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With the determination to build a foundation of independence, Phoenix, a 16-year old young woman in foster care, enrolled in PRIDE’s Youth Services Program and she has graciously allowed us to share her story.

After Phoenix celebrated her 16th birthday, she soon realized she would be reaching a serious milestone. “In two years, I am going to be financially on my own,” says Phoenix. “I needed to get a job to start saving for my future.” However, getting that first job was more difficult than she had anticipated; lack of reliable transportation, a phone and prior job experience all presented challenges. When Phoenix was first invited to participate in an interview, she did not know how to navigate through difficult questions.

Fortunately, Phoenix’s foster mother referred her to PRIDE Industries’ Youth Services Program, which connected her with Job Developer Danielle Anderson. Together, they worked to create a resume and cover letter. Phoenix practiced interviewing and worked on her posture, speaking tone and eye contact. Practice soon made perfect, and Phoenix’s confidence increased.

In addition to the guidance provided by PRIDE’s staff, donors funded some essential items needed for employment success, including a cell phone and new interview attire.

The job search was not an easy one. “Not hearing back after applying was very frustrating,” says Phoenix. “As a minor, my job options were already limited.” Despite the long process, Phoenix persistently applied and followed up with every opportunity that she could find. After a few months, she landed an interview at a local restaurant. With the new skills that she had learned, Phoenix was hired on the spot as a store associate/cashier in June 2017.

“The guidance I received from Danielle and PRIDE’s Youth Services team will continue to help me when I attend college and begin focusing on starting a career,” says Phoenix.  Phoenix graduated from high school and is now attending Sierra College and moved out of her foster parents’ to Taylor House, a transitional home for former foster youth.

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Phoenix

“Coming from foster care, I often felt uncomfortable when asked questions about my personal life and background. I didn’t feel like I had the answers that they wanted.”

In 2018 Don Andrus joined PRIDE Industries’ Veteran Employment Services team in Fort Bliss, TX, through PRIDE’s internship program. Don began working in Rehabilitation Counseling to help veterans to hone their skillset and find meaningful jobs.

 

Don is a proud U.S. Army Disabled Veteran with 26 years of honorable military service. His distinguished 26-year career involved 14 separate tours of duty stateside and overseas, including Haiti and Honduras. Don earned several military awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Adjutant General’s Corps Order of the Horatio Gates (Bronze) Medal awarded for distinguished achievements and service to the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGCRA).  

A Strong Background in Veteran Employment Services

In the military, Don served in several different roles, including Human Resources. “I worked with many veterans with disabilities and witnessed how unaddressed mental health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder affected their chances of gaining or retaining employment.”

 

After retiring as a Sergeant First Class in 2010, Don himself struggled to obtain employment in his career field. So he decided to pursue his lifelong goal: earning a college degree. He graduated “magna cum laude” with a BA degree in Management and Human Resources from Park University. He was accepted to the Masters of Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). His goal was to establish a career as a VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Don is making great strides towards his goal. As a Graduate Research Assistant, he has co-authored articles including “Examining the Impact of ‘This Is My Brave’ on Mental Illness Stigma and Willingness to Seek Help: A Pilot Study” involving a study with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) El Paso’s Peer-to-Peer Education Program for adults with mental illness.

 

When he is not working on his degree, Don is an active volunteer in the El Paso community. He helps at Special Olympics events and participates in several community-led group forums that focus on mental health awareness. He was featured in UTEP Alumni Magazine for his work with the Opportunity Center for the Homeless of El Paso.

Expanding Vocational Training at PRIDE Industries

To gain more practical experience and insight into working with veterans with disabilities, Don joined PRIDE’s Employment Services team as an intern. PRIDE’s Ft. Bliss Integrated Facilities Management contract employs around 530 people, including 272 employees with disabilities and 68 veterans. With a team of Rehabilitation Counselors and Job Coaches, PRIDE identifies disabled veterans’ abilities and transferable skills for customized job placement and employment sustainability.

In his position, Don assists the Vocational Rehabilitation team with caseload management to maintain AbilityOne® compliance. He makes appointments with our employees, writes accommodations for disabilities or medical issues, schedules sign-language interpreters, and helps conduct the annual AbilityOne® evaluation process. Through individual assessments, Don also provides employees with resources and guidance, connecting them with the Employee Assistance Program or scheduling Functional Capacity Evaluations.

“When I evaluate an employee’s needs, exhibiting empathy and compassion are crucial when learning about their challenges and obstacles,” said Don. “As a result, my communication, critical thinking and listening skills have all improved throughout my internship.”

