1980 garage business for son's job now helped 12,500 people
Charles P. Baker III, who passed away at 101, founded Baker Industries to provide employment for his son with epilepsy, eventually growing the organization to help over 12,500 people. The nonprofit focused on workforce development for individuals facing significant barriers to traditional employment.
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Highlights the impact of social entrepreneurship and inclusive hiring practices on marginalized communities.
Charles P. Baker III, who started a small business in his garage in 1980 to create a job for his son, went on to build an organisation that helped more than 12,500 people find work. Baker, who co-founded Baker Industries with his wife Louise, died on September 16 at the age of 101, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.Baker Industries began with Baker, his wife and their son Justin. Justin lives with epilepsy and had struggled to find suitable employment. The family started a two-person mail-order packaging firm in their Strafford garage, with Justin becoming their first employee.The business later developed into Baker Industries, a workforce development nonprofit based in Malvern.
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