FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2024
CONTACT: Summer Sanzo Dittmer
510.332.8087 | press@lighthouse-sf.org
LightHouse ECO and PRIDE Industries Announce Groundbreaking Collaboration, Set Precedent for Inclusive Employment
SAN FRANCISCO, CA and ROSEVILLE, CA – In a groundbreaking collaboration, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and PRIDE Industries announce SKILCRAFT® cleaning concentrates, developed and manufactured by blind and low vision workers, are now available on the AbilityOne procurement list. Federal government and military facilities can now easily purchase through the AbilityOne program, online or through your preferred distributor.
This partnership marks a historic alliance between a National Industries for the Blind agency and a SourceAmerica agency, setting a precedent for inclusive employment and economic empowerment in the industry.
“This is an important step for our social enterprise, LightHouse ECO, which produces the SKILCRAFT® cleaning concentrates and other products,” said Sharon Giovinnazzo, LightHouse CEO. “These products are formulated, tested, blended, and bottled by a workforce that is 75 percent blind or low vision individuals. By purchasing our products, you are supporting economic empowerment and independence for the blind and low vision community.”
PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, provides an array of fully integrated, price-competitive facilities management services. With 13,000 commercial and government buildings under management, PRIDE Industries provides CIMS-GB-certified janitorial services for 26 million square feet of facilities using SKILCRAFT® products white-labeled as PRIDEClean®.
“Our partnership with LightHouse ECO is not just a business venture; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive world,” said Jeff Dern, CEO at PRIDE Industries. “By integrating SKILCRAFT® products into our services, we’re proving that social responsibility and business success go hand in hand, creating a ripple effect of empowerment for people with disabilities across the nation.”
The SKILCRAFT® concentrates carry the EPA’s Safer Choice Certification, and most also carry the USDA Bio Preferred certification as well. SKILCRAFT®’s cleaning solution, used in conjunction with PURE Hard Surface Disinfectant, is an effective tool in the battle against harmful viruses, germs, and bacteria, while remaining safer for your workforce.
To learn how to purchase AbilityOne-qualified SKILCRAFT® products from LightHouse ECO or partner with PRIDE Industries for SourceAmerica-qualified janitorial services, visit https://lighthouse-eco.org/partnership/.
About LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Founded in 1902, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is one of California’s oldest nonprofit organizations and is among the largest organizations dedicated to blindness in North America. LightHouse works with people who are blind, deafblind, and low vision of all ages, from infants to older adults, and provides them with the training and skills they need to live independent, prosperous, and joyful lives. Under its LightHouse ECO brand, the organization develops and manufactures high quality, eco-conscious solutions for all commercial cleaning needs.
About PRIDE Industries
PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, PRIDE Industries provides facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Its personalized employment services help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.
