Most people know that PCI Education develops and publishes materials for students with special needs and learning differences. What many people do not know, is that we employ individuals with special needs as well. Over most of the past 20 years, Janet and Nicole have been working in product assembly and Janet even illustrated a catalog cover several years ago. They are treated as part of the team, we laugh and talk about the weekend over coffee. They also enjoy participating in as many company events as their schedules will allow.
PCI was also a vocational training site for a school for special needs located very close to our facility on the north side of San Antonio. This program allowed students to try different aspects of our business – from filing in the Finance Department, sales kit assembly in the Marketing Department and basic computer work in the eCommerce Department.
As with all relationships, we learn something new about someone else. The opportunity to work with the individuals we are committed to serve has afforded us rich learning experiences and keeps us focused. One young man in particular, has captured our hearts for his resilience despite tremendous tragedy.
Christoper S., interned with us last summer for a few hours each day. He is shy until he get’s to know you, then he shares his wonderful sense of humor. He went to Camp CAMP (7-Day overnight program) last summer—his mother was trembling but Christopher thrived and had a wonderful time.
Shortly after school began last year, Christopher’s father, a Sergeant in the Bexar County Constables Office, was killed in a tragic auto accident. A few weeks ago, Christoper was invited to a ceremony at the White House for family members of fallen officers and took this great photograph with President Obama.
Christopher and President Obama
Now that school is ending, Christopher is looking for a new internship opportunity. If you have an indoor/ air conditioned office environment in the North-Central to USAA area, give us a shout and we will put you in touch with his mom, Tanya.
In closing, I have to say that my personal mission statement has been 100% in line with this organization since I came to work here. Is YOUR personal mission statement in line with that of your company? Is it really close? If not, maybe you should consider embracing the human impact of the mission, or maybe you should make a change.