In 2007, Southwest Key Programs implemented a new model to help diversify its sources of revenue, generate a sustainable future for the organization and create jobs. Southwest Key Programs formed Southwest Key Enterprises, Inc., a for-profit holding company with a portfolio of several small businesses, including:
Social enterprise has become a hot topic around the nonprofit water cooler these days. The recession illuminated the need for nonprofits to look to private sector approaches to support their programs and help take them to scale. Southwest Key has businesses at all different stages of development which meet a double bottom-line: sustaining the companies to support the nonprofit, while lifting families out of poverty. Creating jobs strengthens families, which enables Southwest Key Programs to fulfill its mission: Opening doors to opportunity so young people can achieve their dreams!
Our Impact
- 100 permanent jobs created by 2012
- 60 shovel-ready construction jobs created immediately
- 7 social enterprises
- $11.5 million invested in underserved community
-14,000-square-foot social enterprise facility dedicated to job creation
Why East Austin
- $9,533...per capita income
- 27%...families living in poverty
-13.3%...unemployment rate
- 52%...residents over 25 years who do not have a high school diploma
- 28%...have less than a 9th grade education
Social Enterprise Complex
Southwest Key's Social Enterprise Complex, creating over 100 jobs and housing these and other workforce development initiatives, will be first of its kind in the country when construction is completed at our East Austin Headquarters in 2011.
Job Creation
Southwest Key has created permanent full-time jobs designed to lift people out of poverty. Our businesses use targeted recruitment and screening techniques to reach the hardest to employ. We provide continuous on-the-job training so that even those with few or no job skills will have opportunities for advancement.
We are creating jobs in the following sectors:
- Commercial Maintenance
- Green Energy & Weatherization
- Home Repair
- Commercial & Residential Janitorial
- Construction
- Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping
- Light Demolition and Construction Site Clean Up
- Residential Remodeling
- Youth Transportation
- Workforce Development
- Food Service
Job Retention Services
Our on-site job coach assists employees as they adjust to the work environment. The job coach connects clients with an individualized mix of training programs and services leading to a specified career or personal goal.
Job-Readiness and Life Skills Training
We prepare job seekers who have few job skills or little workplace experience with the tools they need to get and keep a job. Typical components in this training include the importance of a strong work ethic, punctuality and reliability, a positive attitude, grooming and resume writing, interview techniques, budgeting, conflict resolution and how to get along with supervisors and co-workers.
Career Planning and Vocational Certifications
Using career and employment interest assessments, we guide employees to develop and implement their person career plan. Vocational Certifications from Austin Community College, Skill-point Alliance, and other partners are sought in career paths chosen by the employee and their supervisor, such as certifications in
electrical repair, construction, landscaping, weatherization and green industries, culinary arts, carpentry and plumbing.
Basic Skills Training
We help job seekers improve fundamental academic skills, such as reading, writing and simple math. Austin Community College provides GED and ESL classes on site.
Removing Barriers to Employment
In addition to academic and occupational skills training, we provide supportive services to help employees and job seekers overcome barriers to employment, such as:
- mortgage counseling and foreclosure prevention
- credit counseling and repair
- home buyer education
- financial literacy
- budget management
- referral to community resources
"One thing I learned from prison is that people can change. Southwest Key opened their doors to me and gave me their trust. I'm proud of this company. My position and what I do makes me feel like I'm on top of the world. There isn't a day that I don't learn something new. Doing my job feels great and helps me provide for my family." -- Santos Martinez, Maintenance Supervisor at Southwest Key Maintenance LLC
Governance
Southwest Key Enterprises is governed by a 6-member board of directors:
Gustavo L. Garcia
Catherine Pena
Scott Hoopman
Juan Cabrera
Dr. Jaime Chahin
Dr. Juan Sanchez
