October 17, 2024

employU 2024 Business Awards

On-the-job trainings and Work-Based Learning Experiences are valuable employU services that can assist high school students in discovering which career path is right for them, give adult jobseekers a foot in the door, and help both gain experience to build a stronger resume. We wouldn’t be able to provide these services for our clients without our Business Partners. Though we appreciate all of our Business Partners and are grateful for the experiences they provide for our clients, every year we take the time to highlight some of the businesses that have gone above and beyond to provide a positive work experience. Below are this year’s winners of the employU Business Awards.

Nonprofit partner of the year 

United Against Poverty Treasure Coast

United Against Poverty (UAP) has partnered with employU since the Treasure Coast Office opened 8 years ago. Hosting nearly all of the area’s youth clients for at least one Work-Based-Learning Experience, UAP allows employU Employment Specialists to learn more about students’ abilities in order to determine future placements. UAP also allows employU Adult Employment Services clients to work nearly every position to prepare clients for future employment goals. UAP provides such an inviting environment for our clients that many of our clients continue to volunteer at UAP well beyond their service time.

Advocate of the year 

Judith Delgado – GM of Holiday Inn Express, Volusia County 

Judith, GM of the Holiday Inn Express in Volusia County, goes above and beyond to ensure our clients’ success. employU Employment Specialist Evelyn Brown nominated Judith, saying, “Judith has been amazing to work with. She communicates, encourages clients, accommodates schedules/jobs, and offers a variety of opportunities to both the youth and adult programs. She is always open to developing a specific job when needed … She not only interviews with the clients personally but has been known to work directly with them to ensure success.”

Change Maker Award  

Contec

Participating in 18 WBLEs and hiring 5 clients, Contec has had a long-standing and active partnership with employU. “This company promotes diversity in the workplace, and inclusion, and is always willing to give someone a chance. They have moved clients to different areas at the worksite to find the right fit for the client,” writes Glenna, employU Area Coordinator who nominated Contec.

Bagel Barn

An employU Business Partner for 3.5 years, Bagel Barn has hosted about 25 WBLEs while providing an environment that allows employU clients to thrive. ‘Miss Sue owns the Bagel Barn with her husband, Joe. Together they have been open to providing clients with safe reliable opportunities to develop skills in the restaurant industry,” Evelyn Brown explained. Miss Sue takes the time to recognize when a client is having a difficult time and will develop a job best suited to their interests and abilities. Catering to scheduling, she has hired clients after successful WBLEs before they left to go to college.

Castle Hotel

Working with about 30 clients over 2 years of partnership, Castle Hotel and their staff have become a business known for supporting an inclusive workforce. employU Area Manager Frank states, “They are incredibly attentive to our clients and offer a diverse range of programs for both youth and adults. Our clients have consistently reported positive experiences and frequently express a desire to return to work there. Additionally, the team has provided employment opportunities to several of our adult clients, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting our community.”

Community Impact Awards  

Badcock Furniture & More, Volusia County

Badcock Furniture & More has been a Business Partner of employU for over 5 years and has worked with over 50 clients. “Badcock Home Furniture & More has been a blessing to the Youth program. They are open to helping clients develop various skills, providing accommodations, and resilient when it comes to scheduling….All around amazing staff and the owner, Brandon Smith, has been incredible!” described Evelyn Brown

Chipola Family Ministries

Working with 8 clients over the past 18 months, Chipola Family Ministries has quickly become an active employU partner. Chipola Family Ministries and the staff there, specifically Carissa and Key, are very helpful and willing to work with all students and teach them at their own pace,” employU Employment Specialist Pattie Murphy, who nominated them, explained.

Currito

employU Employment Specialist, Amy Garner nominated Currito saying, “The business allows clients to work on a variety of skills… Beyond the vocational skills participants have learned, relationships built with the team have been positive. The manager Larry is very supportive. He cares about our clients, gets to know them, engages and works alongside them to train them. Larry’s welcoming personality has helped many individuals who have worked there build communication skills and self-confidence. He has often said it is a win-win for everyone.”

Grocery Outlet – Mariana

A Business Partner of employU for over 3 years, Grocery Outlet has taken a hands-on approach in fostering an inclusive workforce. employU Employment Specialist Pattie Murphy describes working with the business, “Mike, the store manager, is highly supportive of our program, welcoming both students and adults. He takes the time to mentor each participant, ensuring they learn in a way that suits them best. If there’s an opening, he often hires them after their training…. The staff is consistently friendly and creates an encouraging work environment for all.”