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Every day, thousands of people receive packages from Amazon on their front doorstep. Helping make this rapid turn-around possible, Associate Kenneth “Kenny” Valdivia contributes significantly to Amazon’s warehouse team in Los Angeles, CA. With a positive, can-do attitude, he sorts and scans packages each shift to ensure they reach their correct destination.

 

Kenny is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), a developmental disability that affects communication, behavior, and interaction with others. Depending on the individual, symptoms can be mild or severe. Although awareness of the autism spectrum is increasing, it is still misunderstood, which can make getting a job difficult. Like many individuals who are on the Autism Spectrum, Kenny struggled to find employment where he could feel fulfilled and achieve his potential.

 

With the help of PRIDE Industries’ job placement and employment services for people with autism, Kenny was able to procure employment with Amazon, a job that he truly enjoys.

Helping People with Autism Find Employment

“I received my Autism diagnosis as a child,” said Kenny. “My parents had never heard of Autism before and didn’t know how to help me adjust with the symptoms. Growing up, it was often difficult making friends since they didn’t understand my disability.”


Despite earlier challenges, things started getting better when Kenneth began attending a high school program designed for young adults on the Autism Spectrum. “I started making more friends and gained confidence in my own voice. I have always known that I have the same abilities as everyone else; I sometimes need a different approach when it comes to communication.”


After graduating from a vocational skills certification program, Kenny started to look for employment in a warehouse environment. Despite his qualifications and hard work ethic, job interviews proved to be a significant obstacle to getting a job offer, as he struggled with eye contact and communication. 

This changed in October 2018 when Kenny’s Department of Rehabilitation counselor referred him to PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services, which placed him into a Warehouse Associate Position with Amazon in Los Angeles.


Since 2017, PRIDE Industries has partnered with Amazon as an Alternative Workforce Supplier to recruit, assess, interview, train, and provide onsite employment support for people with Autism. PRIDE leverages their person-centered services including assessments, job skills development, training, placement, and ongoing support to ensure long-term employment success.


“From the start of the training, Kenny was eager to start the day, and he learned quickly,” said PRIDE Job Coach Catalina Hurtado. “His enthusiasm is appreciated by his colleagues and supervisors. Kenny is very driven and always pushing himself to reach his units per hour.”

Getting a Job Is Just the Beginning

Employment brings much more than a paycheck; it also helps individuals develop confidence and purpose. The resilience that Kenny developed through the difficult times motivated him to help others on the Autism Spectrum. “Throughout my life, I have relied on movies, music, and comedy to feel less alone,” said Kenny. “It inspired me to create my own medium to show others my experiences, challenges, and dreams for the future.” He developed his own YouTube channel to tell his story.

 

“Since starting my channel, I have been proud to educate and raise awareness for Autism; I feel like I was created this way to help others,” said Kenny. “A highlight was helping out a friend from church after his child had been diagnosed with Autism. He had never heard about Autism or knew what to expect for his child’s future. Showing him some of my videos helped him understand more about this disability.”

 

“While I am working on expanding my YouTube channel, my job at Amazon gives me a way to support myself while growing my skills,” said Kenny. “I feel appreciated for what I contribute to our team.”

 

As his online presence continues to grow, Kenny aims to eventually use his storytelling experience to gain a career in the movie and entertainment industry. “I am inspired by actors like Matt Damon and Mark Wahlberg; it would be a dream for me to meet and thank them for their work. I would also like to make it to their level of influence to reach people internationally and to travel to different countries in South America, Europe, and Asia.”

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“From the start of the training, Kenny was eager to start the day, and he learned quickly,” said PRIDE Job Coach Catalina Hurtado. “His enthusiasm is appreciated by his colleagues and supervisors.”

Jonathan Hales reached a significant milestone recently when he passed the trial period of his new job at Dos Coyotes Border Café in the Sacramento International Airport. With his enthusiasm and excellent customer service, he continuously helps to brighten up the busy atmosphere for hundreds of travelers.

 

Despite his recent success, finding a job was not an easy task initially. “I have a learning disability,” explains Jonathan. “Sometimes I need a little extra help and more detailed job descriptions.”

Job Training, Placement, and Resume Writing Help

In January 2018, Jonathan relocated to Sacramento from New Jersey with his brother. After almost six months of searching for a steady job without luck, he decided to reach out for help. Jonathan was referred to PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services, which provides a variety of job training and resources to individuals with disabilities. 