Making a Difference with Veteran Employment Services at Ft. Bliss

Don has already made a significant difference in the lives of our employees. Recently, a PRIDE employee and veteran reached out to describe his positive interaction:

 

“I wish to express my total appreciation to Don Andrus for our meeting on Thursday morning. He exhibited a professional attitude, and I felt that he genuinely wanted to get to know me. Don put in an effort to understand how I think and operate. I look forward to our next meeting; he is an excellent counselor in the rehabilitation department.”

 

We have been privileged to work with Don at PRIDE Industries and wish him the best as he continues his path to earning a career as a VA Vocational Counselor. “It’s been truly exciting to work with PRIDE Industries and have an opportunity to apply my military and human resources expertise,” said Don. “The Ft. Bliss Rehab team has over 25 years of cumulative experience, and it has been a wonderful experience to learn from them.”

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If you’re a veteran looking to build your career, PRIDE Industries is here for you.
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“I want to give back and help veterans with disabilities live independently and adapt to the civilian work culture.”

American Sign Language (ASL) is a language involving signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the primary language of many Americans who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and estimated to be utilized by 250,000 – 500,000 people.

 

At PRIDE’s Ft. Bliss site in El Paso, TX, many employees are deaf and hard-of-hearing. To facilitate communication between all employees and our customers, PRIDE’s Rehabilitation team of Job Coaches, ASL Interpreters, and Rehabilitation Counselors is ready to translate from English or Spanish to ASL, as well as Spanish to LSM (Lengua de Señas Mexicana/Mexican Sign Language) when needed.

 

Working to help individuals in the El Paso, TX community who want to pursue a career in sign language interpretation, PRIDE’s Ft. Bliss Rehabilitation Department annually partners with El Paso Community College (EPCC) to host two sign language student interns in the spring. This opportunity allows future interpreters and communication support personnel to gain hands-on experience, learn vocational sign language and practice their counseling skills.

 

In November, EPCC invited PRIDE ASL Interpreter and Job Coach (and EPCC Alumna) Melissa Cruz to present a lecture on Specialized Vocabulary for the students attending EPCC’s Sign Language course. Before joining PRIDE, Melissa worked in many different interpreting settings including post-secondary education, medical, mental health, and vocational trades.  She shared her insights on how to interpret on unfamiliar topics and/or specialized vocabulary (including vocational terminology), using her experiences in translating between employees and our military customer at PRIDE’s Integrated Facilities Management contract at Ft. Bliss. She received the following letter of appreciation from EPCC:

“Thank you for partnering with the El Paso Community College Sign Language Interpreter Preparation Program on November 14th, 2018. I appreciate you taking the time to come in and share your experiences and knowledge with the students, who all left feeling inspired and energized. You taught our students how to acquire specialized vocabulary as a Sign Language interpreter, and they learned a great deal that they could immediately apply to their practice. It is indeed a gift when working interpreters come in to share their experiences and advice.

 

Thank you again for your time and energy in presenting to the interpreting students. It was truly my pleasure.”

PRIDE scholarships

PRIDE Industries is also proud to provide scholarships to students with disabilities enrolled in colleges and universities in specific areas where we operate, including EPCC.
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Did You Know?

American SIgn Language (ASL) is estimated to be utilized by 250,000 – 500,000 Americans

“Hopefully my insight will give these students some preparation for an ever-changing profession,” said Melissa. “I’m so proud of where I work.”

Providing Integrated Facilities Management services for military bases across the country, PRIDE Industries’ employees are well equipped to manage several different scenarios to help our customers protect their facilities and allow our country’s troops to best conduct their training and operations.

The Fort Rucker Army Installation, located in southern Alabama, serves as a primary training base for Army Aviation; since 2013, PRIDE Industries has performed repair and maintenance for their facilities and grounds. PRIDE’s team faced a unique challenge there in November 2018 when the automatic shut-off system failed during the fueling of an aircraft at the Molinelli Airfield, releasing 6,000 gallons of jet propellant fuel (JPH). An estimated 350 to 400 gallons of jet fuel also hit the grounds around the secondary containment.

