Tulare County Office of Education

2002 Partners

JoAnn Stores Inc., Visalia Distribution Center

Nominated by Chris Peppers of C-SET and Visalia Chamber of Commerce

An ongoing partner with C-SET, JoAnn Distribution has taken new employees and promoted them as part of their HR philosophy. This philosophy has also extended to the community, as JoAnn's has become an active partner with the Visalia Business Education Connection. Hats off to the entire JoAnn's Distribution staff.

California Dairies, Inc.

Nominated by Collette Taylor of C-SET

California Dairies offers employment opportunities to many individuals that have experienced company closures and other career changes. Active with area education leaders, California Dairies has worked with College of the Sequoias to develop the Dairy Industry Training Institute. Thank you to California Dairies for helping provide training direction in an industry that continues to grow.

California Restaurant Association, Tulare/Kings Chapter

Nominated by Jill Hulsey of Services for Education & Employment

The California Restaurant Association's (CRA) support is invaluable to the SEE & Company Hospitality Training Program. As a result of their expertise and endorsement of the SEE Hospitality Program, employment opportunities for low-income youth and welfare recipients has increased. In addition, CRA has also coordinated with the Visalia Adult School to offer restaurant employees ESL classes. They truly understand the value in building a skilled workforce.

Gloria Simonetti, LifeCare Solutions

Nominated by Joy Graves of C-SET

Gloria and the staff at LifeCare Solutions see the uniqueness in each person and are always willing to put forth the time and effort to give someone a chance. Gloria, your positive attitude and ability to motivate staff add to each participant's experience. Thank you for all you do.

A & W Restaurants

Nominated by Raquel Garcia of Services for Education & Employment

Mary Winn, store manager, has always taken on an active role in workforce development. In the fall of 2001, A&W held an employee appreciation night where they treated their employees to a night of fun and bowling at the Visalia Lanes. There are not many employers, such as A&W who will take the extra time to counsel their employees on the importance of education and a high school diploma.

Longs Drugs, Tulare

Nominated by Al Rodriguez of SEE & Company and the Tulare Adult School

Longs Drugs is and has been in partnership with employment programs for years. Mike Gilbert of Longs Drugs has supported work experience and internship programs through SEE & Company and has been an ongoing partner with programs throughout the Tulare High School District. Longs Drugs gives youth the opportunity to establish a work history, gain hands-on work experience, and learn valuable work ethics.

City of Dinuba

Nominated by Tulare County Workforce Investment Board

After unexpected economic issues arose for may Dinuba area residents, Dinuba city officials have worked closely with education and workforce development partners to create a new dream. With the expected start-up of a new Vocational Technical Center in Dinuba, business, education and community partners will soon have a truly innovative facility to create new opportunities for the residents of Dinuba.

Patrick Tazio, The Lifestyles Center

Nominated by Bud Darwin of Sierra Corps

Patrick Tazio and Lifestyles have graciously made the indoor swimming pool at the Lifestyles Center available, free of charge, to the Sierra Corps program for the past three years. Patrick's commitment to the at-risk youth that participate in the Sierra Corps program has been unwavering since its inception. His willingness to provide staff, facilities and knowledge has complimented the efforts of the Sierra Corps and has shown the value in business partnerships.

Jim Maxfield, Big Brother/Big Sisters

Nominated by Raquel Garcia of Services for Education & Employment

Jim Maxfield has been a supporter of School-to-Career and the Services for Education & Employment Youth Program for years. Because of Jim's commitment to education and after-school programs, hundreds of youth in Tulare County have experienced a connection with caring adults. Jim serves as the Executive Director for Tulare County's Big Brothers/Big Sisters non-profit organization, and his work has been extremely valuable to our community in promoting the value of mentoring.

Ivex Corporation

Nominated by Community Services and Employment Training

Ivex is respected by its customers, employees and community leaders. C-SET has worked with Ivex to develop career opportunities for youth, adults, older workers and women seeking non-traditional occupations. Most importantly, the staff at Ivex are dedicated to making this community a better place to live. Thank you, Ivex.

Educational Resource Services

Nominated by Sally Bakke of the Tulare County Office of Education

Each year, student interns are hired to work in the repair shop that is part of Educational Resource Services. The interns work and learn, along-side staff, repairing audio/visual equipment and computers for schools throughout Tulare And Kings counties. Throughout the years, young people have learned that their skills make a difference.

Patsy Nuckols, Redwood High School

Nominated by Les Huber

Patsy Nuckols has been involved with school-to-career activities for the past 14 years. She plays an integral part in involving students with school-to-career. Patsy has had a positive impact on the entire Redwood High School student population. She goes above and beyond normal expectations to insure that each student is given the opportunity to explore career and education options.

Jack-in-the-Box Restaurant, Porterville

Nominated by Linda Salazar

Jack-in-the-Box understands that students need a chance to prove themselves on a job and they give each student an opportunity to do just that. Store manager, Joann Luna, understands that sometimes students may not always interview well or dress the part, but she is fair and non-judgmental and is always willing to give them a chance. Ms. Luna and her staff have been instrumental in rewarding students for their hard work and dedication.

Ross Stores, Inc.

Nominated by Nai Saephanh of SEE & Company

Ross Stores has collaborated with Services for Education & Employment for the past five years. Ross has consistently provided students with outstanding training and employment opportunities. Ross recognizes the importance of communication to the success of the students training. Issues and concerns are resolved early, giving students a better chance of success.

