THE NETWORK FOR BETTER FUTURES (d/b/a Better Futures Minnesota)

The Network for Better Futures, doing business as Better Futures Minnesota, is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) social enterprise that provides paid employment, workforce training, and supportive services for men who face significant barriers to employment. It operates environmental-service business lines — deconstruction, material reuse, recycling, appliance recovery, and property services — that generate work opportunities and divert materials from landfills. Better Futures uses an integrated model of paid work, industry-recognized certifications, life coaching, and case management to help participants secure long-term employment and housing stability. The organization reports strong recent outcomes (site-reported figures include approximately 89% participant employment and a single-digit recidivism rate) and measurable environmental impact through material diversion across Minnesota. In the last 2–3 years Better Futures Minnesota has expanded public-sector partnerships and contracts (including county contracts and state workforce grants), continued social-enterprise operations statewide, and maintained measurable training and placement outcomes for program participants.