Carla Javits on Scaling Social Enterprise Across America

<p>What if the most effective response to incarceration, homelessness, and economic instability isn’t another temporary program, but a real job? Carla Javits has spent nearly two decades helping employment social enterprises turn overlooked talent into meaningful work, sustainable businesses, and pathways toward a better life.</p><p>In this episode of The Homeboy Way, host Tom Vozzo sits down with Carla to explore how Redefine Alliance, formerly REDF, helped strengthen a national movement of purpose-driven businesses. Carla shares the scale of that impact: 350 social enterprises supported, $4 billion in revenue generated, and 176,000 people employed.</p><p>Together, Tom and Carla unpack what it takes to build a viable social enterprise, why employers keep screening out capable people, and how government procurement can create thousands of second-chance jobs. They also discuss Homeboy Industries’ transitional employment model, the value of lived expertise, and why belonging and compassion aren’t just good for people; they’re good for business.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Employment creates a pathway forward.</strong></p><p>Support services matter, but people also need the opportunity to earn income, demonstrate their abilities, and build meaningful lives through work.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Social enterprise requires a real business model.</strong></p><p>A strong mission cannot rescue an idea with no customers, market, or reliable source of revenue.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Business and social impact must work together. </strong></p><p>Successful employment social enterprises balance revenue generation with meaningful support, skill development, and opportunity.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Clear employment goals shape the entire enterprise.</strong></p><p>Organizations must decide whether they are creating transitional jobs, permanent employment, or another specific pathway for workers.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Belonging is good business.</strong></p><p>Valuing lived expertise, nurturing employees, and creating a genuine sense of connection can strengthen both people and organizations.</p></li></ul><p><strong>In This Episode</strong></p><ul><li>[00:00] Introduction</li><li>[00:25] Welcoming Carla Javits</li><li>[01:00] Why REDF became Redefine Alliance</li></ul><ul><li>[04:34] The business leaders behind the movement</li><li>[08:50] Has society become more open to second-chance hiring?</li><li>[12:21