Building Stronger Communities: The PACE Program’s Successful Partnership with North Broadway United Methodist Church 

February 2025

The PACE Program at ARC Industries continues to make a meaningful impact by helping adults with disabilities prepare for community-integrated employment. Since last spring, PACE has partnered with North Broadway United Methodist Church (NBUMC) to provide work trainees with valuable on-the-job training. Pictured above are participants Charelle Dailey, Michael Spurlock, and Sarah Largan.

Each week, a group of work trainees, guided by Dehlia Anderson, ARC Industries’ Career Services team member, takes on various tasks at the church—whether it’s landscaping, hospitality, or other essential duties. This hands-on experience not only contributes to the church’s mission but also helps the trainees build confidence, enhance their work readiness, and develop important skills for future employment opportunities.

The collaboration between PACE and NBUMC has proven to be a powerful example of how community partnerships can create lasting, positive change. More recently, this partnership has grown even stronger as NBUMC took additional steps to support inclusion. The church hired Christopher Padilla as a custodian at the North Broadway Children’s Center. Christopher, a job seeker supported by ARC Industries’ Career Services team member, Misty Smith, has been thriving in his new role, even picking up extra shifts as he continues to excel.

This partnership between ARC Industries and NBUMC not only highlights the success of inclusion in the workplace but also showcases how collaboration can benefit everyone involved, creating a stronger, more supportive community for all.