Advantage Services, Inc. has furloughed 110 employees following a financial crisis, according to reports regarding the Salt Lake City-based nonprofit. The organization, which was incorporated in 1992 to provide supportive employment for individuals with mental health disabilities and other life challenges, is facing significant economic pressure despite a long history of serving disadvantaged populations.
Decades of Supportive Employment
The decision to furlough 110 staff members marks a significant shift for the organization, which has operated as a social enterprise for over three decades. Since its founding in 1992, Advantage Services, Inc.—formerly known as Valley Services, Inc.—has focused on providing opportunities for competitive career employment to individuals with mental disabilities and those facing other barriers to employment, such as homelessness, incarceration, or living below the poverty level.
A Social Enterprise Model
The nonprofit utilizes a social enterprise model to maintain financial stability, relying heavily on fee-for-service contracts rather than philanthropic donations. According to company records, less than 1% of the organization's annual revenue comes from grants or donations. In 2021, for example, the organization's only grant was provided by American Express, a long-time community partner and donor.
Pathways to Employment
Advantage Services provides essential services through various programs, including a specialized 'Clean Team' program. This initiative serves as a primary entry point for many employees, particularly those experiencing homelessness, allowing them to start working 5 to 25 hours per week at minimum wage. This model is designed to help individuals demonstrate reliability and the desire to succeed before transitioning into higher-paying positions within the company or other employers.
Serving Vulnerable Populations
The organization's workforce is characterized by its mission to serve vulnerable populations. As of 2021, at least 70% of the Advantage Services workforce consisted of individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and 80% of employees lived in low to moderate income levels.
Community Partnerships
The nonprofit maintains a wide network of community partners to fulfill its mission and receive referrals for contracts and employees. These partners include the City of Salt Lake, the County of Salt Lake, the State of Utah, and various other organizations such as Volunteers of America, the Utah Transit Authority, and the Department of Workforce Services.
Diverse Service Contracts
The organization's primary activities involve providing employment opportunities to individuals who are disabled or disadvantaged through contracts with the state, county, the City of Salt Lake, and private companies. These contracts cover a range of services, including janitorial, food, and other professional services, primarily within the Salt Lake County area.
City Service Integration
Advantage Services, Inc. remains a significant player in the Salt Lake City social services landscape, working alongside the City's Department of Public Services. The city's Clean City Program, for instance, works to keep public spaces clean and safe through various teams, including the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), which handles trash and debris from small to medium-sized encampments.
