A Message from the First Lady of California, Maria Shriver
Arnold and I have made a commitment in California through our WE Include initiative to give individuals with developmental disabilities a chance to excel in jobs that give them satisfaction and purpose. Here in California, we have individuals employed in the Governor's Office, working in several state agencies as well as in public and private companies - the possibilities are endless and we have only just begun. It's a win-win situation for both the employer and the employee:
- It can save companies thousands of dollars through the elimination of outsourcing
- Businesses may qualify for economic incentives
- The turnover rate for an employee with a developmental disability is three times lower
- It saves your state money by transitioning individuals out of state funded programs
- And most importantly, it gives individuals self-esteem and helps raise them out of poverty
I urge you to make this a priority in your community and I know you will get as much out of it -- it will only enhance the tremendous work you are already doing – I promise!
Just this past week Arnold and I received a letter from David Gauthier, who began working for the Mayor of the City of Long Beach, the Honorable Mayor Bob Foster, through a job placement with Best Buddies and the Harbor Regional Center. David wrote in his letter to us:
"Thanks to 'Best Buddies' and the HRC I have been given the best job Ever!!! I work with some of the most amazing people, who could not be more kind and understanding. From the Mayor himself, to his Chief of Staff Becki Ames, her Deputy Chief Stacey Toda, William Doll and everyone else here, all have been just outstanding. I'm gratified just to have met them, and honored to be able to work alongside them. This job has already opened more doors in my life than I could have ever even imagined...Thanks to the both of you for your unerring support of the rights of the disabled, for as you know, we are not looking for sympathy, we are looking for someone to give us an opportunity."
To learn more about David Gauthier's experience with his work for the Long Beach Mayor's Office, you can read this article from the Long Beach Press-Telegram.
Get involved and support those with developmental disabilities -- visit my "We Include" website page.
Thank you,
Maria Shriver
First Lady of California
