Thursday, April 23, 2015

2015 WorkLife Awards Winners Announced

San Francisco, California, April 16, 2015
 
The Arc San Francisco today announced the recipients of the agency’s prestigious 2015 WorkLife Awards celebrating the work and life achievements of people with developmental disabilities and the employers who champion their success and benefit from their diverse skills and experience.
 
The theme is “The Future’s So Bright” which is intended to highlight the range of opportunities made possible by Arc partnerships with area businesses, from internships and training programs to competitive careers. Thirty different corporations and partners are supporting the award event. Info at: http://www.thearcsf.org
WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 2015 5:00-7:00pm    
WHERE: The Arc San Francisco, 1500 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103


EMPLOYER HONOREES
Employer of the Year: California Academy of Sciences
Cal Academy has 6 interns and 4 employees from The Arc with disabilities on staff. Their commitment to creating an inclusive work environment is outstanding.

New Employer of the Year: Facebook
Facebook hired 6 clients of The Arc in the last twelve months and is recognized for their leadership in defining and growing their role in office services and catering support.

Industry/Sector Awards: Bright Horizons (Education), Marriott Corp. (Hospitality), Intuit (Technology), Project Open Hand (Volunteer Project Partner) This group is recognized for championing diversity in the workforce and fostering the growth and development of people with developmental disabilities.

EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES HONOREES
The honorees are chosen based on ballot responses from co-workers.
Employee of the Year: Gail Vaughn, American Grilled Cheese
New Employee of the Year: Terrell McClanahan, Twitter
Core Value “Self-Determination” Award: Cindi Ruiz, Bright Horizons
Intern of the Year: Christine Cooper, PG&E (now an employee at Facebook)
Volunteer of the Year: Ben Salguero, Salvation Army


STATEMENT FROM DR. GLENN MOTOLA, CEO, THE ARC SAN FRANCISCO
The opportunity to work is the single most important factor in achieving personal independence for people with developmental disabilities. I congratulate the businesses who are receiving The Arc’s WorkLife Awards for their successful record of diversity and inclusion. These outstanding businesses are helping the individuals we serve reach their full potential. They support our clients in becoming taxpayers and fully contributing adults who are vital members of their communities.

I commend our employees with disabilities from The Arc who are award winners this year. Their determination to succeed and commitment to learn, grow and advance in the workplace is exemplary and I am very proud of their accomplishments.

EVENT SPONSORS
Event Sponsors for 2015 include Presenting Sponsors Union Bank Foundation and ECHO Technology Solutions.
Additional sponsors include AT&T, Marin Software, Pillsbury, DocuSign, Ernst & Young, Fenwick A& West, Osterweis Capital Management, Wells Fargo, Safeway, Deloitte, Hanson Bridgett, PG&E, Salesforce.com, Zendesk, Kixeye, Morrison & Foerster, Burr Pilger Mayer, DH Insurance, Bright Horizons, California Academy of Sciences, State Street, Intuit, Venables Bell & Partners, the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco Toyota.

Media Sponsor: San Francisco Business Times

ABOUT THE ARC SAN FRANCISCO
The Arc San Francisco is a supported learning and achievement center for over 700 individuals with developmental disabilities in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties. For over 60 years, The Arc has been widely recognized for its innovation in education and career programs as well as independent living services, health advocacy and a broad range of arts and recreation opportunities. The Arc supports individuals with autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities to meet the challenges of adulthood while achieving personal goals and lifelong success. Our affiliations with over 90 business, education and health partners enable us to provide successful internships and employment opportunities while offering a more diverse, enriching life experience for those we serve.
For more information visit
http://www.thearcsf.org

THE ARC SF EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
The Arc San Francisco provides specialized employment services that support the success of individuals with developmental disabilities in today’s competitive job market. Working collaboratively with clients, The Arc’s experienced team matches qualified, motivated job candidates to part- and full-time positions in office and facility services, data entry, tech support, customer service, education, hospitality and retail, ensuring success through ongoing job coaching and career skills development.


Information: Meredith Manning, Director of Communications, mmanning@thearcsf.org
Kristen Pedersen, Director of Employment, kpedersen@thearcsf.org