PathPoint Commends Relationship with Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions

Santa Barbara, CA – PathPoint commends our relationship with Albertsons, Vons and Pavillions in honor of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

NDEAM takes a unique opportunity to highlight the local businesses, corporations and partners who truly make independent living a success for our individuals and communities. These partnerships have encouraged growth, job opportunities and life skills for each participant involved.

Founded in Santa Barbara in 1964, PathPoint provides support services that empower people with disabilities, economic disadvantages, and mental illness to live and work as valued members of their communities.

For over twenty years, Albertson’s, Vons and Pavilions (AVP) has been a long standing employer partner for PathPoint participants.

PathPoint’s Vice President of Santa Barbara County, Alana Walczak commended the efforts of AVP stating“It’s the partnership with employers which enables the individuals that PathPoint supports to shine and show off all the skills they have.” Alongside this, PathPoint’s Board of Directors’ Chair Randy Weiss of Union Bank, applauded the successful partnership with AVP and PathPoint: “It’s safe to say they provide a very rare brand of customer service – and impact our lives – and most importantly they pull our community together”said Weiss.

When PathPoint participant and Vons employee Matthew was asked what he loves most about working he said “It’s not just about the money – it’s the friends who even turn into family.” Matthew also chimed in that having people visit Vons and saying things like “Matthew, we are glad you are here!” make a big difference too in his work environment.

AVP’s Director of Communications and Government Affairs, Carlos Illingworth, attributed the success to the heartbeat of the AVP mission – connecting people in the community. "We are proud of our long standing history of providing employment to people with diverse backgrounds and abilities. But we can’t do it alone – it takes a strong partner with an equal passion and commitment to doing the right thing – and that partner in the Central Coast has been PathPoint."

National Disability Employment Awareness Month honors the vital component of strong employer partnerships to secure successful employment for individuals with disabilities. It’s partnerships like AVP that make independence possible for individuals who seek a full and satisfying life.

Photo credit: Aaron Bratkovics www.aaronbratkovics.com