The Macksey Journal
Abstract
I explore how trauma becomes interwoven into the daily operations and the institutional mission of Baker Industries, a workforce development nonprofit in southeastern Pennsylvania which employs hard-to-employ adults. In a society short on empathy and structural support for some of the most vulnerable populations, Baker Industries offers full-time employment as well as life-skills training and support for adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, mental illnesses, substance abuse issues, criminal records, and home insecurity. Assumed among every participant, trauma becomes a resource for recognition and economic security. I illustrate how trauma saturates the institutional and routine practices of staff and participants, a fact essential to the foundation and reputation of the organization itself.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Amadea M.
(2020)
"When Trauma No Longer Disqualifies: Examining the Institutional Universality of Traumatic Experience at a Workforce Development Nonprofit,"
The Macksey Journal: Vol. 1
, Article 206.
Available at:
https://www.mackseyjournal.org/publications/vol1/iss1/206
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Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Research Commons, Community Health Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Disability Studies Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Nonprofit Administration and Management Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons, Social Welfare Commons, Social Work Commons, Trauma Commons, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Commons, Work, Economy and Organizations Commons
