Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
PRIDE Industries, a large social enterprise, is dedicated to creating meaningful employment for people with disabilities. Tim Young, Vice President of Talent Management, emphasizes that PRIDE Industries does not operate as a charity reliant on donations. Instead, the organization provides essential services to federal, state, and private sector clients while employing individuals with disabilities. “The way we create employment for people with disabilities is through providing services,” Young explains, countering the misconception that the organization depends on charitable giving. In addition to its core operations, PRIDE Industries actively promotes disability employment awareness. This year marks the second annual I AM ABLE Job Fair, scheduled for October 9, 2024, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento. The event, held each year during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), aims to connect people with disabilities to potential employers and will also offer support services. Following last year’s success, which saw over three times the expected attendance, this year’s fair is anticipated to attract hundreds of participants.
PRIDE Industries provides a wide range of services, from custodial work to skilled labor and manufacturing, with a strong commitment to employing individuals with disabilities. For federal contracts, 75% of the workforce must be people with disabilities, and other contracts require 30% to 40%. The organization also partners with entities like the Department of Rehabilitation to offer internships, training, and apprenticeships, enhancing job skills for independent employment. “We help build their skills for gainful and independent employment,” says Young, emphasizing the company’s holistic approach to fostering long-term success.
PRIDE Industries’ success is grounded in its core values of integrity, teamwork, tenacity, and innovation. Young shares, “When you look at people with disabilities, they exemplify tenacity. They problem-solve, persevere through challenges, and work to build both their job skills and personal skills.”
SETA Sacramento Works and PRIDE Industries: A Collaborative Partnership
One of PRIDE Industries’ key partnerships is with SETA Sacramento Works. This collaboration focuses on identifying candidates for employment and training opportunities, especially for individuals with disabilities. SETA has played a significant role in connecting PRIDE Industries with qualified job seekers, providing a steady stream of potential employees through job fairs and other events. Young mentions that his team has attended several events organized by SETA, resulting in a high number of interested candidates and even successful hires. “Continuing that partnership is going to be essential,” he says.
This partnership has been crucial in addressing a significant challenge that PRIDE Industries faces: finding people who are qualified and passionate about working with individuals with disabilities. Job coaches and employment specialists are critical roles within the organization, and the pipeline for these positions is not as robust as needed. To address this, Young envisions working with SETA to reach out to high school graduates and other young people who may have a passion for helping others but are unsure about their career paths.
Looking Ahead
PRIDE Industries is committed to not only offering jobs but also fostering independence and success. Through partnerships like SETA Sacramento Works and initiatives such as the I AM ABLE Disability Job Fair the organization continues to expand its impact and support both employees and communities.
