The Central Coast is celebrating businesses that employ people with disabilities and the people who hold those jobs.
At an awards breakfast Monday morning, San Luis Obispo County agencies recognized several local companies that have chosen to employ disabled yet capable people.
The fifth annual event presented awards to Farm Supply, Trader Joe's and Chevron.
One award recipient, John Paul "J.P." Corridoni, told KSBY News he's so thankful for the opportunity to work at a Chevron convenience store.
"I don't know what else to say other than thanks, but if there's a word better than thanks, I would say it," Corridoni said.
Mark Traylor, Chevron District Sales Manager, said, "First of all, I wish we had done this earlier. Secondly, I think it makes our store and our employees better by having folks like J.P. working in our store. It makes our community and it makes our company better."
Nonprofit organization Pathpoint helped Corridoni secure his job with Chevron and is helping hundreds of people with disabilities on the Central Coast find work.
Forty-five local businesses were awarded honorable mentions for their efforts to employ disabled people.
