Common Ground Co-operative, Inc.

Common Ground Co-operative is a registered charitable organization that was formed to create, sustain and support social enterprises that enhance and empower adults with developmental disabilities. By offering self-employment opportunities and job coaching through recognized business partnerships, adults with developmental disabilities successfully work in social enterprises that focus on their individual needs while providing them with skills they require to become viable contributors in society. Common Ground also creates, coordinates and facilitates workshops and programs that enhance life skills based on need. Many of our programs include hard and soft skills that give persons with developmental disabilities an opportunity to increase their skills through a continuum of education relevant to not only their employment but their personal lives as well. Each of the five businesses operates as a mixed business partnership model, with participants (whom we call business partners) earning a percentage of the revenues they generate through sales at each location. Job Coaches, provided by Common Ground, work alongside tour clients to ensure that each location is successful while focusing on each person’s individual needs, talents and capacity for learning. Coaching support is partially funded through the Ministry of Community and Social Services, the remaining costs such as administrative and operational costs are covered through Foundations Grants, private donations and fundraising events. Common Ground is a Social Co-operative that consists of over 100 members who contribute annually to our initiative. The return is in knowing that you are helping the organization make a difference in the lives of those who receive their services and supports. Members of the co-operative receive newsletters, invitations and an opportunity to sit on committees or become a board member with our organization.