 

PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services connected Jonathan with Job Developer Latasha Funches. Together, they worked on writing Jonathan’s resume to highlight his skills and strengths, practiced interviewing, and searched for jobs.

“Jonathan was wonderful to work with,” says Latasha. “He showed real dedication to getting a job, including always participating in job club, applying to jobs by himself, following up with potential employers. Jonathan is such a self-starter, and we need more people like him!”

 

In November 2018, both of their hard work and tenacity paid off when Jonathan was hired on the spot by Dos Coyotes. Along with a paycheck, his job also came with benefits that started on the first day. Latasha helped him fill out paperwork and new hire documents, and Jonathan was able to start work immediately.

A Little Job Help Goes a Long Way to a Bright Future

In his position, Jonathan works in the kitchen washing dishes, performs light cleaning, and disposes of trash and recyclables while abiding by the strict airport security rules. He has been thriving in his new environment, and truly enjoys the work.

 

“My favorite part of my job is working with customers and helping them out. I like making people happy by smiling and asking how their day is, especially in a more stressful place like the airport,” he said.

 

Jonathan’s colleagues and manager appreciate his great attitude and demeanor. “My manager always tells me to keep up the good work! I am continuing to grow in my role by helping to train new employees. It’s been a very welcoming and inclusive place to work, and I have more confidence in myself.”

 

“The first day I went out there, the manager was so impressed with him!” says John Edwards, PRIDE’s SMF Airport Job Coach. “He is doing so well and started working without support in the first week. I follow up with him every once and while, and he has thrived in this position.”

 

With a paycheck comes increased independence; Jonathan has used the earnings from his job to visit his family in New Jersey. “My family is incredibly important to me, and I felt so proud to tell them about my new job!” With some help from his older brother, Jonathan now has a car and no longer relies on ride-sharing options for transportation.

 

Now that Jonathan has passed his probation period, he will work independently with the help of his Job Coach and Job Developer, if needed.  He is considering attending school in the future but would like to continue building skills in his current position. We wish him the best in his career path!

A path to a fulfilling career

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Jonathan and John
Jonathan Hales found success with PRIDE Industries' help

“My family is incredibly important to me, and I felt so proud to tell them about my new job!”

Mario Muniz is an employee at PRIDE’s Ft. Bliss, TX Integrated Facilities Management contract. A veteran with a disability, Mario struggled to find work after being laid off during his transition to civilian life. With the help of PRIDE Industries’ employment veterans programs, Mario was soon able to start a fulfilling new job at a military base, where he has the opportunity to help others like himself.  

Employment Programs for Veterans

Mario served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973 as a Staff Sergeant, including a tour in South Vietnam. He concurrently served in the Texas National Guard from 1973 to 1990. As a result of his service, Mario developed multiple disabilities, including major depressive disorder, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, personality disorder and left lower extremity radiculopathy (mechanical compression of a nerve root).

 

“Mario has overcome many obstacles related to his disabilities, including emotional control issues that became more difficult to manage after his military service,” said PRIDE Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Corina Huerta. “He felt frustrated since he could not thoroughly explain his challenges to others, including his family. Counseling from the Veterans Administration (VA) proved helpful in addressing these issues.”

 

Even so, like many veterans, Mario experienced difficulty applying military skills to civilian jobs. Facing unemployment for almost a year, he earned a certificate from the Texas Workforce Commission in Construction Management. Despite his best efforts, finding a job still proved elusive. This all changed when a friend at his church referred him to PRIDE Industries’ employment program. PRIDE offers a range of services, such as vocational training and job placement assistance, for veterans with disabilities or other barriers to employment.

 

“Connecting with PRIDE was such a positive experience,” said Mario. “AbilityOne Recruiter Cynthia Baca truly went above and beyond to help me, especially when I was going through such difficult times.” In December 2011, Mario was hired as a Maintenance Trades Helper with the Facilities East Department.

To help support him in his job, Mario has been provided with many accommodations including vocational rehabilitation counselors that are trained in assisting veterans, lifting, and physical restrictions, and additional breaks as needed.

Mario Muniz

Finding Fulfillment in Helping Other Veterans

Through his hard work and his impressive skill set, Mario earned two promotions within the first year of his hire. He quickly moved on to General Maintenance Worker and Carpenter. Now he serves on the Carpentry Department Employee Advisory Committee.

