Partnerships with Industry

Many of us take our jobs for granted. Often, we can’t wait for the workweek to end so we can do what we want to do. But many others— about 75 percent of people with developmental disabilities—want nothing more than to go to a job every day. Mark Berger, who runs Partnerships With Industry, a nonprofit organization that helps approximately 1,000 developmentally disabled individuals every year in San Diego County, is doing all he can to help these individuals find gainful employment.

“Our mission is to create taxpayers,” Berger says. “We provide job training and job support to individuals with mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other developmental disabilities. When we are successful, we create taxpayers.”

PWI, which began its efforts in 1985, works with local companies and organizations to place workers in jobs they can handle, from warehouse and retail jobs to restaurant and hospital positions. While most of the work clients perform is simple and repetitive, it provides an opportunity to boost their self-esteem and feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging in the community.

The clients PWI works with may have been separated from the mainstream as children and conditioned to think that they could not hold down jobs. Because of these challenges, many individuals with developmental disabilities have difficulty living normal lives. PWI gives these highly capable people a chance to live the American Dream —something many of us view as a given.

Companies who hire PWI graduates include Home Depot, Qualcomm, SeaWorld and Legoland. According to Berger, PWI collaborates with more than 300 San Diego companies to achieve its goal of job placement for all developmentally challenged individuals. With a staff of 95 working from offices in Mission Valley, El Cajon, Chula Vista and Oceanside, PWI is making a big impact on San Diego’s economy. In 2005, its clients made $178,000 in overall earnings. PWI sends more than 200 individuals into the work force every day.

While the organization has made great strides, its work is far from done. With budget constraints from state cutbacks, PWI continues to seek financial support from the community. No matter what challenges they face, PWI and its board will continue their outreach and ambassadorship in the San Diego community.

PWI strives to create positive, collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with its stakeholders—including clients, families, care providers, staff members, employers, referral agencies and funding sources—and to provide ongoing education to the community about the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization has come a long way in paving the way to productivity, self-sufficiency and personal satisfaction for hundreds of San Diegans.