Orlando Molinares of Hauppauge and John Cassano of Bay Shore were both honored.
Pictured are PSEG Long Island employees Orlando Molinares of Hauppauge (l) and John Cassano of Bay Shore (r) with Joelle Kronberg of Career and Employment Options. Photo: PSEG Long Island.
PSEG Long Island recently received the Employ America Inclusively Award from Hauppauge-based Career and Employment Options (CEO), recognizing the volunteer mentoring work of two PSEG Long Island employees.
“PSEG Long Island has been an incredible support and resource of information for people we serve,” said Nicholas Villani, Career and Employment Options CEO. “John and Orlando’s continued and effective impact on the students has broadened the students’ career horizons.”
John Cassano, of Bay Shore, and Orlando Molinares, of Hauppauge, have been volunteering with CEO for several years, mentoring students face-to-face and then via video chat during the height of the pandemic. They have also represented PSEG Long Island at career fairs at local high schools.
Cassano said that working with the students at CEO was personally rewarding. He said he felt a positive personal influence helping students and adults with both physical and emotional disabilities to navigate social, academic, career and or personal crises.
“Observing any student or adult grow and learn is an affirmation of my efforts,” he said. “I also find that mentoring allows us to learn from one another, providing a path to knowledge transfer.”
Molinares said she was very proud to receive the award on behalf of PSEG Long Island.
“I am truly grateful for the support and opportunity to represent our company and be part of such an amazing program,” she said. “It felt good to be recognized for our dedication and commitment in making a difference.”
Founded in 2005, CEO offers transition and employment opportunities for students and adults in special education, 504 plans and general education programs. CEO works with local companies to offer career guidance, mentoring, resume writing and interview skills. It also helps students obtain internships, career-shadowing opportunities and potential employment.