 

“Working on the familiar environment of a military base was beneficial in helping me connect with my new career,” said Mario. “My favorite moment was working in the ‘You Do It’ shop, where I helped military service members complete woodcraft projects. I saw it as an opportunity to help fellow veterans keep their minds away from psychological stressors. It is a wonderful feeling to help them feel welcome at work.”

 

Mario now contributes to PRIDE’s inclusive and supportive environment by training and mentoring new employees, including many with disabilities. Mario desired to communicate better with his colleagues that are Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing. To that end, Mario participated in an after-work American Sign Language (ASL) class offered by PRIDE’s Job Coaches.

 

“Not only does my job give me the opportunity to feel productive, but also to raise morale for service members,” said Mario. “Joining the military is not an easy lifestyle; it can often feel lonely and difficult, especially when you are away from home and missing your family. ” Mario also gives back beyond his job, hosting service members during the holidays and actively volunteering in his church.

 

“Mario continues to feel appreciated by the positive feedback received and friendships made with our military customers,” said Corina Huerta. “It’s been wonderful seeing him overcome obstacles and grow in his role.”

Attention veterans

PRIDE Industries’ veterans programs are available to those looking for an easier transition into civilian jobs. Whether we place you into a base or help match your skills to another job, you can find fulfilling employment with PRIDE employment services.
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Mario Muniz
Mario Muniz

“Connecting with PRIDE was such a positive experience. AbilityOne Recruiter Cynthia Baca truly went above and beyond to help me, especially when I was going through such difficult times.”

Following an overhaul of the central courtyard on the Los Angles Air Force Base (LAAFB), Raul Alvarez, a rising star on the PRIDE Industries Grounds team, was recognized with a challenge coin, a U.S. military tradition used to recognize a special achievement or boost morale, by Lt. Col. Little for his crucial part in the continued beautification of the site.

 

Raul joined PRIDE Industries’ Integrated Facilities Management contract at LAAFB only 14 months ago. He was referred to apply by PRIDE Industries’ Grounds Manager Nelson Osorio, who met Raul while he was working at Brightview Landscaping at the nearby Aerospace.

 

Since joining the team at 61 CELS, Raul has worked with the Grounds Shop and Irrigation Team, as well as helping General Maintenance Workers of various trades. His proficiency and dedication make him a go-to for training new hires and ensuring the base’s high standards are met.

 

Recently, the central courtyard area was experiencing many problems, including broken irrigation and dying grass that needed to be replaced. Raul helped with a project to fix these issues. In the end, the results were outstanding.

 

“[Lt. Col. Little] said that the base looks fantastic,” Raul says. “It’s a team effort. Everyone put in hard work to make the courtyard look its best.”

 

“It was a surprise [to get the coin]. It made me feel great. I was just happy, and it makes me want to work harder and prove myself. This is just the first opportunity, and each year you’ve got to get better. I enjoy the chance to continue learning with PRIDE Industries and plan to work towards a supervisory role.”

 

We appreciate Raul’s hard work and dedication towards LAAFB. Our employees like him help PRIDE Industries provide excellent service in helping our customers reach their goals.

Are you a veteran?

Contact our Veterans Employment Advantage Program for support.
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Raul Alvarez
Raul Alvarez receiving challenge coin from by Lt. Col. Little

“ I enjoy the chance to continue learning with PRIDE Industries and plan to work towards a supervisory role.”

“I felt unhappy with the low-wage jobs I held before I enlisted in the Navy. Joining the military awarded me an excellent opportunity to learn new vocational skills and the ability to serve my country around the world.”

 

Aaron Puente joined PRIDE Industries in 2011 as a Safety Manager at FOSSAC (Fitting Out and Supply Support Assistance), San Diego. His hard work and expertise in Shipboard Safety have led to a safer and more conducive environment for PRIDE’s employees; under his leadership; the site won the 2017 AEU’s (American Equity Underwriters) Safety Award in the Stevedores (Ship Loader) Small Employer Category.

 

Before starting his career with PRIDE, Aaron served in the Navy for 24 years. “My retirement and transition to civilian life had its struggles,” said Aaron. “For years I was programmed to do things a certain way. Fortunately, PRIDE found me at the right time as I retired in 2011. As we revised the safety protocols, my military skills helped give me the expertise to make the necessary changes in order to protect our employees while making our customer happy.”

