Empowering Employees: The Impact of Goodwill’s Supported Employment Program on Found Rental Co.
At Found Rental Co., a furniture and prop rental company in Fullerton, California, two standout employees, Helenia Reynaud and David Campos, are making waves in the workplace. Their responsibilities include wrapping, cleaning, and vacuuming furniture, and their enthusiasm and dedication have not gone unnoticed. CEO Jeni Maus expresses her joy in having them on board, stating, “They’re just so fantastic that we feel like we’re definitely getting the better end of the stick.” Reynaud and Campos are part of an innovative program initiated by Goodwill of Orange County and the Regional Center of Orange County. This program, known as the Intensive Supported Employment (ISE), aims to connect individuals with developmental disabilities to meaningful job opportunities, ensuring inclusivity in the workforce.
The ISE program has successfully operated for over a year with a state grant of approximately $500,000. It has made strides in creating employment opportunities since its launch in early 2024, yet it faces a significant challenge as funding is projected to run out in February 2026. Currently, the program supports six participants, including Reynaud and Campos, who receive competitive wages, transportation assistance, and personalized job assessments. This initiative aims to provide robust employment support for individuals who have completed high school and are seeking their first job, enabling them to thrive in inclusive environments.
A distinguishing feature of the ISE program is its approach to job coaching. Each participant is paired with a dedicated job coach, providing them with guidance and support during their shifts. This model is particularly beneficial for individuals requiring more intensive assistance on the job. Maus emphasizes the positive influence of job coaches on Reynaud and Campos, noting that they feel integrated into the team and recognized as valuable members of the workplace. Reinforcing this sentiment, Rick Adams, Vice President of Mission Services at Goodwill OC, differentiates the ISE from traditional supported employment programs, highlighting the necessity of providing continuous support.
Moreover, the program offers a strategic alternative to the now-banned federal 14(c) certificates, which allowed employers to pay individuals with disabilities less than minimum wage. With these certificates eliminated in California as of January 1, 2025, the ISE aims to replace the lost opportunities and ensure that those with developmental disabilities are not marginalized within the job market. Program organizers express the urgent need for a new employment model to support these individuals, emphasizing that enhanced services and partnerships with local businesses are essential for fulfillment and success in employment.
Despite the commendable objectives of the ISE, there is an ongoing challenge in securing partnerships with local businesses willing to employ individuals with disabilities. Adams identifies a common hesitancy among employers to invest in a supportive model that includes job coaches, which ultimately restricts opportunities for potential workers. He calls on businesses to reconsider their perceptions and be open to collaborating with non-profits like Goodwill OC that provide vital support systems for employees with disabilities.
Looking forward, the future of the ISE program hangs in the balance without continued financial support. Goodwill OC and the Regional Center of OC aim to demonstrate the success and effectiveness of the ISE model to local and state legislators. Their ultimate goal is to encourage the California Department of Development Services to develop flexible funding models that will sustain and expand this essential service. Cazares, representing the Regional Center, stresses that timely investment in these programs is crucial for facilitating meaningful employment for individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they become valued community members.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Goodwill OC and Found Rental Co. exemplifies the transformative potential of job support programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. As Reynaud and Campos embrace their roles in the workplace, they join a movement striving to reshape perceptions around disability in employment contexts. With additional investment and support, programs like ISE can continue to shatter barriers, offering individuals a platform to thrive and contribute meaningfully in their communities. The need for a robust support system is more pronounced than ever, and the community must rally together to preserve and expand this opportunity, allowing those with disabilities to reach their potential in the workforce.
