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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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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.”

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.”

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an annual campaign that takes place in October. NDEAM aims to promote workplace inclusion by increasing awareness about the challenges and contributions of workers with disabilities. 2018’s theme is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.”

 

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we invite your business to consider partnering with PRIDE Industries. We will pair you with dedicated, qualified employees who enjoy being productive and making a contribution to their community while excelling in their position.

Employment Programs to Promote Inclusion at Work

People with disabilities often face significant barriers to employment. These barriers result in lower rates of participation in the labor force and higher unemployment rates compared to non-disabled workers. Yet when they are able to find fulfilling work, they perform well and tend to have a high retention rate.

 

Employment is essential to an individual’s sense of purpose, dignity, inclusion and economic growth, ultimately resulting in a happier life. With a history spanning over 50 years, PRIDE Industries is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities nationwide. We focus on abilities rather than disabilities, and our inclusive programs and services help individuals overcome obstacles to employment. We also provide opportunities at all skill levels to help candidates from all walks of life  achieve their definition of success and self-sufficiency.

 

By partnering with PRIDE Industries, your business can leverage our person-centered services including assessments, job skills development, training, placement, transportation, and ongoing support to ensure long-term employment success and inclusion at work. PRIDE places people in its business lines and provides support to individuals in community-based opportunities.

Workplace inclusion benefits all

When inclusion at work becomes a goal for your business, everyone wins. Learn more about the many ways you can work with PRIDE Industries to build an inclusive workplace, expand your staff, and create jobs for people with disabilities.
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PRIDE Industries is proud to be the largest provider of employment services for individuals with disabilities in the state of California. What makes this success possible is our network of dedicated Job Developers and Job Coaches, who assess each client’s abilities, strengths and obstacles while identifying new employment placement opportunities.

Kimberly Jamerson is a Job Developer in PRIDE’s Placerville, California office. In this role, she connects individuals with disabilities to employers in the local community – annually placing approximately 12-15 individuals in employment. Below is a description of her role, told in her own words:

“I joined PRIDE as an Independent Living Skills Coordinator and was later promoted to a Job Developer in 2010. Through time, I learned how to identify each individual’s capabilities and how to address their obstacles to employment.”

“Our consumers (clients) have various types of intellectual or developmental disabilities; many of them are looking for their first job. During the intake process, we learn about their interests, capabilities, and challenges. My role then is to prepare them for potential employment (Employment Preparation) while building their confidence and ensuring them that they will have support throughout the process.”

“Placerville, CA is located within El Dorado County, which is mainly rural. This location presents obstacles, especially since many of our consumers do not have access to a vehicle or cannot drive, and the bus system is limited. We work to identify solutions to transportation and any other barriers towards job attendance and performance prior to a consumer being placed in employment.”

“It might take several interviews over a long period of time, but I work hard to find each consumer a job. For example, I had an individual that struggled to measure time. We worked with him by purchasing a specialized watch and practicing clocking in/out. Practice made perfect, and he was soon hired as a courtesy clerk at a grocery store. He has worked there now for over two years!”

“Making that first connection with employers and business owners is often challenging; it is similar to conducting a sales pitch and requires multiple-follow ups. Many are skeptical about PRIDE’s mission and success rates. However, I’m passionate about my job and will do whatever I can to help educate employers about our programs and the abilities of our consumers.”

“Persistence does pay off, and it’s always worthwhile when I start a relationship between PRIDE and a new business partner. My strategy is to identify the best person to introduce myself to, explain how the unique abilities of our consumer(s) will meet their needs, and how PRIDE will support them along the way. The best part of my job is when I’m able to help both parties and create more opportunities for people with disabilities – especially when businesses start to contact me when they need new employees!”

“In summary, my job allows me to work with people from all walks of life, create a more diverse workforce, and to use my creativity to help change lives. There is nothing more rewarding than when an individual with a disability reaches their goal and earns the independence that comes with a job.”

We thank you, Kimberly, for your dedication towards placing individuals with disabilities into employment and making a positive impact.

Move forward in your career

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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Kimberly Jamerson
Kimberley Jamerson, Job Developer in PRIDE’s Placerville, CA office

“There is nothing more rewarding than when an individual with a disability reaches their goal and earns the independence that comes with a job.”

Since its earliest days, Amazon has been committed to creating an inclusive workplace. With more than 500,000 employees globally, Amazon strives to foster a sense of community among employees of various backgrounds to foster engagement and innovation.

 

Like all other diversity groups, Amazon recognizes that people with disabilities add value to the workforce. The company is committed to increasing diversity by being inclusive in its recruitment efforts. Amazon employs people with disabilities across its entire business, from roles focused on the accessibility features of products to positions not related to accessibility, including engineering, design, product management, operations, and senior management roles.

Partnering with PRIDE to Build an Inclusive Workplace

Last summer, PRIDE Industries partnered with Amazon as an Alternative Workforce Supplier. PRIDE Industries is one of seven nonprofit agencies (NPA’s) chosen to recruit, assess, interview, train, and provide onsite support for people with disabilities employed by Amazon, thus helping Amazon continue to succeed as an inclusive workplace.

 

PRIDE will be placing people with disabilities at Amazon Prime Now and sortation facilities across California. Initially PRIDE provided placement services in Southern California, then quickly expanded into San Diego, the Bay Area and Sacramento.

 

By partnering with PRIDE Industries, Amazon can leverage its person-centered services. These include assessments, job skills development, training, placement, and ongoing support to ensure long-term employment success.

AWSP: A Win for Both Amazon and Employees

PRIDE has been part of the Amazon Alternative Workforce Supplier Program (AWSP) for nearly a year. The goal is to place and support people with disabilities into employment. Early results have proven positive for those with disabilities and for Amazon. According to Amazon, AWSP associates at participating Amazon sites have shown better quality and average productivity when compared to what are often seen as more traditional workforce programs. 

 

By not only accepting nontraditional talent, but actively seeking it out, the AWSP has built new job opportunities for people who have often had a hard time gaining full-time or part-time employment. An inclusive workplace benefits everyone. 

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.
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