Tropicana Inn & Suites and Camelot Inn & Suites in Anaheim were looking for committed and driven individuals to join their growing teams. It was then that the bustling hotels, located adjacent to Disneyland, turned to Goodwill of Orange County’s Community-Based Services and Supported Employment programs.
OC Goodwill’s Community-Based Services program increases employment choices for individuals with developmental disabilities by partnering with local businesses in the community. Through the Supported Employment program, individuals are classified in group placements where a full-time job coach works alongside the team to provide support.
Today, Tropicana Inn & Suites and Camelot Inn & Suites employ nearly 20 excited and well-trained Goodwill program participants. Some of the daily tasks and responsibilities for the groups include general cleaning of both properties, stocking supply carts, lobby upkeep, laundry, folding linens, and more.
Not only has the employment services needs been filled at Tropicana Inn & Suites and Camelot Inn & Suites, but the quality and culture has improved at the busy hotels. Program participants head to work each day with an infectious joy and a drive to work hard and exceed expectations. In turn, their positive attitudes create an encouraging atmosphere that employees and guests appreciate.
“These participants are so happy to be at work. They engage the hotel guests and always say ‘good morning.’ They like to have fun and they actually encourage the other employees here at the hotel because they always show up on time to work. They never call in sick. They have a positive attitude so they’re just great role models, even for our employees,” said Greg Eisenman, general manager of Tropicana Inn & Suites and Camelot Inn & Suites.
This year, Tropicana Inn & Suites and Camelot Inn & Suites received an Excellence in Employment Community Partner Award from the California Disability Services Association for recognizing the value of hiring persons with developmental disabilities. The honor comes after Greg Eisenman worked tirelessly with Goodwill of Orange County to ensure the hotels create an inclusive work environment. Thank you for partnering with us to make our mission your mission and congratulations on this honorable achievement!
For more information about Goodwill of Orange County’s Employment, Training & Education Programs, please visit: https://www.ocgoodwill.org/programs/or call: 714.547.6308.