A Fast Response from PRIDE’s Facility Management Services

The Fort Rucker Environmental Department contacted PRIDE Fort Rucker Environmental and Health Services (EHS) Director, Walter Calloway, to request immediate assistance from the specially-trained PRIDE Oil Spill Team, consisting of Tommy Dixon (Safety Manager), David Warmouth (Facilities Manager), Scotty McCart (Lead Heavy Equipment Operator), Richard Henderson (Heavy Equipment Operator), Brad Dawkins (General Maintenance Worker) and Michael Beavers (Truck Driver).

Within 45 minutes, the PRIDE EHS team arrived. They worked along with the Fort Rucker Environmental Director on a plan to quickly contain the incident. Once the area was clear, they completed an evaluation to determine the extent of the spill. The PRIDE Oil Spill Team then tested the area, per the government request, by potholing the spill area to determine the depth and how much soil removal was required. Due to the hard-packed clay soil, PRIDE needed to remove 8 to 12 inches total.

The PRIDE Oil Spill Team worked for seven hours to remove all the contaminated soil and place it in an approved Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) land field. Next, PRIDE set a fuel barrier cloth with rocks on the ground and restored the landscape to its original state. After the ordeal, the team received the following feedback from the Fort Rucker Army Installation:

“Thank you for all of the support and quick response; the PRIDE employees who performed the clean-up operations were exceptional. Their attention to detail and efforts to ensure that the site was returned to the original (if not better) condition, was appreciated.”

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When it comes to integrated facility management services, it’s vital to choose a team you can trust. PRIDE Industries will provide you the same high standards for service that we provide Fort Rucker. Partner with us to keep your facility operations running smoothly and safely.
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“Thank you for all of the support and quick response; the PRIDE employees who performed the clean-up operations were exceptional.”

Each year 20,000+ youths in the United States emancipate from foster care, with most lacking critical support as they transition to young adulthood. An estimated 30-50 percent of youth in the foster care system exit without a high school diploma or GED. Only about 8% of foster youth go on to post-secondary education, and 5% or less of those ultimately earn a degree.  Within 18 months of exiting foster care, 50% are homeless.

 

PRIDE Industries proudly helps young adults in and emancipating from, the foster care system develop independence and self-sufficiency skills. PRIDE’s Youth Services provide support and guidance to teens while connecting them to their community. This success is made possible by your generous donations to PRIDE Industries through our Development and Donor Services program.

Scott's Story

It has been an exciting year for Scott, a high school senior who is currently on track to graduate from high school and getting ready to start a new, independent adult life. Like many of his peers, Scott participates in a variety of activities, including martial arts and fixing cars, and plans on attending community college to study mechanics or a technical trade.

From a very young age, Scott has had to face many challenges. Due to a turbulent and unstable family home life, he was placed in foster care, twice – once as a small child and again when he was 15. To get through these rough times, Scott turned to his brother and sister for support.

“My siblings and I all banded together during our family’s rough periods. They also helped me navigate through school,” said Scott. “When I was young, I was bullied and often struggled to make friends due to other kids not understanding my disabilities. As I got older, it became easier to connect with others. My family and close friends have continued to help me get to where I am today.”

As he started nearing the end of high school, Scott began exploring career options with his guidance counselor. She recommended PRIDE’s Youth Services Program.

To help guide him through this process, Scott was first provided with a PRIDE Job Developer/ Transitional Coordinator, Chrystie Martin in 2017. “At first it felt a little uncomfortable getting help,” said Scott. “However, it became easier as we started meeting together on a regular basis to work on employment preparation, building my resume and filling out job applications.”

In addition to helping youth with job preparation and placement, Job Developers also work with program participants on building life skills and soft-skills. Funding for Job Development services is possible from generous donations to PRIDE Industries. To prepare Scott for adulthood and self-sufficiency, Chrystie worked with him on fundamentals such as budgeting, obtaining a bank account and navigating public transportation.  Once he overcame these hurdles and gained these essentials skills, Scott was on his way to getting a job.

With Chrystie’s assistance, Scott received a paid internship at a local drugstore. “It was a big learning process for me,” said Scott. “So many things were new, especially dealing with difficult customers. I realized that many were either frustrated or just having a bad day; the key to working with them was learning how to relate with patience.” Through the internship, Scott learned how to interact with customers and the importance of providing outstanding customer service – a skill he can apply at any future job.

After completing his internship, Scott landed a position at an event and party planning company. “The confidence I gained from my previous position helped me develop better communication skills with my new supervisors and coworkers, including active listening and asking follow-up questions when given a new task.”

