Employment Services

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.

Learn More

Our Woodland Employment Services Center is a small office with one Job Developer and three Job Coaches that services Yolo County, CA. Despite their small size, the team has created a huge impact in the community; for the last two years they have served more than 90 job development clients, provided 500 hours of job coaching and placed more than 50 people in employment. With funding made possible by generous donations to PRIDE Industries Foundation, they also create opportunities by offering paid internships to qualified individuals with disabilities looking to start their careers. Below are two stories of successful job placement:

John Curtis' Story

As a PRIDE Industries Job Coach, John Curtis helps clients with disabilities by providing coaching and training. John works very closely with each client to ensure they are successfully placed, starting with the intake process through their first weeks of employment preparation and following along after assisting the client in securing employment. He also maintains accurate case notes, reports throughout the process, and provides offsite job coaching, external situational assessments, vocational assessments and PVSA services.

What helps make John so successful at his job is his ability to relate to his clients’ experience – navigating a job search while having a disability. In 2016, John experienced a back injury; this disability and a lack of work experience (after recently obtaining his high school diploma) created obstacles to finding work. Seeking help, he contacted the Department of Rehabilitation, which referred him to PRIDE Industries.

After completing an ESA (External Situational Assessment) in 2017, to determine his job skills and interests, John started a paid internship at PRIDE’s Woodland, CA Employment Services Office. “John is a wonderful addition to our Woodland team,” says Job Developer Tara Vittone. “He learned so much in such a short period of time and occasionally helps solve our computer problems!” Just three months later, John was offered a permanent position with PRIDE.

In less than two years, John accomplished two major goals: completing his high school education and obtaining a full-time, meaningful job at PRIDE Industries. He plans to attend college to grow his career and aims to purchase his own home.

“Employment has changed my life for the better. The opportunity to help my clients with disabilities succeed in employment motivates me every day.”

Aren Scardaci's Story

Aren struggled to find a full-time job that utilized his educational background. To jump start his career, he was referred to PRIDE Industries in late 2016.

With the extra help, Aren was able to extend his job search. “PRIDE’s staff was very supportive, and they helped me refine my employment soft skills while accommodating for my disability,” says Aren. “PRIDE works very hard to find their clients a job that fits their skills and background.”

To strengthen his resume, Aren was offered an internship with the Woodland Office in 2017. As an intern, he assisted with facilitating Job Club and working one-on-one with other PRIDE clients seeking employment. “Coaching other individuals allowed me to gain communication and practical skills that continue to help me today,” says Aren. His Job Developer also helped place Aren in a clerical volunteer position at the local United Way to continue to diversify his skills.

All the hard work finally paid off; in October 2017, Aren interviewed and was hired as a Computer Learning Center Coordinator job at Yolo County Housing. In this position, he helps youth residents use the computer lab, assists with homework and class material and leads educational activities.

“This job is a perfect fit for me,” says Aren. “I enjoy sharing my outdoor education background with the residents. We recently conducted a scavenger hunt of California state parks using Google Maps.”

“I’m thankful for all the care and support from PRIDE’s staff. Employment has given me greater independence, and I am enjoying my new career. I also hope that my story can be used to encourage others with disabilities who are struggling to find employment.”

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

Learn More

“Coaching other individuals allowed me to gain communication and practical skills that continue to help me today.”

A job means so much more than a paycheck – it provides meaning, self-esteem and a chance to learn skills. MaryHelen Ceballos is an employee at PRIDE’s Ft. Bliss TX contract. With support and accommodations, she is thriving in her job.

“My life has not been easy due to my disabilities,” says MaryHelen. “I became hard-of-hearing when I was five years old. During school, I unexpectedly lost about half of my hearing in my left ear and was left only with a loud buzz in my right ear. Despite multiple MRI’s, CAT scans, blood work – my doctors had no explanation for my hearing loss. It was devastating.”

Despite her hearing loss, MaryHelen’s mother continued to enroll her in a non-deaf school. Unfortunately, this was not always a welcome environment. “My teachers did not understand how to help a hard of hearing child,” says MaryHelen. “Many doubted I would even graduate high school. Since I was different than the other children, I struggled to make friends.”

Through perseverance, MaryHelen overcame many challenges and excelled academically, participating in speech pathology classes to improve her communication skills. “My proudest moment was when I graduated high school with several scholarships to college,” says MaryHelen. However, the poor treatment that she had received discouraged her so much that MaryHelen declined her college acceptance and found work as a grocery store cashier.

