(TMI Associate Division Manager Esther Morales, Gina and her TMI Job Coach Liza Ferrier)
We would like to congratulate TMI client, Gina, on celebrating 20 years with Job Options at the San Ysidro Border Point of Entry (SYPOE)! On May 25th Gina was honored by Job Options. She started out as part of a work group and is now working individually at the SYPOE. TMI clients are dispelling the myth that suggests people with disabilities can’t make good employees, in fact, the opposite is true. Gina is a considered a valued employee who demonstrates a strong work ethic and a reliable ability to get things done. During her tenure she has received multiple pay increases and is currently making more than double her starting salary. She has even won awards for her work performance.
Gina lives by the motto, “work hard every day.” She loves to help others and never misses a day of work.
(Gina being honored by Job Options)
The mission of Job Options is to enhance and empower the lives of individuals with disabilities through employment opportunities that support uncompromised service to every customer. Job Options provides janitorial services at SYPOE and Gina is a part of the team with support from her TMI Job Coach Liza Ferrier, who does a great job of assisting Gina in her role, along with support from TMI Managers Marcus Byrd and Esther Morales. They work together wonderfully to ensure Gina has the support she needs to succeed and excel in her position.
Working at SYPOE is not an easy job; one might even consider it a high-risk location. Potential dangers include nearby construction/renovation hazards, drug smugglers, frequent arrests and a large volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Employees at this site need to have a high degree of safety awareness and common sense. Gina regularly shows up for work on time every day and tackles her work with enthusiasm. She has been recognized at least twice on her employer’s “Extra Mile” board, making her eligible for prizes and cash awards.
Outside of work Gina is an avid camper. She loves to travel to Michoacán, Mexico with her mother to visit family. Gina also loves going to Las Vegas. Originally born in Los Angeles, Gina has four sisters and one brother. She enjoys living with her family.
(Gina with her mom)
Gina, like so many of our other people with disabilities, has proven herself to be a hard worker, a dependable long-term employee, and certainly an asset to Job Options and the SYPOE. TMI is proud to help people like Gina enter the workforce, become successful employees and contributing members of the community. Congratulations, Gina!
An estimated 1 in 6 people are born with a developmental disability. Just like you they are born with hopes, dreams and the drive to contribute to society. Since 1981 Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has transformed thousands of lives by providing assistance to children and adults with developmental disabilities, giving them the ability to realize their hopes and dreams.