Who We Are
Our Social Enterprise Model
"No matter how dark her past, each woman must eventually become a productive, contributing member of the community. Our businesses help build that bridge to an independent life."
--Talmage Payne, CEO Hagar International
The mission of Hagar's social enterprises is to create safe, meaningful employment with a decent wage for very vulnerable women. Whether victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, or destitution, most women who come to Hagar social programs have never held formal jobs. Hagar's social enterprises provide nurturing first work experiences, to ensure success. Good work helps women feel needed, increases feelings of self-worth, and teaches skills. Then, good jobs empower women to leave shelters and reintegrate into the community.
Currently, Hagar International is strategically focusing its model of social enterprise on the catering/hospitality industry. This industry takes relatively little capital investment and provides a wide-range of entry-level jobs. Also, there are great opportunities for career advancement. Skills learned are very marketable to other employers.
"Now I am a small cook. But I have confidence that I will be a chef one day." --Hem Vannra, Survivor of violent domestic abuse
Watch Hagar founder, Pierre Tami, talk about social enterprise. Pierre Tami was awarded the Schwab Foundation's Social Entreprenuer of the Year Award in 2005.
Read "Investing in Social Enterprise." An article published in the Phnom Penh Post NGO Guide, by Colin Meyn, about Hagar's social enterprise model in April 2010.
