Pasadena, CA (October 10, 2019) PathPoint and the California Disability Services Association (CDSA) presented Dignity Health with a 2019 Star Award which recognizes organizations and individuals with a strong commitment to improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities. Dignity Health was nominated by PathPoint for the annual award by CDSA, which represents 88 organizations across the state that provide support services to persons with developmental disabilities.
For the past nine years, PathPoint has partnered with Dignity Health hospitals in California to operate the Project SEARCH transition-to-work program. This one-year program for young adults with developmental disabilities takes place entirely at the work site: Mercy Hospital Downtown, Bakersfield; St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital, Camarillo; and St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Oxnard. Interns are immersed in work rotations in various hospital departments during the morning, gaining valuable work experience and learning transferable skills. The afternoons are dedicated to workshops at the hospital, taught by PathPoint, on topics such as interviewing, team building, and workplace safety. Curriculum is provided by educational partners Fresno Pacific University and UCLA Extension. Nearly 100 interns have graduated from the three Project SEARCH programs and the majority secure competitive jobs in the community.
Kenny Navarro, Nutrition Services Manager, St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Oxnard, has hired two graduates of the program and accepted the Star Award at the CDSA Legislative and Award Reception on September 25. “We applaud Dignity Health and its hospitals for their commitment to providing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities,” said Harry Bruell, PathPoint president and CEO. “By integrating the interns across multiple departments for an entire year, Dignity is helping develop the potential of these young adults and also creating a work environment where inclusion is the norm. Project SEARCH graduates are poised to be outstanding employees and we are so pleased that Dignity is reaping additional benefits from the program by hiring graduates to be Dignity employees.”
About Dignity Health
Dignity Health is made up of more than 60,000 caregivers and staff who deliver excellent care to diverse communities in 21 states. Headquartered in San Francisco, Dignity Health is the fifth largest health system in the nation and the largest hospital provider in California.
About PathPoint
PathPoint, a non-profit organization based in Santa Barbara, supports people in living the life they choose. PathPoint partners with people with disabilities, people with mental health diagnoses, and young adults to pursue their hopes and dreams through strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills, and developing meaningful relationships. Founded in 1964, it offers services in five Central Coast and Southern California counties: Kern, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. For more information, visit www.PathPoint.org.
Photo L to R: Harry Bruell (PathPoint President & CEO), Mrs. Navarro, Kenny Navarro (St. John’s Regional Medical Center Nutrition Services Manager), Patty Enger (PathPoint Senior Advisor)