In Fall 2018, Scott stepped down from his position to focus on finishing up his high school program and is currently working on-call in a custodial position. “Thanks to PRIDE’s assistance, I have been able to start saving up for a vehicle and build a foundation for when I am ready to start a trade program,” said Scott. “It’s been wonderful seeing Scott’s skills and confidence improving over the past years,” said Chrystie. “We wish him the best as he graduates from high school and applies for college programs.”

Scott was able to overcome challenges to employment and gain essential life skills thanks to generous donations made to PRIDE Industries through our Development and Donor Services program.

Make a difference for foster youth

Help emancipated foster youth find purpose and independence through meaningful employment.
Learn more

Did You Know?

Only about 8% of foster youth go on to post-secondary education, and 5% or less of those ultimately earn a degree.

“Thanks to PRIDE’s assistance, I have been able to start saving up for a vehicle and build a foundation for when I am ready to start a trade program.”

Braden Matejek works as a Production Control Clerk at PRIDE Industries’ Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) contract. Located near Honolulu, HI, the MCBH hosts 9,517 people including Marine Corps members, sailors, military family members and civilian employees. In his job, Braden acts as a liaison between the Marines Corps and the PRIDE facilities team to make sure the overall condition of the buildings is in top shape – helping keep the barracks home-like for our country’s troops and their families.

 

Before joining PRIDE Industries, Braden served in the U.S. Army for 7 years, where he learned the leadership skills that have helped him succeed in his career today:

 

“I enrolled as a PV2 in the Dog Company, 1/503 BN, 173rd Airborne Brigade. Following completion of Basic and Advanced Infantry school, as well as the Airborne school in Ft. Benning, GA, I was sent to Vicenza, Italy. I was stationed there for three short months in 2010 before we were deployed to serve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.”

 

“Serving in Afghanistan was a humbling experience; our mission was to fight against the Taliban insurgent forces. I experienced major culture shock while living in this hostile environment, but also gained a sense of gratitude for so many things that I had took for granted. During intense situations, I learned patience, and developed a tenacity for overcoming obstacles and challenging events. I became aware that I am capable of accomplishing anything and grew into that “never quit” mentality.”

 

“During my second deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, I earned a promotion to Sergeant (E5), which came with the responsibility of leading a squad of young men during an incredibly rough period. Through our time together, I watched them grow and develop throughout harsh conditions and ferocious firefights. When my team and I exited off the C17 aircraft in Ft. Bragg, NC, where our families were waiting to welcome us back with open arms, I felt incredibly proud that I had helped lead them back safely to home soil.”

 

“I unfortunately acquired a service-connected disability during this second tour in Afghanistan due to multiple IED strikes on my vehicle and was awarded two Purple Hearts. The hardest part of having a newly acquired disability was learning to accept myself as the same person, just with different traits.”

“After reaching my last post in Hawaii in 2016, I decided it was time to pursue other avenues in life. I finished my tenure as an E5/Sergeant and was medically discharged from service. Transition to civilian life was difficult; the first few weeks were like the honeymoon phase of being married; then real life soon sets in. I missed the brotherhood of the Infantry and loyalty of those men and women that I served with.”

 

“Establishing a support system of friends and family, as well as finding a passion, is vital to any veteran’s success after military life. I started spending more time at the ocean, took up free-diving and surrounded myself with a great people of a common mind. My other piece of advice for transitioning to civilian life is to take things slow, remain flexible and resilient, and follow your plan to success. Remember your military training and become comfortable knowing that you hold the correct skill set to carry you forward. Much of my own self-reliance and perseverance was used to get me to where I am today.”

 

“Another challenging aspect of transitioning to civilian life was searching for a new career; I searched for positions through USA Jobs, but received no offers. I eventually googled “work for disabled veterans,” and PRIDE Industries came up. I was soon connected with the incredible Job Developer/AbilityOne Recruiter Sean Sullivan and was hired in 2016.”

 

“I love the opportunity to continue interacting with our young men and women in uniform and enjoy the chance to share my military expertise while managing the barracks on base. My experience with PRIDE has been excellent, and I am trusted to do my job correctly. The accommodations for employees with disabilities are wonderful, and everyone is given the opportunity to succeed in employment.”

 

“Working for PRIDE Industries has made my life in Hawaii more purposeful and has given me the ability to enjoy moments with my family more than any other company would.”

Braden Matejek
Braden Matejek

“I joined the military in 2009 after graduating high school in South Dakota to help those around the world whose voices go unnoticed.”

Braden Matejek serving in the military
Braden was awarded two Purple Hearts due to multiple IED strikes in Afghanistan