TMI Integrated Work Groups Recognized for Success in San Jacinto

TMI Integrated Work Groups Recognized for Success in San Jacinto

Success. What does it mean to you? Is it graduating from high school, learning a new skill or overcoming challenges that once seemed insurmountable? Two of our Integrated Work groups in the San Jacinto area have been so successful that they have been recognized with awards. These two outstanding volunteer groups have been recognized for going above and beyond what people expected of them. 

TMI Job Coaches Judy Acuna and Elaina Gaines work with the teams (as shown above) that received recognition from the San Jacinto School Board for their hard work and dedication as volunteers. Members of the Integrated Work teams who received awards are: Shakti Arrieta, Andrew Johnson, Fernando Rico, Leilani Rodriguez and Alisha Taylor.

Each week the groups go to Park Hill Elementary, assist teachers with lesson and classroom preparation, and also help to keep the campus clean. The groups rely on teamwork to get everything done. Judy explained how the two groups work together, "Everyone has their own tasks and when one person is finished they help a fellow team member".

During the November School Board meeting the members of each team were presented with certificates and had the opportunity to shake and hands with Board members. This was very rewarding for the two groups, as Elaina Gaines said, "I loved that people saw how hard my whole team worked and how well we work together."

These groups are part of TMI's Integrated Work Program. A program that is designed to help adults with disabilities find work. These occupational opportunities include paid jobs or working at volunteer sites near their homes and enable people with developmental disabilities to become active members of the community. To learn more about TMI's Integrated Work program go to Our Program section and see Employment Solutions or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pictured above from left to right: Back Row: Jeannie Duistermars (Park Hill Elementary representative) Front Row: Leilani Rodriguez, Alisha Taylor, Elaina Caillouette-Gaines, Shakti Arrieta, Judy Acuna, Fernando Rico, and Andrew Johnson