Darwin Hernandez: Interning at Premiere Living Services

During my internship at Premiere Living Services, I had the unique opportunity to observe and contribute to a transformative approach to employment—one that prioritizes inclusion, capability, and empowerment for adults with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 2015, Premiere Living Services challenges societal norms by helping individuals who are often underestimated thrive in the mainstream workforce. My experience with this organization not only expanded my understanding of inclusivity but also demonstrated the profound impact that thoughtful job placement and coaching can have on both individuals and the broader workplace.

A Mission That Inspires
Premiere Living Services stands out as a temp agency with a clear and impactful mission: to provide adults with disabilities access to meaningful, paid work opportunities while helping employers tap into a unique and capable talent pool. This twofold mission fosters real change, creating pathways for individuals to achieve independence and confidence while supporting employers in cultivating inclusive workplaces.

Through this internship, I witnessed the dedication Premiere Living Services brings to its vision. The organization’s emphasis on job readiness, one-on-one coaching, and soft-skill development ensures that every employee not only succeeds at their job but also grows as a professional and individual.

Learning in the Field with Coach Casandra
One of the most meaningful aspects of my internship was working alongside Coach Casandra, shadowing her at various work sites such as the Luskin Conference Center, UCLA Pediatrics Mailroom, and UCLA Recreation. Casandra’s role was crucial in supervising employees and ensuring they were integrated successfully into their work environments.

During our site visits, I observed Casandra delegating tasks to employees in a way that empowered them while also ensuring tasks were completed accurately. For instance, at the Luskin Conference Center, Casandra worked closely with employees to teach them how to manage guest-related tasks with precision, offering guidance while allowing them to take ownership of their responsibilities.

After each shift, we held debriefing sessions to reflect on the day’s successes and areas for improvement. These moments emphasized the importance of fostering open communication and creating a supportive environment where employees felt confident asking questions or expressing concerns. Casandra’s ability to balance encouragement with accountability was inspiring, and it highlighted the impact of having a compassionate yet firm support system in place.

Creative Collaboration with Coach Allen
In addition to fieldwork, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with Coach Allen on administrative tasks that focused on creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Together, we worked on organizing social events designed to foster community among employees and raise awareness about the importance of inclusion.

One of the most memorable projects involved creating awareness campaigns through advertisements and personalized cards that celebrated employee achievements. These initiatives not only boosted morale but also reinforced the idea that every individual’s contributions were valued. Coach Allen’s creativity and dedication to enhancing employee culture were evident in every task, and I learned a great deal about how small but meaningful gestures can lead to big changes in workplace dynamics.

Observing Growth in Action
Throughout my internship, I witnessed firsthand how Premiere Living Services transforms potential into reality. Employees were guided through structured coaching that emphasized essential skills like punctuality, communication, and time management. These soft skills, often taken for granted, proved to be the key to unlocking confidence and independence for employees who were stepping into the workforce for the first time.

For example, at the UCLA Pediatrics Mailroom, I observed an employee initially hesitant about handling large volumes of mail. With Casandra’s guidance and reassurance, they gradually became proficient, developing a system that increased both their efficiency and confidence. This transformation underscored the importance of patience, adaptability, and tailored support in helping employees succeed.

Creating Inclusive Workplaces
Premiere Living Services’ presence in institutions like UCLA serves as a model for creating inclusive workplaces. While the organization supports employers in meeting federal hiring requirements and fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration, it also aligns with UCLA’s three-part mission of research, community outreach, and education.

One of the most striking aspects of this internship was seeing how Premiere Living Services employees enriched workplace dynamics. Their integration not only encouraged team members to work together more inclusively but also inspired others to reconsider preconceived notions about disabilities and capability.

A New Perspective on Employment
The heart of Premiere Living Services lies in its belief that every individual is valuable and capable, given the right opportunities. This belief permeated everything I experienced during my time with the organization. By focusing on abilities rather than limitations, Premiere Living Services not only helps individuals secure jobs but also redefines what it means to be employable in today’s workforce.

In the world at large, people see individuals with disabilities as small people who do small things, and from time to time they do big things, then go back to doing small things. At PLS, we see these same individuals as big people who do big things, who from time to time do small things, then go back to doing big things.

Looking Ahead
Interning at Premiere Living Services has been a truly transformative experience. Working with dedicated mentors like Coaches Casandra and Allen has shown me the profound difference thoughtful coaching and a supportive community can make. As I reflect on my time here, I am eager to continue supporting initiatives that break barriers and create opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Premiere Living Services has shown me that true progress lies in recognizing and uplifting the abilities in everyone—and I’m proud to have been a part of their journey.

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Darwin Hernandez is a 4th year student at UCLA majoring in both
Psychology and Education & Social Transformation with a minor in Disabilities Studies. He is currently an undergraduate Premiere Living Services Intern working alongside Coach Michael Galvan.