Employment Services

A Life-Changing Opportunity for Mental Health Recovery

In 2018, Saad’s life changed forever when he experienced a severe psychotic episode with intense paranoia. This episode landed him in the hospital, where staff diagnosed him with bipolar disorder, psychosis, stimulant use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Despite the obstacles he faced, Saad decided to take this moment and dedicate himself to recovery.

Through perseverance and a determination to get his life on a more positive footing, Saad became sober and earned employment as a busser. However, he felt ready for a change and wanted a more stable career. In 2021, Saad got the support team that he needed when he joined our Mental Health Cooperative Program, which is part of PRIDE Industries’ Employment Services Department. From the start, Saad impressed everyone on his support team with his work ethic, and after undergoing a vocational assessment, he decided to pursue a career in pest control. Our staff was there to make this dream a reality.

Mental Health in the Workplace: How Employment Preparation Leads to a Career

At PRIDE Industries, we realize how important the role of employment is for emotional wellness. And we aren’t the only ones. According to a report by the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, a job raises self-esteem, improves financial stressors, and provides coping strategies for psychiatric symptoms.

This was certainly the case for Saad, as he takes pride in self-sufficiency and independence.

After his assessment, Saad took the initiative and researched the vocational requirements for his chosen field. He even interviewed pest control professionals. This hard work culminated in success when Saad earned a full-time position with a pest control company in 2022. Saad is now happily employed, and knows he can count on PRIDE Industries’ mental health cooperative team to provide any support or advocacy he may need.

“We are so proud of Saad and his commitment to achieving his dreams and maintaining his health,” said Georgia Bielz, Employment Services Manager at PRIDE Industries. “This really is just the beginning for him.”

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“We are so proud of Saad and his commitment to achieving his dreams and maintaining his health.”

—Georgia Bielz, Employment Services Manager at PRIDE Industries

As the pandemic raged and basic goods went missing from our favorite stores’ shelves, the supply chain links involved in getting a product from point A to point Z were illuminated. And, turns out, one of the most imperative is truck transportation. Yet, given the job’s demands and workforce demographics, the trucking industry was already experiencing a decline in drivers. The pandemic compounded this trend, while creating a marked increase in e-commerce and home-delivered goods. As a result, the last two years have seen companies lose even more long-haul truckers. But one big-box giant is changing that.

This April, Walmart raised salaries for first-year truckers to between $95,000 and $110,000 annually.

The average American trucker’s salary is about $56,491. Walmart, already known for paying its truckers better than average, is nearly doubling that. But will other large retailers follow suit? Moreover, is the importance of a well-linked supply chain changing the way companies think—not only about truckers, but about all employees involved in getting goods from the manufacturer to seller to end-user?

Wage increases, across the supply-chain employee spectrum, suggest the answer is “yes.”

According to Material Handling & Logistics News, 59 percent of supply chain workers received a salary increase during the pandemic. And the trend isn’t limited to the U.S.

In Britain, for example, a recent survey shows that truckers and dock workers have become more appreciated by the general public than teachers or the police. Commenting on the survey’s results, Tim Morris, Chief Executive of the UK Major Ports Group, said, “More of the public have also woken up to the complex, sophisticated supply chains that deliver our just-in-time lives and businesses.” (Source: Financial Times)

And this appreciation isn’t just a matter of words. In 2021, British truck drivers’ salaries rose—some by as much as 40 percent overnight, according to a BBC article.

While Brexit has factored into the loss of truckers in the U.K., other reasons cited match those here in the U.S., including an aging workforce entering retirement, relatively low wages, workers pivoting to less-grueling industries, and COVID-19-related concerns—all in addition to the exhausting nature of the job, itself.

Back in the U.S., supply-chain staffing woes may get worse before they get better. For example, as West Coast union dock workers’ contracts move toward June expiration, the possibility of strike looms. Relatively well paid by standards typically attributed to “blue collar” jobs, longshore workers cite the dangers associated with their work and the huge profits made by the companies whose goods they move.

With both dock workers and truckers willing to leave their jobs, might Walmart’s move to raise its truck drivers’ wages signal a new value applied to supply chain workers at large?

Jonathan Starks, chief intelligence officer at FTR Transportation Intelligence, thinks so. In a multi-published statement, Starks said it was “likely other firms would follow Walmart’s approach to lift pay for drivers, including for-hire carriers . . .” (Source: Financial Times)

As for Walmart, not only are they looking to hire truck drivers, they’re also looking to keep them.

Those ways aren’t yet clear, but one thing is: All organizations that rely on supply chain workers will need to step up their recruitment and retention offerings.

Tony Lopez, Vice President of Manufacturing and Logistics Services for PRIDE Industries, concurs.

“Companies are having to look at industry-competitive compensation in real-time, to stay ahead of the curve, or risk losing applicants,” said Lopez. “They also risk losing their existing workforces to companies that pay more—and are right around the corner.”

Interested in partnering with PRIDE Industries to help your business?

“More of the public have also woken up to the complex, sophisticated supply chains that deliver our just-in-time lives and businesses.”

