive program of support will ensure the success of these individuals. Social imprints has developed a program for our team members to provide support and development in both the work environment and their outside lives.

We are one of the few companies in the country that offers higher paying professional jobs to at risk adults. In addition to the higher wages, the company provides our team members with the comprehensive support services (counseling, housing, legal, and education support) necessary for successful reintegration into society and for preventing relapse.

Furthermore, after years of feeling powerless over their lives, team members are made to feel as though they are vital to the success of the company. As such each team member is given an ownership stake in the company. They are involved in virtually all major organizational decisions, and expected to offer regular feedback on how to strengthen the social mission and improve the bottom line.

Social Imprint’s empowerment model is based on the innovative business management initiatives of Ricardo Semler, CEO of Semco Industries in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Under Semler’s leadership, Semco has grown to 3000+ employees and increased revenue from $4M US in 1982 to $500M in 2007. Semler credits his unique management model as a major factor in Semco’s success. Social Imprints’s empowerment model is expected to evolve over time, with experience and employee input.