In a world where the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is alarmingly high, partnerships that make a tangible difference shine like beacons of hope. Life’sWork of Western PA is thrilled to celebrate All-Clad Metalcrafters as one of our 2024 Business Partners of the Year. This recognition goes beyond a simple handshake; it celebrates a partnership that has opened doors and created opportunities for those who need them most.
Thankful for Our Partnerships
Life’sWork has long been dedicated to helping individuals lead fulfilling lives by providing access to the workforce. Our mission is simple yet profound—to help people live the life they choose. Each year, we recognize business partners who have gone above and beyond in contributing to this goal. For 2024, All-Clad Metalcrafters deservedly takes the spotlight.
Together, Life’sWork and All-Clad have created pathways for individuals with disabilities to break past employment barriers, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society. This collaboration signifies not just a partnership but also a commitment to fostering an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
In 2024, Life’sWork and All-Clad Metalcrafters were able to provide meaningful employment for over 75 individuals with disabilities, giving our clients heavy doses of self-esteem, engaging work, and a paycheck.
About All-Clad MetalCrafters: Crafting Change
All-Clad Metalcrafters has been a household name since 1971, renowned for its premium handcrafted stainless-steel cookware. Proudly made in the USA, their products are a staple in the kitchens of both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation serves as a foundation for its success, but it’s their dedication to social responsibility that sets them apart.
With a history rooted in craftsmanship, All-Clad understands the value of precision and passion. This ethos extends beyond their cookware into their corporate culture, where they prioritize diversity and inclusion as fundamental principles. By partnering with Life’sWork, All-Clad aligns their business practices with their values, contributing to a more equitable job market for individuals with disabilities.
In a special video highlighting the partnership between All-Clad and Life’sWork, Richard Stephenson, purchasing manager at All-Clad, reflects on the more than 10-year relationship: “There have been different projects at different times. At one time it was separating scrap metal, at another time it was packaging, and another time it was bending handles.” Stephenson continues, saying, “Obviously, feeling like we’re doing something good was present in our thoughts, and wanting to work with them is a part of what we do. But . . . it’s a business need, and we’re looking for somebody who can fill a business need and present a confident partnership. They do that.”
Living Our Mission Together
All-Clad’s partnership with Life’sWork embodies our mission to dismantle barriers to employment for adults with disabilities. Through programs like Supported Group Employment, Small Group Staffing, and Community Participation Supports, Life’sWork can offer a platform for meaningful work and community integration. All-Clad’s involvement has amplified these efforts, offering positions that allow individuals to contribute their skills and gain financial independence.
This collaboration is a powerful example of how businesses can play a pivotal role in social change. By recognizing the value in every individual and providing platforms for success, All-Clad not only enriches its workforce but also strengthens the community at large.
In conclusion, partnerships like the one between Life’sWork and All-Clad Metalcrafters are vital in the ongoing effort to create a more inclusive workforce. They demonstrate the profound impact that commitment and collaboration can have, paving the way for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Nonprofit supporters and businesses alike can look to this partnership as a model for driving positive change and fostering an environment of equality and respect.
For more information on how you can get involved or donate, visit lifesworkwpa.org/ways-to-give.
