Introduction to Employment 4 Good
Employment 4 Good (E4G) is a social enterprise with a dual purpose: E4G provides accessible, low-barrier employment and skill building opportunities for community members experiencing barriers, while creating positive social change within the Sault Ste. Marie community. Grocer 4 Good (G4G) is our registered non-profit charity that employs neurodiverse people who face barriers to employment, while Cafe 4 Good (C4G) employs youth with a focus on positive skill building, community connection and establishing healthy habits.
Vision
A Sault Ste. Marie where those with employment barriers can access meaningful and fulfilling work, build resiliency, envision and actualize their goals and contribute to a thriving community.
Mission
Employment 4 Good will provide employment and training opportunities for those who face barriers to employment.
How We Got Here
We created Grocer 4 Good (G4G) to respond to a need in our community – adults with Autism and other barriers have few opportunities to access the job market, and employment can be difficult to access without support. We also recognized the emerging and deepening effects of the opioid crisis in Downtown Sault. Ste. Marie, where we saw our neighbours struggling with addiction and having few avenues to access food in what has been recognized as a food desert. It became clear that after Walmart removed its store from the city’s downtown, our most vulnerable community members had limited means to access affordable, healthy food options. G4G was created to address both of these issues.
Although we opened our doors in March 2020, one week before COVID-19 changed our world, we have continued to develop low-barrier, empathetic employment and skill development opportunities for Neurodiverse adults and those navigating mental health challenges. G4G is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible, low-barrier employment opportunities. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where all individuals, regardless of their challenges, can thrive and contribute to their community.
With the support of federal funding, we were able to develop our second project, Cafe 4 Good (C4G). Launched in 2024, C4G is a vibrant cafe located at 326 Queen Street East that not only offers locally-sourced food, but also employs youth who are navigating challenges related to systemic inequalities. C4G allows at-risk youth to engage in meaningful work experiences while receiving mentorship and training. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for accessible employment but also empowers youth to build their confidence, develop life skills, and foster connections within their community.
As we have grown to accommodate two projects that operate out of different locations, we have rebranded under the name Employment 4 Good (E4G).
Our history
2019
G4G began as a dream of founder Lisa Vezeau-Allen and became a registered non-profit within 6 months of incorporation
2021
With the help of community partners, Algoma Family Services and District of Social Services of Sault Ste. Marie Administration Board (DSSAB), G4G applied for Public Safety Canada grant with the hope to expand into the cafe business
2022
G4G moves to 147 Gore St, sets up teaching kitchen and expands partnerships!
2023
G4G along with community partners receives a $1.14M Public Safety grant to open a cafe called Cafe 4 Good!
2024
Cafe 4 Good has a soft launch in the Grocer 4 Good Community Kitchen in July 2024, and in August the Federal funding announced for Cafe 4 Good by MP Terry Sheehan is held in the cafe’s new space at 326 Queen Street.
2025
The Employment 4 Good brand is created to oversee our two projects, Grocer 4 Good and Cafe 4 Good, and any potential projects in the future!