Four local businesses and community organizations were recognized for their outstanding support of people with disabilities at a virtual awards ceremony Oct. 28.
United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, Gelson’s, Old Navy, and Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital and CRH Foundation were honored by Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo at the 16th annual awards event marking National Disability Employment Awareness Month, held each October.
This year’s theme of America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion highlighted the need for people with disabilities to fully access employment and community opportunities during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Keynote speaker and disability advocate Dominick Trevethan shared his experiences in navigating the higher education system and the need for inclusion.
United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County (UBGC) won the Non-Profit Award for embracing the spirit of inclusion and accessibility, demonstrated by its inclusive mentoring and hiring practices.
UBGC has provided a positive work environment for volunteers and interns with disabilities who have later been hired as staff. UBGC welcomed Taylor, a young man with disabilities, as a volunteer and later promoted him to a part-time staff member. Boys and Girls Club CEO Michael Baker noted Taylor’s popularity with club kids and ability to make meaningful connections.
Baker emphasized UBGC is an inclusive environment and serves all children in the community.
Gelson’s was recognized with the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Effort for going above and beyond to support people disabilities. One of Gelson’s corporate values is to serve its community, which includes partnering with organizations that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Oscar Perez, senior director of operations, acknowledged a lot of energy is devoted to mentoring employees, including staff member Maria, a valued team member. The award is a celebration of these employees’ hard work and success, Perez said.
Old Navy was presented with the Employment/Accommodation Award as an employer that reflects the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in employment practices. The award recognized Old Navy’s State Street store for providing an inclusive and welcoming work experience and environment for young adults, including foster and LGBTQIA+ youth.
Staff work with youth in areas of their strengths and grant mental health days. The store has hired a number of students with disabilities through a state Work Experience program funded by the Department of Rehabilitation.
The honor was accepted by assistant manager December Martinez Toyooka and assistant general manager Jackie Avelar who said Old Navy is dedicated to mentoring and creating career paths, regardless of any roadblocks, and is 100 percent inclusive.
Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital and Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation was designated this year’s Design/Accessibility Award winner for programs and services that have helped thousands of community members with physical disabilities navigate the frequently inaccessible world around them.
Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital provides comprehensive inpatient services, outpatient services, and community programs, such as adaptive sports and recreation programs.
Dr. Sharon Basham, medical director, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, expressed gratitude for serving more than 700 patients last year.
Arie Dejong, vice president of Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital and Therapy Services, noted the important role the foundation plays in supporting the hospital, including providing funding for community programs, and financial assistance to under or uninsured individuals.
Dejong announced the hospital and foundation are embarking on the major initiative of relocating to the main campus of Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital over the next three years.
This year’s event organizers included representatives from California Department of Rehabilitation, city of Santa Barbara, Tri-Counties Regional Center, Workforce Development Board, Goodwill Industries, Momentum WORK, Inc., and PathPoint; and community volunteers Pamela Gunther, Julie Holmes and Dominick Trevethan.