Social-enterprise employees earn wages and pay taxes, reducing their recidivism rates and dependence on government assistance. They also receive crucial on-the-job training, job-readiness skills, literacy instruction and, if necessary, the counseling and mental-health services they need to move into the mainstream workforce.

In this quote, George R. Roberts highlights the benefits of social-enterprise employment, particularly for individuals who may have been previously incarcerated or faced significant challenges in the workforce. He suggests that employees in social enterprises not only earn wages and contribute to society by paying taxes, but also experience reduced recidivism rates—the likelihood of re-offending and returning to prison. By providing meaningful work, social enterprises help individuals become more self-sufficient and less dependent on government assistance.

Roberts also points out that these social-enterprise jobs offer much more than just a paycheck. They provide crucial on-the-job training, job-readiness skills, and literacy instruction, which are essential for individuals to build their careers and reintegrate into the mainstream workforce. This is particularly important for those who may have been excluded from traditional job opportunities due to lack of education or work experience.

Additionally, Roberts emphasizes the importance of counseling and mental-health services in supporting individuals as they transition into the workforce. For many people facing barriers to employment, such services are vital in helping them overcome personal challenges and develop the emotional resilience needed for long-term success in a job. These resources provide a holistic approach to workforce reintegration, addressing both the professional and personal needs of employees.

Ultimately, Roberts' quote underscores the potential of social-enterprises to act as powerful tools for social change, offering individuals not just employment but a comprehensive support system. This model helps break the cycle of poverty, criminality, and dependence on social welfare by providing individuals with the skills, training, and support they need to succeed in the broader economy.