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A great example of the success of our Employment Program is Villa's partnership with Nature Watch, which has lasted over a decade. Nature Watch President, Harold Gordon and CEO Jeff Salzman, have created a mutually beneficial relationship with Villa Esperanza Services by providing employment for a crew of Villa participants with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Harold and Jeff’s business provides educational products and craft activity kits designed to teach children about nature. Having had a prior positive experience, it seemed to them that Villa participants might be a good match for their package assembly preparation. The initial crew started in 2006 doing counting, weighing, and bagging. As the participants became increasingly embedded in their company, they began playing a larger part in their day-to-day operations. Current responsibilities include actual assembly of kits into their final form, a task that requires a high level of consistency, accuracy and attention to detail. By employing Villa’s participants Harold and Jeff’s motivation is not only about supporting a charitable cause, for them, it also makes good sound business sense.

“It's been a terrific relationship and I think we all feel it has been a true ‘win-win’”, shares Nature-Watch’s Salzman. “Villa’s participants, under the direction of their job coaches play an integral role in our business. They work hard, they do great work, and they are an absolute joy to work with. We've seen their work and life skills grow and develop through this process. We feel very fortunate to work with Ariel, Juliana, Raluca and Michelle each day. Our job coaches throughout the years have been fantastic - understanding our need for quality control and productivity while at the same time supporting and guiding their participants toward success.”