why social enterprise?

Because too often our young people are treated for their problems rather than engaged as part of their own solution. In our work-based social enterprise, youth experience a real job and all that comes with it: a paycheck, a sense of mattering when a team relies on them, feedback and performance reviews, promotions and leadership.

performance & competencies

On every shift youth track attendance, rate themselves and their peers on professionalism and engagement, and reflect on core competencies designed to support their career trajectory.

  • Attendance and Punctuality

  • Professionalism

  • Engagement

  • Dependability

  • Safety

  • Respect

  • Teamwork

  • Taking Initiative

  • Giving and Receiving Feedback

  • Setting and Achieving Goals

  • Leadership

  • Problem Solving

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It’s not just the adults telling us what to do. As a leader, I would talk to my peers and help them do a task. But I would show my leadership mostly through work.  I set an example – be on time, take initiative, and understand my tasks for the day.   

- Raquawn, Graduate

  • Retail Stores

    Youth gain retail, display, and customer service experience in stores in Boston and Waltham. They sell new and used books, pre-loved clothing, vinyl records, and a curated selection of products from other social enterprises.

    Visit our Stores 

  • E-Commerce Website

    The same selection of books, clothing, and social enterprise gift items are available online, packed up by youth and shipped all over the world. Having our own website allows youth to manage customer experience and marketing.

    Shop Online 

  • Online Operations

    Youth manage an online inventory of 140,000 titles, selling not only on our own website but on 3rd party platforms like Amazon and eBay. Young people receive books into the inventory and ship out 2,000+ orders every day.

    Check our Inventory 

  • Clothing & Accessories

    Youth sort through donations of clothing, shoes, and accessories, curating a selection of high quality items for sale online and in stores. Youth take photos, learn about brands, and write marketing descriptions.

    Shop Clothing 

  • Sourcing and Wholesale

    Young people go out on our fleet of 4 trucks sourcing 4 million books each year from donation bins, homes, businesses, and libraries. They manage warehouse logistics, sending out weekly wholesale shipments.

    Make a Donation 

  • Mobile Book Truck

    Like our indoor pop-up shops, our youth pop-up at community events and outdoor festival all around the state our own bookstore on wheels featuring the same amazing books and gift products you find in our retail spaces!

    Find out More 

  • Events

    Youth host events in our bookstore and flexible event space, engaging the community with author talks, MakersFest sales, movie screenings and more. By hosting events, young people gain public speaking and organizaiton skills.

    See Upcoming 

  • Space Rentals

    We rent out our space in Boston for meetings, corporate parties, forums, receptions, weddings and more. Youth help set up events and plan logistics, and are available to educate guests about More Than Words.

    Rent our Space 

  • Pop-Up Shops

    We take our retail store on the road, setting up a mini-shop in corporate lobbies, markets, and more. Youth interact with new customers, practicing customer service and sharing information about More Than Words.

    See How to Book 

"I learned a lot of skills through my business job at More Than Words. One that really sticks out is the importance of managing your time and punctuality. They really hold you accountable about managing your time and that was a big growth area for me. I also learned a lot about myself in my business job. I learned that I am a very powerful leader."

–Malichi, Graduate