Edmunds: Entrepreneurs turn to social problems

There are all types of entrepreneurs. But one type that we will be hearing more from is the 'Social Entrepreneur.'

They are the people who are at the helm of nonprofit organizations. These leaders have seen and experienced major funding cuts from both the federal government and the United Way, which have been the traditional allocation sources for nonprofit organizations. But with a strong commitment to the community and rising social service needs, these trailblazers along with their board members are bent on continuing to provide services to the people who need it.

Charles Gehring, CEO of LifeCare Alliance, is a social entrepreneur. He was determined to continue to provide services to the organization's 15,000 active clients in spite of financial budget cuts.

One major focus of his organization is their Meals-On-Wheels program for seniors. "We have seniors who depend on getting their meals from us. They would never understand that a funding cut would cut off their meals," Gehring said.

He made sure that his clients would not have to worry about ever getting that message. With a nod from his Board of Directors he led the way on developing two profit-making services that helps to fund the not-for-profit side.

In 2003, Gehring and LifeCare kicked off their first venture into the small business world by starting a catering service. L.A. Catering provides full service catering for weddings, large and small events and corporate functions.

A few years later, a corporate wellness program was launched. A nurse and dietitian provide health and wellness counseling to corporate employees. These professionals conduct onsite workshops, and health fairs. They also do biometric screening and meet one-on-one with company employees to help them manage various health concerns. The corporations pay a fee for this service and have found it to be beneficial to its employees.

Profit from these ventures helps to fund the Meals-On-Wheels and Home Health Aids programs. "Having! this entrepreneurial side really helps us to serve clients that would not have been served," Gehring said. "Just the catering business alone allowed us to serve 300 people who would have been on a waiting list."

Many more nonprofit organizations will find the need to develop a profit-making arm to their organizations in order to continue to provide needed social services.

I asked Charles what advice would he offer to other social service agencies about becoming social entrepreneurs. He said, "They should take time to examine the possibilities to see how it would earn them a little revenue so that they can take care of their clients. And, make sure that they have the kind of board members who can assist them in their ventures."

He acknowledges that what has helped his success is the blessing of having Board members who are skilled in business and various professions that support business development. "They are great at providing helpful advice, information and support on how to start, run and expand a business."

I learned during my talk with Charles that nonprofit social welfare agencies and organizations are critical to providing assistance and support for the people who need it. And, in order to meet those needs many will have to don an additional hat called "Social Entrepreneur."

Charles Gehring and LifeCare Alliance are going strong in the small business world stop by and congratulate them on a job well done at www.lifecarealliance.org.