Roseville, Calif. — On June 19, over 120 Regional Center providers, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and care homes throughout Northern California gathered at PRIDE Industries’ Roseville, CA headquarters. They were there as part of an effort to distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) to people with disabilities, a population that can be especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) provided the PPE, which was originally donated by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. PRIDE Industries stored the equipment—more than a million face masks and face shields.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges in keeping people with disabilities and their caregivers, program providers, and family members safe,” said Jeff Dern, President of PRIDE Industries. “PRIDE is happy to partner with the SCDD to help distribute critically needed resources.”
Teams from SCDD, Alta California Regional Center, PRIDE Industries, Air Wolf Express, and other entities helped load the PPE onto trucks for transport throughout Northern California. By the end of the day, this essential gear, including bottles of hand sanitizer, had been distributed to more than 100,000 individuals in Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Alpine, El Dorado, Yuba, Sutter, Colusa, and Yolo counties.
Sonya Bingaman, Sacramento Regional Manager of the SCDD expressed gratitude to the many organizations that worked with the SCDD to make this day happen.
“People with developmental disabilities are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19, which is why SCDD felt it was crucial to provide PPE to these individuals and others with disabilities,” she said. “We thank the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for providing the supplies and PRIDE Industries, the Alta California Regional Center, Air Wolf Express, and all the other wonderful organizations who participated today for their help and teamwork.”
About PRIDE Industries: PRIDE Industries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the leading employer of people with disabilities, with expertise providing facility operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, and fulfillment services to public and private organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE’s mission is to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities through person-centered job coaching, training, and placement. PRIDE’s mission extends across the country, assisting individuals to become self-sufficient, contribute to their communities, and achieve their employment goals. Learn more at prideindustries.com and follow PRIDE on Facebook.
The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is an independent state agency that ensures that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need. Learn more at https://scdd.ca.gov/.
PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.
