History
In 1987, Harbor City Services Incorporated (HCS) started as a vocational program of the psychiatric rehabilitation program, of the University of Maryland Medical System, Corp. (UMMS). The purpose of the corporation was to provide real job experiences and wages to members of the rehabilitation program. In the beginning the company provided a number of miscellaneous contract services, including cleaning, landscaping, and catering.
In 1995, HCS was hired to manage a records storage service for UMMS. When management of surplus medical equipment and office furniture was added on a long-term contract, HCS became a fully self-supporting, profitable enterprise. Monthly contract payments paid in advance provided the capital for this venture. In 1998, at the request of UMMS, HCS became a moving vendor for the hospital.
In early 2003 the board of director’s strategic plan called for customer diversification. Before this could be implemented, a shift in purchasing arrangements at UMMS moved records management of all hospitals in the system to a national company and HCS lost 65% of its business. Only cash reserves, cost-cutting strategies and aggressive business development kept the company from going under.
Since 2005, gross revenue more than doubled and Harbor City Services grew to serve over 300 customers in four business lines. Throughout this difficult time, HCS remained 100% supported by earned income but took on debt to fund this growth.
In 2008, HCS acknowledged the additional costs of the mission that reduced our competitiveness (These costs are listed separately below). To cover them, HCS sought to supplement earned income with donations and foundation support. It remains 90% self sufficient.
In 2009, stimulus funding from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ($120,000) helped HCS to upgrade its equipment, to increase staff training and to rebrand and remarket the company.
HCS has been recognized by the Baltimore community as a model of a successful social enterprise. Throughout its 23 year history, HCS remains dedicated to its mission, by employing men and women recovering from mental illness and substance abuse. Future plans include manufacturing business lines to increase the skill development among its workers.
