A-Way Express Courier

Français

A-Way Express is a social enterprise that provides same-day courier service by public transportation for its many customers across the City of Toronto. A-Way differs from other courier services by having a double bottom-line: profit and employment. Not only is A-Way a steadily growing professional business but it also provides meaningful, flexible and permanent employment to people with direct experience of the mental health system.

As a gainfully employed member of the A-Way team our employees have the opportunity to gain a sense of purpose and self-determination, enhance their financial stability, and enjoy access to peer support and social networking opportunities that serve to promote recovery. In addition they are acquiring work-related skills, a work history and references.

1. Community Background

In 1987 A-Way Express opened its doors having developed a business model that required it be operated by survivors of mental health challenges. The need was clear, as work opportunities in a supportive environment for survivors were missing from the business landscape. Having a self-determining structure allowed management to make the most appropriate decisions effecting fellow survivors and it has continued in this form to this day.

2. Development History

In 1985 users of community support services from Progress Place and Houselink Community Homes initiated discussions with agency staff about the possibilities of developing innovative work opportunities. Unemployment figures cited for people with psychiatric challenges is in the range of 85%. In 1986 a discussion group had formed which put forward the notion of replacing work projects and handouts with empowering workplaces in which employees could be supported to become more independent. This group met weekly for the next year to develop the concept. Following a feasibility study, start-up and initial operating costs totalling $89,000 were secured from several sources.

In 1987 A-Way Express opened its doors on June 1st with ten couriers, one Manager and four office staff. They had 30 customers. By 1992 A-Way had expanded to 45 couriers, seven office staff, a Manager, an Executive Director and 700 customers. Today, in 2014 we employ 65 people and have over 2000 customers.

3. Organization Structure

On July 28^th of 1987 Applause Community Development Corporation received its Letters Patent and became a corporation c.o.b. (carrying on business as) A-Way Express. Item 6 of the incorporation application states: The objects for which the corporation is incorporated are: To assist in the rehabilitation of recovering psychiatric patients by providing training and employment opportunities. There were three directors who signed the document. We currently have a Board of Directors consisting of 6 external candidates and 6 internal staff. They meet once per month as well as serving on several committees.

4. Partnerships

There are many organizations that have contributed in some way to A-Way’s success and the well-being of the staff. We are currently examining a collaboration with a Toronto courier company so that our delivery abilities will be more comprehensive and marketable.

5. Finances

In addition to our business income A-Way Express is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health through the Toronto Central LHIN.

6. Impacts & Outcomes Objectives

There have been hundreds of consumer/survivors employed at A-Way over the years to enjoy the many benefits of employment: income, structure, social contact, the opportunity to be involved in helping others, skills development, mentorship, confidence building, recovery and reduced need for time in hospital to name a few.

7. Challenges

Becoming a self-sustaining business is a dream that our business model will not allow if we are to stay competitive. It works well for several reasons, two being that we are a very green business choice as we use only public transit, and as a result the job is less stressful for the courier. Unfortunately the number of deliveries that can be made in a day are limited, so income is low and autonomy as a business is still a dream. We are discussing the inclusion of Smartcars or an equivalent to be added to our toolbox.

8. Lessons Learned

Know who you are as an enterprise and be realistic. Pay attention to funding and have a strong Board of Directors.

9. Vision for the Future

Our mandate is to employ survivors, so with a challenging economy and the use of email replacing the need for couriers we are examining options, ie: other products to deliver/markets to break into, and other viable business ideas to explore. We currently have a Marketing Consulting firm examining some ideas.