Unfortunately, disability can strike at any moment – MaryHelen was injured while working and needed back surgery. “My employer refused to accommodate my disabilities,” says MaryHelen. “Despite the fact that my doctor had not yet cleared me for work and that I needed to use a walker and attend physical therapy, I was immediately terminated after a week of leave. ”After my dismissal, I applied for job after job. No employer would hire me due to my back injury and the accommodations needed for me to hear others on the job. I just felt lost and alone.”

To get back on a career path, MaryHelen went back to college to get her certificate in sign language while searching for new employment. Fortunately, a friend suggested that she apply for a job at PRIDE Industries. “I found out that most of my hard of hearing and deaf friends worked there. I wanted to be part of PRIDE’s mission to create jobs for people with disabilities,” says MaryHelen. After interviewing twice, she was hired in July 2016.

“I was happy for the first time in several years since my back injury. Working for PRIDE has changed my life drastically. For the first time in my life, I am not ashamed to be hard-of-hearing, and I get the help I need at work. I feel like I have been given a second chance.”

At Ft. Bliss, MaryHelen works as a clerk for the Electrical, Fire Alarms and Environmental shops in support of PRIDE’s military customer. To help her succeed at her job, she was provided a telephone with a volume booster, as well as a lift desk and lumbar chair. ASL interpreters and job coaches are available to help with translation when needed. “Since starting at PRIDE, MaryHelen has done very well in the Service Order Desk department. She is a quick learner, very organized and follows all processes precisely,” says Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Ronda Davenport.

“Everyone is friendly here, I love my job and the people I work with,” says MaryHelen. “We truly function as a team and take care of each other. I couldn’t ask for more in a job position.”

Need employment placement support?

Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

“Working for PRIDE has changed my life drastically. For the first time in my life, I am not ashamed to be hard-of-hearing.”

Each year there are 20,000+ youths aging out of foster care programs across the nation. Many have no significant safety net or family to support them during their transition to young adulthood. As a result, they face great difficulty in gaining steady employment. Only 71% of youth in foster care will receive a high school diploma by age 19. And only 10% will attend college – lowering career prospects.

To help foster youth develop independence and self-sufficiency skills, PRIDE Industries offers employment services such as job search help and training programs for young adults in, and aging out of, the foster care system. PRIDE’s Youth Services and Internship Programs provide support and guidance to teens while connecting them to internships and jobs in the community. This success is made possible by generous donations to the PRIDE Industries Foundation.

With the determination to build a foundation of independence, Phoenix, a 16-year old in foster care, enrolled in PRIDE’s Youth Services Program in December 2016. She has graciously shared her story with us.

Seeking a Job to Prepare for Aging Out: Phoenix’s Story

Phoenix will be aging out of foster care soon, and her future is looking bright. Currently a senior in high school, she maintains a 3.5 GPA, is taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes and is excited about attending college next year in the fall. Phoenix has overcome many obstacles in her life as a youth in foster care. These include adjusting to a new city, school and family. With purpose and drive, she maintains a positive attitude and continues to thrive.

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 a car and 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 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 with multiple PRIDE Job Developers and worked on her posture, speaking tone and eye contact. Practice soon made perfect, and Phoenix’s confidence increased.

Aside from guidance from PRIDE’s staff, the Foundation provided Phoenix with a cell phone, interview clothing, and other essential items.

PRIDE’s Job Program and Phoenix’s Hard Work Paid Off

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 called to inquire about opportunities at a local restaurant and landed an interview. With the new skills that she had learned, Phoenix was hired on the spot as a store associate/cashier in June 2017.

“The Youth Services team was so proud of Phoenix for reaching her goal,” says Danielle. “The skills that she learned including customer service, teamwork and balancing multiple priorities, will help her in future career pursuits.” Having a job not only provided a paycheck, but it has also improved Phoenix’s self-confidence. “I was able to purchase my first smartphone and started saving for college,” says Phoenix. With the experience gained from her first position, Phoenix applied again to a department store. She is now working as a cashier in an environment that she enjoys.

After she graduates from high school in spring 2018, Phoenix plans to study psychology and become a therapist, focusing on adolescents. “The guidance I received from Danielle and PRIDE’s Youth Services team will continue to help me when I attend college and build a career,” says Phoenix.

Brighten your future

PRIDE Industries’ employment programs include coaching, mentoring, internships, and a variety of job services to help foster youth prepare for aging out or find success after they have already left the system.