(Source: Financial Times)

“In that moment when you really connect with a client, you get to see what an incredible impact a job has on their lives.”

Job coaches are essential to our mission, as they help thousands of people with disabilities reach successful, long-term employment. By providing custom one-on-one training, tailored to each individual, coaches empower their clients to earn confidence, self-sufficiency, and growth in their positions. Job coaches also work with businesses to request disability accommodations or job carving for their clients—creating win-win situations for both employers and their dedicated employees with disabilities.

We are fortunate to have many dedicated job coaches on our staff. But we also need your support. By donating to The Michael Ziegler PRIDE Industries Foundation, you make it possible for us to hire more job coaches and ensure employment success for more people with disabilities.

The nonprofit social enterprise is named a VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer Honoree

Roseville, Calif. — PRIDE Industries has earned the designation of VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer, as part of the 2022 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The acknowledgement recognizes the nonprofit social enterprise’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.

“PRIDE Industries has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to veterans and the military community through its efforts to recruit, support, and promote those who served our country bravely,” said George Altman, managing director of VETS Indexes.

As the most objective and comprehensive evaluation of veteran employers, the VETS Indexes Employer Awards’ in-depth survey and recognition program analyzes employers’ policies, practices, and outcomes, in detail, across the following five categories:

Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring
Veteran employee development and retention
Veteran-inclusive company policies and culture
Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves
Military spouse/family support

“PRIDE Industries’ VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer rating once again demonstrates our commitment to seeking and supporting veterans’ employment opportunities,” said Major General (Retired) Casey Blake, Chief Operating Officer at PRIDE Industries. “Another strong validation that we’re ‘all in’ when it comes to supporting America’s heroes and their families.”

PRIDE Industries recognizes that the experience veterans gain serving our country makes them valuable employees. The organization currently employs hundreds of veterans in all areas of the company and has provided support and services to thousands more in the form of coaching, ensuring job readiness, and providing employment placement assistance.

“VETS Indexes recognizes companies dedicated to providing employment opportunities and careers for our nation’s veteran heroes and their families,” said Frank Goehringer, Veterans Liaison at PRIDE Industries. “This award, however, really belongs to the veterans, disabled veterans, and their spouses. Veterans represent one of our nation’s richest talent pools.”

Resources for veterans include PRIDE Industries’ one-of-a-kind I AM ABLE employment helpline [(844) 426-2253], a dedicated Veterans Liaison, and a Military Skills Translator tool that helps veterans match their skills and talent to a civilian career. In addition, PRIDE Industries can help veterans access paid internships as well as mentoring and training programs. And to help other companies increase their hiring of diverse candidates, including veterans, the company provides recruiting services through its Inclusive Talent Solutions service.

“One of the best ways to help veterans is to connect them with fulfilling and meaningful careers at organizations where they can develop their skills and grow into senior leaders,” said Altman. “As a VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer, PRIDE Industries has proven to be a welcoming home for veterans and military spouses who want to start the next phases in their lives.”

Nearly 120 organizations submitted surveys to be considered for the awards, including large and small companies, government agencies and departments, nonprofit groups, colleges, and universities. Of the organizations who participated in the award process, PRIDE Industries was one of only 24 to receive the VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer recognition.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and staffing and recruitment services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day. Learn more at https://PRIDEIndustries.com.

About VETS Indexes

VETS Indexes is an independent provider of custom indexes within the Environmental, Social and Governance arena. Drawing on deep and broad industry experience, we construct and disseminate thematic impact indexes for investors, exchanges, and asset managers which serve as the underlying portfolios for financial products. As the world’s first resource for U.S. Military Veterans’ themed indexes, our mission is to provide innovative solutions that recognize the value created by the mission critical mindset, unique skill sets, and specialized training that veterans bring to the workplace. Our Mission also includes a commitment to always donate a significant portion (target of 20% and no less than 5%) of our net profits to charitable organizations that support the wellness of our Military Veterans and their families. Learn more at VETSIndexes.com.

Are you a veteran?

At PRIDE Industries, U.S. veterans will find a team that welcomes and supports them as they develop their future careers.

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Media Contact

Kat Maudru

(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

The nonprofit social enterprise is acknowledged for sustained support in advancing workplace diversity and inclusion

Roseville, Calif. — PRIDE Industries has been recognized by the Forum on Workplace Inclusion (The Forum) in its 2022 Diversity Awards as a Winds of Change Award honorable mention.

The Forum’s Winds of Change Award goes to an individual, organization, or group that:

Has demonstrated sustained support for advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Has raised awareness of workplace diversity and inclusion issues.
Has been a catalyst for change regarding workplace diversity and inclusion and/or has impacted change within an industry, organization, or local community.

PRIDE Industries provides employment placement services for people with disabilities and trains people and organizations on how to build an inclusive workplace culture. More than 50 percent of PRIDE Industries’ workforce has a disclosed disability, demonstrating the success of an inclusive workforce model across multiple industries. The nonprofit social enterprise partners with hundreds of businesses to place people with disabilities in open positions while providing job coaching and support.

