A commitment that started in 1985.

The beginning

Partnerships With Industry opened in 1985 with a clear purpose. Rather than separate people from the places where work happens, PWI placed supported employment in the community. The model paired a person with a job and with a trained staff member who could help both the employee and the employer adjust.

That approach was not common at the time. It required patience, close listening, and a belief that a good match could be built when the right people were at the table. Those habits became the foundation of PWI.

Growing across the county

As demand grew, PWI expanded beyond a single office. New locations helped the organization reach people and employers in different parts of San Diego County, including communities far from the central office. Each location kept the same local focus: know the neighborhood, know the employers, and know the person.

Over time the organization added services for people who needed different levels of support. Today those services include tailored day options, group supported employment, individual supported employment, and direct placement. The range allows a person to begin where they are and move toward greater independence when they are ready.

Adapting without losing the mission

The way work happens has changed since 1985. Technology, transportation, and employer expectations all look different. PWI has adjusted its training and its tools while keeping the purpose steady. Staff still spend time in the workplace. Families still receive plain information. Employers still get a partner who understands the job.

Today

PWI continues to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout San Diego County. The organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity governed by a board of directors and led by a professional team.

The history is not only a record of years. It is a record of relationships that made paid work possible for people who were often told to wait.