Social Enterprise Philosophy

A social enterprise is defined as any earned income (payments received in direct exchange for a product or service) business or strategy undertaken by a nonprofit to generate revenue in support of its charitable mission. 

With such a large percentage of the TCH Budget relying on ever-changing government funding, TCH adopted the Social Enterprise concept to provide a solid source of other revenue to support TCH’s primary mission.  This entrepreneurial philosophy also helps TCH become a more self-sustaining organization.

In the 1980’s TCH established its Employment Development Center, contracting with businesses to provide light assembly services by employing individuals with a disability. 

In 1992, TCH gained its first contract through the NISH/JWOD program to provide custodial services to the Federal Building and Post Office in downtown Phoenix.  Following closely, contracts with Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Luke Air Force Base and a contract at Yuma Marine Corp Air Station were established.  Click here for more on Commercial Contracts.

Given TCH’s experience as an entrepreneur, when presented the chance to develop a document destruction/paper shredding operation, it was natural to jump at the opportunity!  In October of 2003, the organization created a business arm called TCH Enterprises.  The paper shredding operation is doing business as Assured Security Document Destruction. 

Over the past three years, the success of Assured Security Document Destruction has created over 50 new jobs providing sustainable employment for men and women with disabilities.  The earned income generated through Assured Security Document Destruction brings much needed support to TCH’s programs and operations.