Barbara Dicks, WalMart
Coordinator, CSET

Nominated by Lori McKlintick of Visalia Adult School

Barbara is a Human Resource Manager who cares about people that have a desire to work and become self-sufficient. She is always eager to provide an opportunity for people to show that they have the work skills required for employment. She provides valuable training and makes the trainees feel welcome and motivated. Thank you, Barbara, for the countless opportunities you have provided and the lives you have changed!

Dr. Michael Ebaugh

Nominated by Debbie Prescott of Porterville Adult School

Since coming to Porterville, Dr. Michael Ebaugh of Lindsay Women's Medical Associates has been a very willing participant in assisting students from Porterville Adult School in gaining clinical experience through job shadowing and/or externships. Over the past two years, he has welcomed seven Porterville Adult School Medical Assistant students into his office, and he and his staff make sure that each student receives quality training and attention.

Walnut Park Retirement Residence

Nominated by Mang Chang of SEE & Company

Walnut Park's partnership with the SEE youth program provides youth with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, establish a work history, and learn valuable work ethics. Walnut Park has given our youth the opportunity for internships. They have hired several of our youth for permanent part-time employment. Walnut Park continues to give our youth the opportunity for success with their participation in the program.

Carol Mares

Nominated by Nancy Hawkins, Golden West High School

Every Thursday afternoon for the past four years, Carol has been a volunteer tutor for students, helping them with essay writing and completing science, math, and English assignments. Often, she just sits next to students making sure his or her assignment is completed. Students get to know her smile and accepting attitude and will work for her when they would not do their assignments alone. I hear comments like, "Now I understand what to do" or "I can do this on my own". Carol has provided the support these students need to be successful, one small step at a time.

College of the Sequoias, Student Services

Nominated by Rebecca Bullick, Mt. Whitney Agri-Business Academy

MWHS Agri-business Partnership Academy wants to extend a hearty thank you to these special people for their continuing efforts in implementing college bridge classes with our sophomore, junior, and senior Academy students. What an absolute delight to be on the receiving end of such positive energy - energy spent in helping our students meet their potential and create a path to higher education.

Steve Tietjen, Superintendent of Woodlake Public Schools

Nominated by Sally Pace

Dr. Tietjen has supported all types of School-to-Career activity. He actively encourages and empowers his staff to pursue any activity that will help students make the transition to adulthood. Woodlake is a very small community that has little industry. Woodlake schools are the largest employer and Steve has encouraged the employment of students throughout the school district, giving them the chance to build workplace experience and skills.

Factory 2-U, Lee Holland

Nominated by Joe Garza of SEE & Company

Knowing that each student referred for training is on a probationary status trying to prove that they would be a good candidate for permanent hire after training, Lee tells each person to not only work hard and demonstrate good work ethics, but in her words, "Make it seem like I can't do without you". These words along with employee opportunities for advancement and promotion are part of the motivational aspects Lee offers every student.

Dave Enns, Enns and Associates

Nominated by Elaine Rubio, Golden West High School

Dave has served on the steering committee for the Business and Finance Academy and has willingly served as a mentor to many academy students. This commitment is typically for one year, yet Dave mentors several young people at a time and maintains contact with these students throughout their high school career. Dave, you serve as a positive role model and one who successfully balances his professional and personal life.

Tom Beene, Visalia Community Bank

Nominated by Visalia Chamber of Commerce and Visalia Partners in Education

Whether it's presenting to the school board or to a classroom full of excitable freshman, Tom Beene always makes a difference. Tom, your support has helped local partnerships grow, and your willingness to keep education in front of the business community has helped make business and education partnerships a reality in Visalia. Thank you for your efforts.

Andy Oliva, Monrovia Nursery

Nominated by Ron Johnson, TCOVE

Monrovia Nursery is a frequent and consistent contributor of time, staff and resources in a manner that promotes the connection of education, career development, and community growth. Mr. Andy Oliva has helped establish both an ongoing Woodlake High School/Monrovia Nursery Workability jobs program for special needs students and a summer youth jobs program that has broadened career opportunities for Woodlake High School students.

Tucoemas Federal Credit Union

Nominated by Visalia Chamber of Commerce

Tucoemas has provided the volunteers and leadership that make the Visalia Business Education Connection a success. As a project partner, Tucoemas supports the project with enthusiasm and excitement. No Golden West classroom ever forgets a visit from a Tucoemas team. You are truly a valued partner and your efforts are a constant demonstration of dedication to the community.

Visalia Adult School

Nominated by Proteus, Inc.

For over 16 years, the Visalia Adult School has provided teachers at Proteus sites to enhance the delivery of basic education service to local farm workers and their families. Before the term "one stop" was popular, Visalia Adult School was willing to take chances and establish partnerships.

K-Mart, Tulare

Nominated by Marie Pinto, Tulare Adult School/Tulare High School District

K-Mart is, and has been, in partnership with Tulare area schools and programs for years. K-Mart and Lilian Fisher have supported students by participating in work experience and internship programs. K-Mart supports and encourages students by working with their schedules so they can continue to further their education. K-mart's support empowers students to become successful not only in the world of work, but also in our community.

"Partner in Motion", Tulare County Employment Connection

Nominated by Laurel Hernandez

Over the past few years, the Tulare County one stop system, the Employment Connection, has grown. Partner organizations and staff have had to learn how to work together and leave behind old methods. The Visalia Employment Connection sub-committee known as "Partners in Motion" has helped turn this stressful situation into a positive experience. Working nights and weekends, this small committee has been instrumental in breaking down the barriers between partner staff. Thanks for showing us the way.

Randy Wallace, Project Director
phone: (559) 733-6101
fax: (559) 737-4378

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