A 30+ year history of helping
Our history began in 1985, when Partnerships With Industry (PWI) was one of the first organizations in California to offer its clients the choice of “supported employment” opportunities out in the community. This program was developed to help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities become self-sufficient and self-confident members of the San Diego County community. By the end of the first decade serving North County San Diego, we had expanded our services and served over 300 persons. This decade saw the formation of Group Services with organizations such as the Army and Navy Academy and the City of Vista. They are still business partners to this day!
Since that first decade, PWI has opened offices in Central, South Bay and East County San Diego. Helping over 1,000 individuals annually, PWI works with businesses such as QUALCOMM, UC San Diego, Home Depot, Sea World, Hoehn Mercedes, San Diego Zoo, City of Coronado and Legoland.
PWI received its eighth consecutive, 3-year CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accreditation in May 2015. This accreditation recognized PWI for its exceptional achievement in commitment to our clients through quality programs and safety standards.
Recent Community Accolades:
- In 2013, PWI was recognized by Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism as one of six innovative organizations nationwide to receive its inaugural AAFA Applauds Award. PWI received a grant to recognize its innovative work in placing adults with autism in high tech jobs. Watch our new video .
- In 2013, PWI’s CEO Mark Berger was selected by the San Diego Business Journal as a finalist for “Most Admired CEO.”
- In 2011, PWI became the first nonprofit to win the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s Brilliance in Business Award.
The East County warehouse has expanded due to the growth of PWI’s “Pick, Pack and Ship” services. We currently serve 16 companies through our Pick, Pack and Ship fulfillment services.
PWI continues to grow and expand our number of clients and business partners. By helping many more clients discover their rich potential and become contributors to society, and by expanding our educational and support services, we are making lasting changes in people’s lives, one person at a time, by helping these individuals achieve their vocational dreams right here in San Diego. PWI works with a diverse population of individuals who are on the Autism Spectrum, have Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, or have a visual or hearing impairment.