From left are store manager Charlie Coward; Deb Delutis
The Pennington Quality Market has been selected to receive the statewide Employer of the Year Awardfrom the N.J. APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First).
“PQM has partnered with our special education transition program over the years to not only give our students job samplingand career exploration opportunities, but employ them after they have aged out or graduated,“ said Maryann Babice, transition teacher and structured learning experience coordinator at Hopewell Valley Central High School. “PQM employees train our students with patience, listen with interest, and celebrate their successes; students are valued for their abilities and strengths.“
APSE supported employers who provide a viable service for individuals with disabilities. Through advocacy and education, APSE advances employment and selfsufficiency for all people with disabilities. Supported employment emphasizes the benefits of having opportunities for real, integrated work as a first choice ofpersons with disabilities. Such employment provides the individual a real job, benefits and the dignity that arises from gainful employment.
Owned and operated by the Rothwell family, the PQM has served the Hopewell Valley community for more than 35 years.
Mrs. Babice presented the award to PQM at the NJ APSE annual conferenceon March 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick.
“The strong partnership PQM has forged with our high school transition program allows our students to learn about jobs at the market.,“ said Paulette DiNardo, the special education supervisor. “Working at PQM allows our students to develop skills that will empower them to take the lead in their own career planning.”