 

“I enlisted in the Navy on July 9, 1987, as an E1 Non-Designated Seaman, later moving up to a Signalman (sailors that specialize in visual communication). At basic training, I still recall being woken up at 4AM by the company commander throwing a trash can while being yelled at by the ACC (Assistant Company Commander). I remember thinking ‘what did I get myself into?’”

 

“My first ship was the USS Truxtun CGN 35; in 1988, while onboard I was involved in Operation Praying Mantis (an attack on April 18, 1988, by U.S. forces retaliation for the Iranian mining of the Persian Gulf during the Iran–Iraq War and the damage to an American warship) in the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.  This was the start of the Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in late 1989 to mid-1990, which I also fought in while being stationed onboard the USS Jason AR 8.”

 

“During my service, I was taught a variety of vocational skills. As a Seaman, I learned Morse Code and nautical flag (semaphore) signals. Later as a Navy Counselor, I learned administrative skills, shipboard safety and management. However, the most important skill I learned was leadership, especially when I was promoted to E5, Leading Petty Officer. There was a lot of trial and error, but I adjusted and developed my style of leadership that helped me move further in rank and responsibility.”

 

“Before I joined the Navy, I only had a high school degree. With their support, I earned a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Management, and an Associate degree in Counseling and applied psychology.”

 

“I retired after 24 years of honorable service as an E7 Navy Counselor (Career) Chief.  I wish I could have “stayed Navy” even longer, but I had reached the maximum number of years to serve in my position.”

 

“Transitioning from military life to civilian life is difficult. For many years you are in a job you love, thinking you’ll be there forever. Then in the blink of an eye, you are retired. Keeping your military professionalism is crucial because it distinguishes veterans from others in civilian jobs. Enrolling in support programs can also help; the Navy has an excellent transitioning program called Senior Enlisted Assistance Transitioning Program (SEATAP), or the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc (REBOOT).”

 

“As a veteran with a disability, I have been proud to contribute to FOSSAC, San Diego’s success and to help create opportunities for others with disabilities. At the end of every workday, I come home happy and with a smile on my face, knowing that I made a difference and that I continue to serve my country, and did so for 24 years with honor.”

Are you a veteran?

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Aaron Puente

“As a veteran with a disability, I have been proud to contribute to FOSSAC, San Diego’s success and to help create opportunities for others with disabilities. ”

As college and vocational programs become even more critical to establishing a career, tuition and fees continue to rise, providing financial obstacles towards obtaining a diploma. These increases can especially hit students with disabilities hard; currently only about a third of students with disabilities who enroll in a four-year college or university graduate. For those who enroll in a community college program, less than half earn a diploma.

 

To help students with disabilities achieve their career goals by completing higher education, PRIDE Industries is proud to offer scholarships to colleges and universities in areas where we operate, including El Camino College, a two-year public community college near our Los Angeles AFB contract in El Segundo, CA.

 

The following letters were written by El Camino College’s 2018 recipients of the PRIDE Industries Scholarship for Students for Disabilities:

STACY I.

I appreciate your scholarship. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer, and due to the expensive cost of my treatment, I had a hard time paying my tuition fees. However, I was helped by your scholarship, as well as my family and husband.

 

My dream is to be a CPA, and I am working towards earning a license. I also would like to work to help others. This scholarship encourages me to pursue my dream, and I won’t give up. I wish I could say thank you in person.

MARTIN OMAR M.

Thank you for awarding me the PRIDE Industries scholarship; it will help me pay for books and save money to use towards transferring to a four-year university to pursue a nursing degree. Every little bit counts and I consider this to be a big help.

 

This is my first time getting a scholarship. I am motivated to do better, and my stress levels have been reduced, letting me focus better in class. Thank you for lending a helpful hand in my educational journey.

We are proud to help further the academic and career goals of our scholarship recipients, congratulations on your achievements!

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PRIDE Industries provides internships, job coaching and training programs, work transportation, assistive technology, and so much more for people with disabilities. Find out how we can help you pursue your career goals.
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“Thank you for awarding me the PRIDE Industries scholarship; it will help me pay for books and save money to use towards transferring to a four-year university to pursue a nursing degree.”