Employment Services

For more than 20 years, Robert Teaff owned a swimming pool cleaning business. He encountered personal hardship and found himself facing homelessness. With a learning disability and limited resources, he sought assistance from PRIDE Industries’ career coaching services in the hopes of re-entering the workforce with a long-term career.

Comprehensive Career Coaching Services

“I learned about PRIDE Industries while job searching on my own,” said Robert. “The mission to create jobs for people with disabilities and the opportunities for advancement all convinced me that it was a great company to work for. Through my Department of Rehabilitation Counselor, I was referred to PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services Office in Woodland, CA, in Spring 2019.”

At PRIDE Industries Robert connected with job coach Alissa Villegas to shape the skills needed to re-enter the job market, starting with building his resume from scratch.“When I first came to PRIDE Industries, I didn’t even have a resume, since I had never needed one,” Robert shared. With help from Alissa, he built his resume, honed his computer skills, and showcased his abilities to potential employers.

To help Robert reach his goal of working for PRIDE Industries, Alissa contacted PRIDE’s Recruiter at the Sacramento International Airport to recommend a job interview. In June 2019, Robert aced the interview and the recruiter hired him as a Custodian. “I felt so happy when I heard that I got the job; it was the best feeling in the world,” said Robert.

Job Coaches Dedicated to Post-Search Success

Once an applicant successfully searches for and lands a job, PRIDE Industries’ career services team provides ongoing support. This support ensures lasting success and satisfaction for the employee.

HR Representative and Case Manager Tameka Rich and Job Coach John Edwards arranged job coaching sessions. These sessions checked in on Roberts progress at his new job. After only a month, Robert was already receiving comments through PRIDE’s First-Class Customer Service Program regarding his excellent work.

“I feel appreciated and enjoy getting praised for what I do,” said Robert. “I am often thanked by people for cleaning the bathrooms so well and told that they are the cleanest they’ve ever seen.”

The following comment in particular called out Robert’s thoughtfulness:

“I have a temporary disability and needed to use the restroom, which was closed for cleaning. I asked through the taped-off section if the custodian could come to the entrance. After Robert saw I had a disability, he opened it up for me to use. This courtesy demonstrated Robert going above and beyond to accommodate me.”

Robert loves his job and is enthusiastic about his bright future. “I am proud to represent PRIDE Industries at the Sacramento Airport,” he said. “Without their help, I’d still be looking for a job today! My new goal is to work my way up to a custodial lead or supervisor, or possibly a job coach to help others with disabilities succeed in their jobs. With the earnings from this new job, I am also saving up money for a new apartment for my family and cat.”

“My job means everything to me. It’s the heart of my life. I feel worthy and confident.”

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PRIDE’s Job Developers assess each client’s strengths, abilities, and career interests to help make job placements through community employer connections.

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“Despite my learning disability and being out of the formal job market for so long, I found that getting back in was an easy experience!”

With motivation and drive, as well as the support of on-the-job training programs, John Miller Madrid rapidly built his career. Soon after graduating from high school, he started working as an Associate at Amazon’s Sort Center in San Bernardino, CA. “Before starting my job, I worked with my uncle in his mechanic shop, helping fix cars and cleaning the shop,” said John. “I enjoyed working with cars and started considering commercial driving as a career field.”

John desired to grow in his role at Amazon while working toward his goal of earning a CDL. To this end, John sought on-the-job training and support from PRIDE Industries. Ultimately, the support helped him succeed while making the workplace accessible in light of his learning disability.

After the Hire: On-the-Job Training Programs for Long-Term Success

As an Alternative Workforce Supplier for Amazon, PRIDE Industries partners with the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). In this role, PRIDE places referred candidates with disabilities into warehouse associate positions across California. To ensure success, PRIDE’s team of job coaches provides training, encouragement, and career advice.

John began working at the Amazon Sort Center in San Bernardino, CA. There, he categorized customer orders by their destination in the Southern California region. Next, he consolidated the orders onto trucks for rapid delivery. This incredibly fast-paced job requires accuracy and attention to detail.

“From the beginning, PRIDE’s staff provided beneficial training, and their on-site assistance gave me reassurance that someone was always there to help me,” said John. “I have auditory processing disorder (a learning disability that impacts the brain’s ability to filter and interpret sounds), which can make listening difficult. With their help, I learned quickly, and soon my managers knew that they could rely on me.”

John quickly proved his skills and earned a promotion. He then began to work with inbound and outbound delivery. Notably, his manager nominated him for the Top Performer Award in 2018 for hard work and willingness to help his team.

From Training to Moving Ahead

Meanwhile, John didn’t forget about his love of cars and his ultimate career goal.

“John had originally expressed an interest in working with vehicles, and we encouraged him to work towards a commercial driving position,” said PRIDE Employment Relationship Coordinator Mayra De Alba-Cajas. “The perfect opportunity appeared in 2019 when John applied and was hired for a Yard Hostler position due to his excellent performance record.” (A yard hostler directs vehicles at parking or docking areas to move, position, or park trucks or trailers.)

During hostler training, John worked in the yard shack to supervise night shift trucks. After completing his training, he took responsibility for organizing semi-trailers in the yard.

In 2019, funded by Amazon, John earned his CDL and began working as a truck driver with C.R. England. He thanked Amazon and PRIDE Industries for helping him reach his career goals.

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”Working at Amazon has changed my life. I have developed a career track and improved my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.”

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

PRIDE Industries' employment services will help you with writing your resume or finding a job.

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“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.

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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“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.”

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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“I want to give back and help veterans with disabilities live independently and adapt to the civilian work culture.”