A pioneer in the inclusivity movement, PRIDE Industries’ influence stretches from small businesses to Fortune 500 organizations. Their impact also reaches veterans and former foster youth, through their Veterans Employment Advantage Program and Foster Youth Liaisons, respectively.

In 2021, PRIDE Industries launched a one-of-a-kind, free I AM ABLE Employment Helpline, connecting people with disabilities to support services and employment opportunities. Helpline support is offered in both English and Spanish.

Also in 2021, PRIDE Industries’ CEO Jeff Dern signed the CEO Action Pledge (CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion ™), committing himself and PRIDE Industries to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Since 2008, The Forum’s Diversity Awards Program has recognized individuals or organizations showcasing exemplary insight and fortitude in the area of workplace diversity. Nominations are submitted for individuals, organizations, or a group within an organization such as an Employee Resource Group or Diversity Council.

About PRIDE Industries

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

Learn More

Media Contact

Kat Maudru

(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

Las personas hispanohablantes ahora podrán llamar al teléfono (844) I-AM-ABLE para conseguir ayuda para empleo para personas con discapacidades

Roseville, Calif. — PRIDE Industries ha añadido trabajadores sociales hispanohablantes a su línea de ayuda I AM ABLE, una exclusiva línea directa de empleo para personas con discapacidades y otras barreras para conseguir empleo. Se incluyen veteranos militares, individuos que han estado bajo cuidado tutelar, y sobrevivientes del tráfico humano. Lanzado en 2021, este servicio gratuito basado en el estado de California, conecta a personas en el estado con recursos de apoyo, entrenamiento para trabajo, y oportunidades de empleo. Las personas pueden contactar la línea directa bilingüe llamando al número (844) I-AM-ABLE o (844) 426-2253, o visitando la página web iamablehelpline.com.

“La línea de ayuda es un lugar centralizado para que las personas en California se conecten con el apoyo y las oportunidades que necesiten”, dice Jeff Dern, Presidente y Director General de PRIDE Industries. “Y ahora, la comunidad hispanohablante en nuestro estado también podrá obtener acceso más facilmente a estos programas y servicios”.

La tercera parte de los residentes de California habla español, y para algunos de ellos, el español es su idioma principal. Al añadir una opción en español a su línea de ayuda de empleo, la empresa social sin fines de lucro busca hacer su línea de ayuda más accesible a miles más de personas anualmente.

PRIDE Industries lanzó la línea de ayuda I AM ABLE como parte de su misión de crear empleos para personas con discapacidades. La línea tuvo un éxito inmediato, ya que muchas personas estaban llamándo aún antes de que se anunciara el servicio oficialmente. Un análisis interno por la compañía reveló que más del 85% de las personas que llamaron a la línea de ayuda no estaban enteradas de los servicios disponibles para las personas con discapacidades y otras personas que se enfrentan con barreras para conseguir empleo.

“Una gran parte de lo que hacemos es educativo”, dijo Casandra Hatfield, Gerente de la línea de ayuda I AM ABLE. “Informamos a las personas cuales son los programas para los que se califican, y cómo pueden alcanzarlos. Muchas de las personas que llaman pasan luego a recibir servicios por medio de programas nuestros. Nosotros en PRIDE Industries proporcionamos el entrenamiento vocacional que las personas necesiten, y aún podemos ayudarles a buscar un puesto, ya sea con nosotros o con uno de nuestros muchos socios de empleo. Y todo empieza con esa llamada a la línea de ayuda”.

La línea de ayuda I AM ABLE es uno de los múltiples servicios que ofrece PRIDE Industries, que ha estado ayudando a personas con discapacidades a lograr sus metas laborales desde 1966. Como parte de su misión, la compañía opera varias líneas de negocio, incluyendo manufactura y logística,
servicios de cadena de suministro, mantenimiento de instalaciones, y servicios de personal y reclutamiento. Sus clientes incluyen tanto entidades gubernamentales como empresas privadas.

“Todos nuestros servicios de la línea de ayuda se han hechos basados en más de 55 años de nuestro compromiso de hacer el empleo más accesible a todas las personas”, dijo Dern. “Animamos a las personas con discapacidades a hacer la llamada y empezar su camino hacia grandes oportunidades de empleo y a realizar su verdadero potencial”.

Respecto a PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries provee excelencia comercial con un impacto social positivo. Como empresa social, proveemos servicios de operación de instalaciones y servicios de mantenimiento, servicios de custodia, manufactura por contrato, cadena de suministro, servicios de empaque y cumplimiento, y servicios de personal y reclutamiento para organizaciones privadas y públicas en todo el país. Fundado en 1966, PRIDE Industries tiene la misión de crear empleos para personas con discapacidades. Por medio de nuestros servicios de empleo personalizados, ayudamos a individuos a realizar su verdadero potencial y llevar vidas más independientes. PRIDE Industries comprueba el valor de su modelo de una fuerza laboral inclusiva por medio del éxito operacional realizado diariamente a través de múltiples industrias. Adquiera más información en la página web https://PRIDEIndustries.com

Media Contact

Kat Maudru

(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.