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Special honor for store manager training people with disabilities (Contra Costa County, Calif.)
Source: Contra-Costa Times
Date: July 21, 2010
Author: Jennifer Shaw
When it comes to asking Elizabeth Clifton about Margaux Hospodka, there is no shortage of accolades.
The Pleasant Hill resident, 18, takes note of how nice and respectful the manager of the Safeway on Monument Boulevard in Concord is to everyone she meets, and how she is the person to go to if you ever have a problem.
But what stands out is what the student at Spectrum Center has learned from one of her favorite mentors: "that I can do anything I put my mind to," she says.
Others hold Hospodka in the same high esteem.
She was one of four people to recently receive a special recognition for providing job training to people with disabilities by the Alameda and Contra Costa County Developmental Disabilities Council.
Clifton, who has worked as a courtesy clerk for the past couple of years and enjoys working in the bakery, is slated for hire.
She is part of the WorkAbility 1 Program, which is funded by the California Department of Education to offer vocational training in order to facilitate a student's transition from school to a work environment.
Spectrum Center Schools, which has eight Bay Area campuses and four collaborative programs at various school sites, including Ygnacio Valley and Northgate high schools, partners with 52 area employers.
And, when it came time to nominate someone for the recognition, WorkAbility director Dona Taylor didn't hesitate.
"Margaux just stands out. She completely understands the philosophy behind the training," Taylor says. "(The goal) is to try and create an environment that is as natural as possible for the student "... She really got it."
Hospodka has been an enthusiastic proponent of working with people with developmental disabilities since the Fairfield resident was an assistant manager at Safeway in Cordelia and was introduced to students from Spectrum 10 years ago.
One student inspires her to this day. Referring to "Joe" as "an awesome worker," she hired him several years ago, and now looks forward to his ear-to-ear grin when she grocery shops near her home.
Fermin Martinez, 20, is a Spectrum employee who has flourished.
During a recent morning shift, Martinez is working in his favorite spot, the bakery, where he spreads garlic butter on the freshly baked bread; packages baked goods and helps the customers.
"He always asks me 'when are you going to hire me?'" Hospodka says.
It is a practice that lends itself to boosting employee morale — including hers — as she witnesses students' tremendous work ethic.
"They ask 'When do you want me to work? Do you want me to come in earlier?' And, always with a smile on their face," she says. "It's contagious."
Category: News Coverage
Tags:
Job Training
California Department of Education
Spectrum Center Schools
Alameda County
WorkAbility
Contra Costa County
Margaux Hospodka,