Learn More

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

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans, or about 2.6% of the U.S. population age 18 and older every year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It can be hard to find jobs for people with bipolar disorder, and it can be difficult for them to find work they enjoy.

Cecilia “Cecy” Marquez is one such individual, diagnosed with bipolar disorder as an adult. The late diagnosis and lack of a support system contributed to an unstable employment track record, low self-esteem and an overpowering feeling of unproductiveness. In 2010, Cecy’s disability was exacerbated due to a tragic car accident that resulted in PTSD.

Lack of accommodations at work and immense anxiety hindered Cecy’s employment tenures. Before joining PRIDE’s Fort Bliss contract site in Texas, she hid her disability, not disclosing it to employers or co-workers. When daily stressors would become too much to cope with at her current job, she would resign.

Helping Find Jobs for People with Bipolar Disorder

PRIDE Industries offers a wide range of employment services to people with bipolar and other disabilities. Programs include job placement, internship opportunities, and on-the-job training and support. When Cecy discovered PRIDE Industries and received job assistance, she discovered an inclusive and welcoming environment where she felt at home.

In January 2016, PRIDE Industries hired Cecy as a Service Order Dispatcher. She learned quickly, assimilating to the team and overcoming roadblocks while providing excellent customer service. Her managers and counselor continuously provide resources to help her experience success every day on the job.

“Cecy enjoys taking calls and receives them with a smile,” Corina E Huerta-Coronado, Cecy’s Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at PRIDE, says. “She believes that smiles carry through the phone lines and provides great service to the soldiers, techs and other personnel.”

Continued Success on the Job

Life is much different now for Cecy; she has rewarding employment, a wonderful support system both at home and at work, and feels proud to be contributing to the community and soldiers at Fort Bliss.

Having a job is about more than a paycheck; it improves confidence, self-esteem, creates greater self-sufficiency and aids in building a rewarding life. For Cecy, her job has contributed to a once in a lifetime experience. “Because I am employed, I had the privilege of traveling on a pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land – Israel, last fall,” Cecy shared.

PRIDE Industries' coaching, training, and placement programs

Everyone deserves the opportunity to find a job they love and contribute to their community. PRIDE Industries works to help people with bipolar and other disabilities overcome barriers to employment so they can pursue their career goals and live a fulfilling life.

Learn More

“I love my job and that includes being a part of the Fort Bliss community,” says Cecy. “When I enter onto the base, I feel a sense of pride.”

In the U.S., more than 7 million Americans are affected by a visual impairment. As a result of developing Macular Degeneration, Michael Prieto became one of these individuals. The disease first caused vision loss in his right eye in 2003, following with the left in 2011.

Macular Degeneration is a condition that causes the center of the retina (the macula) to deteriorate. This area of the eye is needed for reading, driving, recognizing colors and other daily life activities. Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans – more than cataracts and glaucoma combined. At present, there is no cure for this eye disease.

Helping Visually Impaired People Find Jobs

Because of his visual impairment, Michael became unemployed. He did the best he could to handle his vision loss while continuing to look for employment. Despite his efforts, he struggled to find a job.

During interviews, Michael would do his best to hide his disability for fear of not being hired. Unfortunately, this is a common dilemma for visually impaired people as they search for jobs. This changed for Michael when he found PRIDE Industries.

In 2012, Michael was hired by PRIDE Industries as a general maintenance worker at PRIDE’s Fort Bliss contract in Texas where the company provides base-wide facilities support to the Army installation. The team at Ft. Bliss looked beyond Michael’s visual impairment to his talents and skill set, and was more than willing to provide assistive technology to help Michael excel on the job. These included an oversized cell phone, a Ruby Handheld Magnifier and access to other assistive devices as needed.

“For the first time, I did not have to hide my disability,” said Michael.

In his role, Michael helps maintain HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) units throughout Fort Bliss. Michael and his team provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality for everyone on the base – more than 8,000 individuals total.

Thanks to PRIDE Industries’ Assistive Technology program, Michael is able to overcome daily obstacles on the job and deliver high-quality work in his role every day. He views his job as a second chance since his employer values his abilities and he thrives in his daily tasks, regardless of his visual impairment.

PRIDE has a wide array of person-centered career services

Since 1966, we have provided support services and opportunities for those most often excluded from employment, including people with visual impairments and other disabilities.

Learn More

Did You Know?

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans