ROSEVILLE – PRIDE Industries, one of the nation’s largest employers of people with disabilities, was recently named 2009 Business of the Year by the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) for its commitment to working with and employing people with disabilities at Ft. Bliss, Texas and throughout the Greater El Paso region. PRIDE was named Business of the Year for its innovative approach to job development and its dedication to collaboration with DARS in order to support individuals with disabilities in job placement, career development, and retention.
PRIDE Industries is a not-for-profit company meeting the manufacturing, supply chain and integrated facilities service needs of businesses and government agencies nationwide while creating meaningful jobs for people with disabilities.
The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is composed of four divisions focused on people with disabilities and children with developmental delays. The department includes the Division for Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Division for Blind Services (DBS), the Division for Disability Determination Services (DDS) and the Division for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI).
Since 2007, PRIDE has created jobs or provided employment services for more than 150 people with disabilities in Texas. In 2008, PRIDE employed 52 Division for Rehabilitative Services (DRS) consumers with disabilities through its contract at Fort Bliss. In 2009, 48 (DRS) consumers with disabilities found employment through PRIDE at Fort Bliss. Additionally, over 50 individuals with disabilities have found competitive employment in the local community with assistance from PRIDE’s Employment Services Division since 2007. The local Employment Services office is managed by Celeste Garcia, a longtime resident of the El Paso area who is actively engaged with the community and DARS.
PRIDE currently employs people with disabilities in local Texas communities. PRIDE creates opportunities for individuals to work in positions such as Carpenters, Electricians, Environmental Technicians, General Maintenance Workers, Heavy Equipment Operators, Plumbers, Service Order Dispatchers, Stock Clerks, Supply Technicians, and Truck Drivers.
“DARS truly shares in PRIDE’s mission to help individuals with disabilities attain employment,” said John Oliver, VP of Rehabilitation for PRIDE Industries. “I applaud DARS’ focus of overcoming barriers to employment for people with disabilities. PRIDE is honored to be recognized for our efforts and partnership, and I look forward to working together to create more jobs and opportunities for people with disabilities.”
About PRIDE:
Founded in 1966, PRIDE employs more than 4,300 individuals across 10 states and in the nation’s capital, including more than 2,700 people with disabilities.
PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.
