Pasadena Mayor’s Committee for the Employment of People with Disabilities held their annual awards for employer of the year event at the Brookside Country Club. Awards were presented to Bank of America of Pasadena, that had been a leading force in providing employment to individuals with disabilities for near twenty years. However, news at press time has been received that due to the relocation of the Customer Service Department and the use of an automated mail system, that services by the Student Lending Department provided by the Group Supported Employment enclave will be eliminated. Pictured from left are, Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, Sue Ainilian, Vice President Group Operations Bank of America and Doreen Wong, Chairperson of the Mayor’s committee.

Other Pasadena winners were Lovebirds Café & Bakery. Since its inception Lovebirds has made it a priority to have a positive impact on individuals and society as well.  It was only natural then, when they were approached by Villa Esperanza Services in 2007 that they6 agreed to employ Carson Wilk, to assist with the after lunch clean up; Target in Pasadena. Target has employed and retained several people with disabilities as part of their staff.  Through staff support and understanding of people with disabilities, Foothill Clients and other disabled individuals are made to be a part of a team that is in the business of providing exceptional customer service. Foothill Vocational Opportunities is thankful to the Target Department Stores and feel that they should be recognized for supporting and providing individuals with disabilities in Pasadena to realize the opportunities of employment, the fourth award was made to The Women’s Club of South Pasadena, which has been an integral part of employing persons with disabilities.  In 2007 the Women’s Club expressed an interest in developing a deeper relationship with The Almansor Center to employee 3 individuals with disabilities in a maintenance capacity within the Club House. To this day, the employees continue to remain steadily employed with this organization.
     
Business Life and Senior LIVING Magazines take pride in being partners in this annual event and express our deep appreciation to Chris Otero of Ability First for her leadership and being Master of Ceremonies at the event. For additional information please contact us at 818-240-7088 or email john@businesslife.com