The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, Fla. is working with the Els For Autism Foundation and Best Buddies International, a pair of organizations that support the training and work placement of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

One club in Florida has taken a proactive approach to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, Fla. is working with the Els For Autism Foundation and Best Buddies International, a pair of organizations that support the training and work placement of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The club started working with the Els For Autism Foundation in 2020 and Best Buddies International in 2022.

“The Club at Ibis strives to be the ‘employer of choice’ for all employees,” says Michelle Moran, the club’s Director of Human Resources.

The Els For Autism Foundation is a non-profit organization serving individuals with ASD and their families around the world.

The club in 2022 served as a host site for the Els for Autism Work Experience Program, a 10-week endeavor which offered work training to individuals who are on the Autism spectrum. During the program — which met three times a week — participants were assisted by an Els for Autism job coach as they performed duties in a designated work area. More than 1,200 hours of on-the-job training were provided to 10 participants, and six were then hired to work at the Club at Ibis.

“These individuals have been a great addition to the club, working in food & beverage, banquet set-up, culinary, laundry, and golf outside operations, and can greatly contribute to any club with unique characteristics including strong attention to detail, honesty, focus, visual processing, creativity, and specialized skills,” says Stephen LoGiudice, the club’s General Manager & COO. He also praises the employees’ attendance, punctuality, job tenure and compliance with club policies and procedures.

Best Buddies International is a non-profit group that works to end the social, physical and emotional isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Moran says while the club does not have a structured program with Best Buddies, the club is on the organization’s list as an eligible employer.

“If they have a candidate that fits our needs we proceed with a direct hire,” Moran says. “They will provide an on-site job coach until the individual becomes comfortable with their tasks.”

The club so far has hired two employees that came to them through their affiliation with Best Buddies.

A local culinary professor told club leaders that a young man named Noah was one of his best students. Noah was hired by The Club at Ibis to work as a prep cook in March 2021.

“His enthusiasm and passion for the industry was quickly identified and he has continued to eagerly learn new skills and improve his skills,” LoGiudice says. “He is an exemplary employee and is loved by all his peers.”

Noah’s dedication and work ethic were rewarded when he was named the club’s Employee of the Year in December 2022.

LoGiudice adds the program has been praised by members, some of whom have family members who have been diagnosed with ASD or IDD. Members appreciate both the opportunities afforded to these individuals and the employees’ dedication to their jobs.

“[The program] has been warmly embraced,” says Moran.

She notes that having a diverse workforce yields many benefits, including higher morale and productivity, a larger talent pool, collaborative perspectives and less turnover.

The Club at Ibis this year is once again serving as a host site for the Els for Autism Work Experience Program where four participants are being trained for the workforce.

The Goal: The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, Fla. wanted to take steps to have a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The Plan: The club partnered with the Els For Autism Foundation and Best Buddies International, a pair of organizations that support the training and work placement of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The club served as a host site for the Els for Autism Work Experience Program, a 10-week endeavor which offered work training to individuals who are on the Autism spectrum.

The Payoff: The club now has several employees who were either trained in the Els for Autism Work Experience Program or were referred to them by Best Buddies International.