At the end of each year, Beacon Group honors organizations and individuals who have achieved noteworthy success towards their goals, and who have contributed to creating opportunities for people with disabilities.

In recognition of exceptional progress towards individual goals.

Noah Martinka:  Over 5 years, Noah has progressed through three programs offered by Beacon including Day Treatment, Center-Based Employment and Group-Supported Employment at Industrial Metal Supply. Noah has a great personality and is extremely helpful and friendly. He is a hard worker and gets along with everyone.

Stephanie Rodriguez:   Demonstrating an excellent work ethic, Stephanie has continuously developed her skills at Southwest Gas where she works. She has been striving to do her best at work each day, including being a mentor to other clients. Stephanie took it upon herself to teach a co-worker how to read. She is always ready to help out whenever she is needed.  

Lina Lopez-Duron: A single mother of three children, one with a disability, Lina came to Beacon through our Work Adjustment Program and became part of the Custodial crew.  Her goal was to learn skills to obtain and maintain employment to support her children. Not only did she acquire the necessary skills to obtain a job, she also became a mentor to her peers. Lina is now employed with UPC as caregiver.

Leadership Award

In recognition and appreciation for exceptional leadership and commitment to people with disabilities.

Judy Lopez, Employment Services Specialist, Division of Developmental Disabilities:  Committed to serving people with disabilities, Judy is consistently direct and forthcoming with both praise and constructive criticism as warranted.  Judy acknowledges us when we deserve it and encourages us when we need improvement. She works with us to improve lives.

Visionary Awards

In recognition and appreciation for exceptional leadership and commitment to provide meaningful employment to workers with people with disabilities.

Real World Cycling, Chris Streeter:  Started in 2003, Real World Cycling set out to provide innovative tools and accessories to the biking industry.  Chris Streeter came to Beacon early in the process and asked us to provide them with warehousing and fulfillment services, as well as custom packaging solutions for their growing line of products.  Now, 15 years later, the company has grown dramatically and their continued business with Beacon has provided many training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities over the years.

Magic Gardens Nursery and Landscape, Marianna Sarah:  Demonstrating a significant interest in hiring people with disabilities, Magic Gardens Nursery and Landscape is a family run business founded 21 years ago. Depending on the time of year, Beacon clients make up 20-25% of their labor force at their magical paradise, located on 5 1/2 acres on east 22nd street. Beacon is proud to honor Magic Gardens for their commitment to our mission

Leroy Adams Awards

For significant dedication and efforts “behind the scenes.”

Naomi Bennett: Since joining Beacon in May 2017, as a Customized Work Team Job Coach in Phoenix, Naomi quickly became a master of her trade.. She continued to rise to the occasion, becoming a Lead Job Coach, and now a Job Coach Supervisor. Naomi continues to work behind the scenes in building a strong and united team of job coaches while monitoring sites, coverage, contract needs, and Phoenix fleet. She definitely leaves an impact anywhere she goes – if  not by leaving a tool, a handout, a client or a staff, she will surely leave a good impression with her notable smile.

Kendra Wright:  Because of her excellent customer service skills and her willingness to do whatever it takes to get the orders out in timely manner, Kendra Wright is the epitome of  ‘someone who does much but is seen little’.  Kendra’s work ethic is impeccable. Beacon is very lucky to have an employee like her.

Dian Kovara Employee of the Year Award

Angela Soto:  An asset to the growing custodial division at Beacon Group, Angela received this award for going above and beyond expectations to assist in all aspects of Custodial operations.  Angela lives to serve individuals with disabilities and demonstrates leadership, kindness and caring on a daily basis.

Beacon Group extends sincere gratitude and congratulations to each of these deserving recipients.

If you are interested in helping expand capacity for programs that provide jobs for people with disability, consider making a donation in the name of one of our Award Winners to Beacon Group. Find out how on our Donations Page.