People with Disabilities

“For 55 years, PRIDE Industries has provided business excellence with a social impact,” says Jeff Dern, President & Chief Executive Officer, of this pioneering social enterprise. “We provide competitive business services while pursuing our mission to create employment for people with disabilities.”

At the heart of PRIDE Industries’ 6,000 team members are 3,100 with disclosed disabilities. With National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October, the company is launching a helpline and an awareness campaign to pursue their goal of creating 100,000 jobs for people with disabilities.

“Annually in October, the Department of Labor promotes NDEAM to educate the public about disability employment issues and to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. At PRIDE Industries, we take that concept even further,” says Leah Burdick, Chief Growth Officer. “Through print and online media, we strive to recognize our business partners for hiring people with disabilities or supporting an inclusive workforce.”

“NDEAM is important to us because one of our goals is to normalize workplace inclusion.”
– Jeff Dern, PRIDE Industries President & Chief Executive Officer

PRIDE Industries has launched the most comprehensive helpline of its kind. By dialing 844-I-AM-ABLE, people with disabilities can connect to helpful resources, job training, and employment opportunities. This helpline will be heavily promoted in California during NDEAM, with plans to expand nationally.

PRIDE Industries has created employment for thousands of people in jobs throughout this region over decades and encourages all employers to inspire other companies to include people with disabilities in their workplaces. “NDEAM is important to us because one of our goals is to normalize workplace inclusion,” explains Dern. “We do that all year, but this month is devoted to educate employers on why they should include people with disabilities when hiring.”

PRIDE Industries will continue its constant efforts to promote the employment and inclusion of people with disabilities, proving every day that their model for business excellence has a place for all abilities.

This article was originally published in Comstock’s Magazine in October 2021.

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Contact our I AM ABLE Helpline to discuss your options.

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.

Eytan Wallace of FOX 40 News in Sacramento presented a report on Granite Data Solutions in McClellan Park, which deals with IT lifecycle hardware management. Business owner Brigg Goodwin, who became disabled while in the U.S. Army, makes it a priority to hire fellow veterans.

The business also has a food packaging operation that hires many workers with developmental disabilities through their partnership with PRIDE Industries. Manager Rhea Lloyd describes the workers as “some of the most professional, dedicated, loyal crews” that she has ever met.

Roseville-based PRIDE Industries partners with Granite Data Solutions and many other companies to help people with disabilities find jobs.

“Everybody wins with an inclusive workforce like the one at Granite Data Solutions: veterans, people with disabilities, people of all abilities working together,” said Kat Maudru, the public relations manager at PRIDE Industries. “The benefits are 10 fold, 100 fold.”

Each time workers look up, they see flags representing the various branches of the U.S. military. Of course, the American flag is raised even higher. Goodwin said he hopes it brings each of his employees a sense of honor.

“I do have a special spot for all veterans. I always will,” he said.

If you know anyone who could be a good fit for this line of work, you’re asked to call PRIDE Industries’ I-AM-ABLE help line for veterans and disabled veterans at 1-844-426-2253.

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.

Jason Marks of KCRA3 News reports on Thunder Valley Casino’s partnership with PRIDE Industries to provide employment for 30 workers with developmental disabilities in the laundry facilities. The program has been so successful that Joel Moore, vice president of hotel operations, says the casino is looking to add employees in other areas.

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.

CBS8 News reporter Danamarie McNicholl-Carter interviewed Brandon Schimka, an employee at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, who found his job at the restaurant with help from PRIDE Industries. The zoo has hired many employees through PRIDE Industries in retail, maintenance, and reservations.

CBS8 News also interviewed Demetrius Griggs, who works as a host at Sea World San Diego’s Calypso Bay Restaurant. He enjoys greeting customers and keeping the outside area clean for visitors. SeaWorld San Diego has partnered with PRIDE Industries for over 30 years to hire people with disabilities, like Demetrius, throughout their park.

Read article (10/28/2021)

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.

Alani Letang, anchor/reporter for Monterey’s KSBW8 Action News, details the work done by PRIDE Industries by employing people with disabilities all year long. She interviews several PRIDE Industries employees at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, who credit PRIDE Industries with giving them the skills and a sense of belonging by being able to go beyond their disabilities to become valuable employees.

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.

Roseville, Calif. — PRIDE Industries has announced the addition of Dr. Jennifer Camota Luebke as Chief Rehabilitation Officer. In this role, Camota Luebke replaces longtime executive Vic Wursten as he transitions into retirement in December. She will lead the company’s vocational rehabilitation programming strategy and operations as the company innovates new integrated, community-based employment pathways for people with disabilities. She will also oversee the company’s disability employment advocacy efforts. In this capacity, she will work closely with organizations that promote employment services as well as with state and federal legislative offices to influence employment policies that impact people with disabilities.

“PRIDE Industries is a pioneer in vocational rehabilitation and employment support services,” said Jeff Dern, President and CEO of PRIDE Industries. “Jennifer is an established leader with a passion for our mission. Her background in business, learning and development, and advocacy make her an ideal fit for our entrepreneurial culture.”

Experience in Business and Inclusion

Camota Luebke has over 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions in a variety of industries. Her experience spans accounting and finance, learning and development, and sales and marketing within Fortune 1000 companies and higher education.

Camota Luebke has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and an MBA and doctorate degree in Education (Ed.D.) with a concentration in Leadership & Organization from the University of San Francisco. Her academic research was on leadership practices that inform inclusive learning communities. She has been an associate dean and leadership professor at the University of San Francisco and the Hult International Business School.

A Passion for Disability Inclusion

As the mother of a college student who has an intellectual disability, Camota Luebke strives to build a more inclusive world to which people of all abilities belong. In 2017, Camota Luebke received a Jefferson Award for Public Service for her volunteer work and academic research in disability inclusion. She is the co-founder of Ability Revolution, Inc., which advances authentic inclusion for people of all abilities in workplaces, educational institutions, and communities and a board member for All Belong Center for Inclusive Education, which equips private schools across the country to include students with varied abilities. Camota Luebke also served as the Advisory Board Chair for the Northern California chapter of Best Buddies, a global nonprofit organization which creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As part of her advocacy work, Camota Luebke has produced independent films and videos to share the experiences of individuals with disabilities and their families. Her award-winning documentary called “You Can Be BRAVE” is about her bold advocacy for her son to participate in all areas of society.

“Virtually every waking minute of my life is spent doing something with and for the disability community. That’s my passion,” said Camota Luebke. “This world wasn’t built for people with disabilities. Joining PRIDE Industries allows me to focus full-time on creating a fully inclusive world and workplace for people of all abilities.”

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.

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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.