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Struggling since birth with a medical condition that made it difficult for Mitzi to stand for long periods of time, she bounced from job to job looking for the right fit. After working in every type of job from retail to temp positions, Mitzi heard about PRIDE Industries, a leading employer of people with disabilities. Mitzi joined PRIDE nine years ago as a Service Order Dispatcher with one of PRIDE’s Federal Facility contracts. PRIDE provided Mitzi with stability and accommodations that made working with her disabilities possible.
Mitzi’s journey over the last near-decade shows how working with non-profit organizations like PRIDE can be a lifeline of support for employees with changing health conditions. “Because I’ve been with PRIDE, I’ve felt confident that I’d always have a job,” Mitzi said. When she developed new health complications, PRIDE helped with accommodations and equipment to help her stay in her role.
This unique support goes much further than helping employees with work – with PRIDE by her side, Mitzi was able to navigate many personal challenges over the last few years. When she suddenly took on the responsibility of caring for her young grandchildren, her co-workers supported her and made sure she was able to spend time with her family. Now, Mitzi is doing better than ever in her role at work and as an active grandmother to an eight and ten-year-old.
Working with PRIDE Industries gave Mitzi the confidence to know that her disability would never again prevent her from making the most of her job. “Anyone out there who has a disability should be treated as a human being with kindness. There are a few companies that do that, and I believe PRIDE is one of them.”
At work, you can always count on Mitzi to contribute to the culture of kindness she speaks to. Her coworkers know her fondly as “the baker” who will never forget a birthday and will always make her team feel valued. Day to day, Mitzi represents the best of PRIDE and what the AbilityOne Program can offer individuals with disabilities.
