Nine-nine-year-old individual provides employment assistance for over twelve thousand grown-ups in Kensington and its surrounding areas
In 1980, Baker Industries was founded by Charlie Baker and his wife Louise, initially operating out of their garage in Stafford, Chester County, as an alternative employment option for adults with special needs and those facing challenges in the traditional job market. Over four decades later, the nonprofit organization based in Malvern and with a warehouse in Philadelphia's Kensington neighbourhood continues to thrive, providing meaningful work opportunities and fostering social and economic inclusion.
Originally incorporated as a for-profit company, Baker Industries later transitioned to nonprofit status, focusing on workforce development and rehabilitation. The organization's commitment to community service and employment empowerment can be traced back to Baker's deep ties to Philadelphia, where he was raised and served in the U.S. Army for nearly eight years after graduating from West Point in 1946.
Baker credits the organization's longevity to the fact that he hired mostly core administrators from the for-profit sector who had expertise in their field, such as logistics. This strategic move allowed Baker Industries to maintain operational efficiency while staying true to its mission.
The Kensington warehouse, which opened for operation in 1988, plays a key role in the organization's workforce development mission and partnerships with local manufacturers. Inside the warehouse, there are assembly lines for various tasks, including packaging medications and Tastykake products.
Baker Industries' clientele includes a variety of Philadelphia-based manufacturers such as Tasty Baking Co., a homeopathic medicine brand, an at-home test kit manufacturer, and a local toy producer. The organization's workforce is diverse, with about 30% of the workforce being disabled and working long-term, while 70% is transitional employment.
Employees at Baker Industries typically graduate after a year of work, allowing them to apply for higher-paying jobs with an average wage of at least $19 an hour. The organization aims to grow its workforce significantly, hoping to increase the number of participants from 200 to 400 or 500 in the next five to 10 years.
Nic Watson, the current president of Baker Industries, is helping to develop a workforce training program in the Kensington community. This initiative aims to further equip employees with professional skills and an understanding of modern warehouse work, ensuring they are well-prepared for future employment opportunities.
On Charlie Baker's 100th birthday, June 25, Baker Industries is hosting a Kensington community resource fair from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at 3630 I Street. This event is a testament to the organization's ongoing commitment to community service and its dedication to providing resources and support to those in need.
Baker's spouse, Louise, was instrumental to the nonprofit's success and died earlier this year at 93 years old after more than seven decades of marriage and raising three children. The organization has helped over 12,000 adults rebuild their lives and transition back into the workforce after struggles such as disabilities, addiction recovery, or incarceration.
As Baker Industries looks towards the future, it continues to embody a second-chance mission in Philadelphia's workforce landscape, offering a sustainable employment path to adults needing a second chance in the workforce. The organization's impact on the community is significant, and its workforce development programs remain crucial in providing opportunities for those often marginalized in the traditional job market.
In the spirit of Baker Industries' diverse workforce, the organization plans to expand its training program within the Kensington community, emphasizing skills for modern warehouse work and fostering an environment conducive to second chances for those seeking home-and-garden employment, extending their lifestyle possibilities. Over the next five to 10 years, Baker Industries aspires to grow its workforce, aiming to increase participants to 400 or 500 individuals, allowing more adults to transition back into the workforce after challenges and ultimately improve their lifestyles.
