Causeway Work Centre is a leading Ottawa charity and a long standing champion of social enterprise. As part of our spotlight series, CSED sat down recently with Owen Freiheit, Causeway’s new Director of Social Enterprise to find out more about the work they do and how he’s settling into his role.
Can you tell us about Causeway Work Centre and its social enterprises?
Causeway Work Centre is a charitable organization focused on helping individuals facing barriers to employment. It operates several social enterprises, each providing meaningful work opportunities while supporting the organization’s mission.
- Good Nature Groundskeeping offers landscaping services, employing individuals who have difficulties securing traditional employment. The service not only enhances community spaces but also provides valuable job experience and training for its employees.
- Causeway Commercial Cleaning delivers professional cleaning services. This enterprise creates jobs for people who face employment challenges, offering them stability and a chance to develop skills in a supportive environment.
- Krackers Katering is a catering service that provides employment for individuals facing barriers to work. It equips employees with culinary skills and work experience, helping them build confidence and gain independence.
- Needle Hunters is dedicated to community safety by providing needle clean-up services. This initiative not only makes public spaces safer but also offers employment to individuals who struggle to find jobs, giving them a sense of purpose and community contribution.
What attracted you to the newly created Director of Social Enterprise role?
I have worked and volunteered in the social service field for a decade, thoroughly enjoying my time supporting vulnerable individuals and helping them make meaningful changes. Additionally, I have been an entrepreneur for over ten years, with various ventures under my belt, including some I currently manage outside my Director role. The Director of Social Enterprise position appealed to me because it perfectly combines my passion for business and social impact, allowing me to thrive in a role that aligns with my interests and expertise.
What does your typical day look like?
My typical day involves overseeing all social enterprises and collaborating with managers to support growth. I assist teams where there are gaps, explore opportunities for sustainable growth, and develop marketing strategies to enhance operations. Additionally, I create systems to support change and growth opportunities. Given that we are a small organization, I also handle HR responsibilities for the social enterprise teams as needed.
What are some of your insights and lessons learned since joining the organization?
Every organization and social enterprise, regardless of size, presents unique challenges that require quick adaptation and a flexible approach. This has taught me the importance of being able to pivot strategies and remain responsive to the specific needs of each enterprise.
What makes you most proud?
I am most proud of seeing our client-employees progress from utilizing our resource center to being hired by one of our social enterprises and flourishing in their new roles. Witnessing their growth and success is incredibly rewarding.
What keeps you up at night?
The reliance on external funding for our organization is a always a concern. Ideally, I want our social enterprises to not only support their own growth but also contribute to the organization’s overall expansion. This would enable us to offer additional services without depending on annual funding.
What advice do you have for someone stepping into a leadership role?
Approach your role with an open mind and be willing to acknowledge that you do not know everything. Embrace the diverse perspectives across the organization, from frontline staff to senior leadership. Seek feedback from others and work collaboratively with your teams to ensure that managers, supervisors, and staff feel heard and supported.
What’s next for Causeway’s social enterprises?
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted some of our social enterprises, so our current focus is on re-stabilizing. From there, we aim to explore growth opportunities with the hope of becoming a leader in the social enterprise sector. Our goal is to offer more opportunities for those facing employment barriers. We have several good changes in the pipeline that will be announced in the near future!