Title: The double-edged impact of non-profit organisations on homeless youth: value creation and destruction: the case of Les Copains de Bastien
Authors: Christelle Quero; Julien Billion; Catherine Lejealle
Addresses: IAE Lille University School of Management, LUMEN ULR 4999, Université de Lille, 104 Avenue du Peuple Belge, 59800 Lille, France ' ICN Business School, CEREFIGE, University of Lorraine, 76 Route de la Demi-lune Les, La Nef des Collines de l'Arche, 92800 Puteaux, France ' ISC Paris, 22 Boulevard du Fort de Vaux, 75017 Paris, France
Abstract: This case study provides a comprehensive understanding of value creation and destruction of NGOs dealing with homeless people. Learners develop an appreciation of how NGOs can create and destroy value and deal with young homeless' turning points. The case deals with Stéphane Pétillon, founder of Copains de Bastien, a chocolate factory with a social mission: to employ homeless individuals and support them in their journey of personal transformation. This case gives insights of social marketing about helping homeless more effectively to support their personal transformation. It also shows how NGOs' operational choices can either support or hinder homeless youths' personal transformation and social reintegration.
Keywords: non-profit organisation; NGO; value creation; value destruction; turning point; homeless.
DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2026.155416
International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2026 Vol.16 No.3, pp.185 - 209
Received: 23 Jun 2025
Accepted: 28 Sep 2025
Published online: 31 Jul 2026 *