Employer of the Year Award

Goodwill San Diego was honored with the Employer of the Year award by the San Diego Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (SDCEP)! Which is basically like getting the Oscar for helping people with disabilities and other barriers to employment get jobs.

The award was presented to Goodwill by Charlene Autolino, Chair and CEO for the San Diego Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (SDCEP) at Jobtoberfest on October 22 at Pechanga arena and was accepted by Toni Giffin, President and CEO of Goodwill San Diego.

“Our employment programs for people with disabilities are at the heart of our organization,” said Giffin. “Approximately 43.4 percent of our ambassadors (employees) have a disability and another 6.1 percent have other significant barriers to employment. Our ambassadors with disabilities are some of the most dedicated, motivated and reliable. We are better because of the gifts they bring to our organization.”

Goodwill San Diego is grateful for the recognition of our programs that help people with disabilities job training and employment. Goodwill San Diego’s Supported Employment program provides employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. The program provides support for people who want greater independence and a chance to give back to their communities and families. Eligible participants receive specialized job training and customized individual support. The high level of integration makes the program very rewarding and successful. The supported employment group opportunity includes three to four individuals in a group setting, working individually with a job coach that is onsite one hundred percent of the time. Participants can work part-time, mornings or evenings and earn at least minimum wage. Once they have met the requirements, and are interested in gaining greater independence, participants are encouraged to apply for competitive employment positions at Goodwill or with other employers in the community.

Goodwill San Diego has been Making Good Happen since 1930.