Karen Jones receives Woman of Distinction award
PVW announced today that Karen Jones, Executive Director of PVW was the recipient of the Woman of Distinction award presented by Soroptimist International Montclair/Inland Valley at the ir Prism Award luncheon at the Sheraton Fairplex, Pomona.
Each year, supporters of Soroptomist International work tirelessly to try and improve the lives of women and children. Members sponsor fundraisers, do service projects and partner with local nonprofits to help where there is a need.
Soroptomist International over the years has taken the time to recognize those who have the vision, dedication and achievements of community members who share the idea that helping others is what matters.
The theme for this year's luncheon, "Celebrating Our Community Heroes", is what this honor is all about and perfectly descibes the work that Karen Jones has given to the community and to PVW.
Upon joing PVW (formerly known as Pomona Valley Workshop), Karen thought she would give the job at the agency a one year trial. Twenty-one years later, Karen has been with PVW for almost half of its history.
She has risen from program manager to executive director because of professionalism and hard work matched by vision and faith. Under her leadership, PVW has enhanced its status as a premier organization serving adults with disabilities.
According to Roberta Eisel, previously the Director of Rehabilitation at PVW, during the initial interview, neither party was sure this would be a good match. Roberta recalls that Karen seemed to wonder why she had applied and why PVW had called for an interview. Roberta wondered how a woman with ten years of management experience in retail and a freshly minted MBA could fit in with PVW's mission .
Roberta states, " Something kept both parties talking. Certainly, Karen with that twinkle in her eye and that chuckling self-confidence had great things to offer. " Seemingly, PVW, with its desire to grow and innovate, had something to offer as well. Karen has seen PVW through years of growth and innovation.
The recent development of Anthesis Autism Services is just one example of professionalism and vision merging under Karen's stewardship.
Karen is also active in the broader professional community , currently serving on the board of directors of the California Disabilities Services Association. She is an accreditation surveyor for the Commission for Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities, an adjunct professor at University of La Verne, an active member of Pomona Rotary and has served three terms on the board of trustees of Pomona First Baptist Church.
Her MBA is from Eastern College in Wayne, Pennsylvania and her BA in Business is from Azusa Pacific University. Brought up in Pomona, Karen is now resides in Rancho Cucamonga.
Located in Pomona and Montclair, PVW is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to serving adults with disabilities, enriching lives through vocational training, employment preparation and placement, specialties in Autism, senior citizen specialties and community integration opportunities.
PVW was founded over 43 years ago with only 15 clients. Today, PVW has blossomed into five distinct programs, including Anthesis Autism Services, which serves over 400 clients in Western San Bernardino County and Eastern Los Angeles County.
The mission of PVW is to help each individual to achieve his/her highest level of potential in employment and community integration. Improving the quality of life for our disabled clientele is a privilege we gladly accept. Our programs provide paid vocational training, job placement and support, specialized services for person with Autism, senior citizen specialties, independence training and community access. We are fully accredited, and maintain the highest industry standards for both traditional and innovative services.
PVW is a 501(c )(3) nonprofit corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the IRS codes.
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