Mariano’s Fresh Market recently received the 2015 SourceAmerica Business Partnership Award for their collaboration with JVS Chicago. The award recognizes a commercial business that has partnered with an AbilityOne-producing nonprofit agency to increase the employability of people with significant disabilities.

“We have a wonderful relationship with Mariano’s — a true partnership — which has resulted in the placement of more than 90 JVS Chicago clients in Mariano’s stores throughout the Chicago area,” said Nanette Cohen, director of employment development for JVS Chicago. “Mariano’s is ideal to work with and to work for. It was an honor and a pleasure for JVS Chicago to work with Mariano’s; this award is well deserved.”

One of the many areas of career and employment services in which JVS Chicago has special expertise assisting job seekers and employers is Customized Employment, which uses a unique blend of flexible strategies, services and supports designed to increase employment options for job seekers with disabilities.

The JVS Chicago staff is specially trained in this individualized approach to help job seekers with severe challenges identify their interests and abilities, map out a career path and learn job search techniques. Staff then follows up with on-the-job coaching, helping employers to create accommodations and support.

Leah Rudy, supervisor of client services at JVS Chicago said, “One of the ways that we’re different from some agencies is that we really work to meet an employer’s needs as well as the client’s needs.”

SourceAmerica connects product and service contracts to a national network of nonprofits who employ people with disabilities. Working together, they meet requirements cost effectively and efficiently while changing lives.

Named for Chief Executive Officer Robert Mariano, Mariano’s stores are designed and built to deliver the highest quality products from around the world and those produced locally to shoppers with unequaled service and hospitality.