Helping Baker Industries Put People Back to Work

Members of Main Line Unitarian Church immediately recognized the innovative approach of not-for-profit outsourcing and fulfillment company Baker Industries. Volunteers from the church witnessed the application of small business practices to a work rehabilitation program that employs people with disabilities, recovering substance abusers, individuals on parole, and homeless persons.

Stories of economic success are rare enough, but for a company to thrive while providing a living wage to traditionally hard-to-employ people—that is a model for success. Employees in Philadelphia and Malvern, PA are getting the chance to gain a solid work ethic in a supportive, hands-on setting. Many alumni of the program find work in other companies or within the staff of Baker Industries.

On Friday, December 16, Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman met with Baker Industries President John H. "Turk" Thacher, Jr. and Director of Community Relations Jacqueline Johnston and presented them with a check for $2,397 because the company was selected as the church’s Offering Outreach organization for the month of November.

Thacher said of the donation, "At Baker Industries, 65–70 percent of the funding we need each year comes from the services we perform for some 100 customers. The balance we receive from generous individuals and wonderful private organizations such as Main Line Unitarian Church. The church’s Offering Outreach contribution will go toward serving approximately 300 of our workers in their goal to transition into the workplace.

"Baker neither solicits nor accepts any government funds, allowing us to have complete control over our program. On behalf of all of us at Baker: Thank You! Support from our community is particularly meaningful to us. Please come and visit us to see your generosity at work!"

Baker Industries is exactly the type of organization that members of Main Line Unitarian Church consider when they make nominations for the Offering Outreach program, which designates half of the church's monthly collection to a nonprofit organization. Baker Industries is helping some of our most vulnerable citizens to find work, recover their sense of personal dignity, and contribute to society in ways that benefit everyone. To offer a few hours at Baker Industries, or to help plan the several annual fundraising events, visit www.bakerindustries.org. To learn more about the church's Offering Outreach program, visit www.mluc.org/social-action/offering-outreach.

Photo: Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman of Main Line Unitarian Church in Devon, PA (center) presents a check to Baker Industries President John H. "Turk" Thacher, Jr. (right) and Director of Community Relations Jacqueline Johnston (left) in the amount of $2,397. The nonprofit company provides employment for people with disabilities, recovering substance abusers, individuals on parole, and homeless persons. The company was selected in November for the church's Offering Outreach program, which designates half of its monthly collection to nonprofit organizations that put their values into action. Photo by Ed MacDonald.