Employer honored for work

The Montage Resort & Spa in Laguna Beach was honored April 16 with the Employer Award, which is given annually by the California State Department of Rehabilitation for outreach and employment of disabled persons.

Montage was nominated by Vocational Visions, its nonprofit association partner whose mission is to serve the vocational, economic and social potential of the disabled by placing them in jobs through their Direct Placement Program.

James Bermingham, managing director of the Montage, said the award was a great credit to the success of the program, and how well the clients of Vocational Visions have integrated into the work environment at the resort.

“Our Vocational Visions associates add great value to the workplace and truly enrich the lives of those of us who are lucky enough to work with them,” he said. “They are very special people to us.”

Montage currently employs 10 Vocational Visions clients, approximately the same number they have employed since the initiation of their partnership with the organization in 2003.

Clients have various disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and sensory and neurological disorders.

Most are employed mainly in the stewarding department at the resort where they assist the kitchen and cleaning staffs by handling dishware, glassware and silverware.

The Employment Award was presented during a luncheon in San Diego to Montage Director of Human Resources Carol Reynolds, who was accompanied by 12 other employees, including all of those employed through Vocational Visions.

The resort arranged transportation for all 10 Vocational Visions employees so they could attend.

Roland Fernandez, employment manager of Vocational Visions, said Montage was nominated for its full support and willingness to cater to the needs of their clients.

“They have given [job] opportunities to all qualified and capable clients,” he said.

“They have been flexible with their scheduling and have given our clients the hours they wanted to work.”

Fernandez said this flexibility is important, especially for employees who have limited strength and energy due to their disability.

Vocational Visions was established in 1974 and currently serves 415 disabled persons in South Orange County.

They offer eight comprehensive programs, all designed to promote the potential of its clients by fully including them in the community.

Other programs include day and work activities, assisted living and health services.

The organization has received state and federal funding in the past, but due to recent budget cuts, it now relies on fundraising and donations.

For more information about Vocation Visions, call (949) 837-7280 ext. 221 or visit www.vocationalvisions.org.

ASHLEY BREEDING covers sports and features. She can be reached at (949) 494-5462 or at [email protected].