Electric Vans Drive New Era of Workforce Inclusion in Sacramento

ROSEVILLE, CA – February 19, 2026 – A quiet revolution in workforce mobility began this week at the headquarters of PRIDE Industries, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. The arrival of four new electric vans, gleaming symbols of progress, marks a significant victory in the ongoing effort to dismantle barriers to employment. Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA3), who was instrumental in securing the federal funds for the vehicles, visited the Roseville facility on February 18 to see firsthand how the investment will transform lives across the region.

The vans are not merely an upgrade to an aging fleet; they represent a lifeline for hundreds of individuals who rely on PRIDE Industries for the transportation necessary to access jobs, training, and community life. Acquired through a Community Project Funding grant championed by Congressman Kiley, the vehicles will be deployed in the organization’s Workforce Inclusion (WFI) program, directly addressing one of the most persistent obstacles faced by people with disabilities.

“PRIDE Industries plays a vital role in creating meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Congressman Kiley during his visit. “These new electric vans expand the organization’s transportation and support services, which will open doors for individuals throughout our community.”

A Critical Barrier to Employment

For many Americans with disabilities, the desire to work is often thwarted by a simple, yet profound, challenge: transportation. National data reveals a stark reality where a lack of reliable and accessible transit options is a leading cause of unemployment and underemployment within this community. Studies from the U.S. Department of Labor and disability advocacy groups show that individuals with disabilities are significantly more likely to depend on public transportation, which can be limited, unreliable, or ill-equipped to meet their needs. Reports have indicated that as many as four in ten people with disabilities have had to turn down a job offer specifically because of transportation issues.

PRIDE Industries has long recognized this gap. The organization currently provides daily rides to approximately 400 individuals in the Sacramento area, enabling them to be productive members of the workforce. However, its aging fleet presented a growing challenge to maintaining and expanding this essential service. The new electric vans represent a crucial modernization.

“Reliable transportation is one of the biggest hurdles facing people with disabilities who want to work,” said Darelyn Pazdel, Senior Vice President of Workforce Inclusion at PRIDE Industries. “These new electric vans will directly improve access to employment and community-based services for hundreds of individuals across the Sacramento region.”

Federal Dollars Fueling Local Solutions

The acquisition of the vans is a prime example of a successful public-private partnership, where federal resources are strategically deployed to address a well-defined local need. The Community Project Funding grant, sponsored by Congressman Kiley, provided the necessary capital for PRIDE Industries to not only purchase the four zero-emission vehicles but also to install the charging infrastructure required to support them.

Congressman Kiley’s support for the project aligns with his work on the House Education and the Workforce Committee and his long-standing advocacy for disability employment. In January 2024, PRIDE Industries honored him as an “AbilityOne® Champion” for his dedication to the cause. His involvement underscores a legislative focus on empowering local organizations that deliver tangible results.

The federal funding mechanism allows for targeted investments that can have an outsized impact. By overcoming the high upfront cost of electric vehicles—a significant hurdle for many non-profits—the grant enables PRIDE Industries to leapfrog directly to a more sustainable and efficient transportation model, a move that might have been financially prohibitive otherwise.

A Model of Inclusive and Sustainable Operations

Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries has established itself as a leader in social enterprise, proving that a mission of inclusion can coexist with business excellence. The organization employs nearly 4,000 people across 17 states, with approximately half of its workforce comprised of individuals with disabilities. In fiscal year 2024 alone, it provided services to over 4,000 people with disabilities and successfully placed more than 600 into community employment, demonstrating the profound effectiveness of its model.

The new electric vans push this model into a new, greener frontier. By adopting zero-emission vehicles, the organization is not only expanding its social impact but also embracing environmental stewardship. This move aligns with a growing trend among non-profits to integrate sustainability into their core operations. While the transition to EVs presents challenges, including infrastructure planning and initial costs, the long-term benefits are compelling. They include reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, which can free up critical operating funds, and a smaller carbon footprint that contributes to community health.

The new fleet will allow PRIDE Industries to:

• Expand transportation routes and capacity, reaching more individuals in underserved areas.
• Enhance employment support by providing reliable transit to diverse job sites and training centers.
• Strengthen community connections by enabling participants to access essential services and activities.
• Reduce emissions and promote a clean-energy transportation solution in the region.

“The impact of this federal investment will be felt immediately,” Pazdel stated, emphasizing the tangible benefits that will ripple through the community. “It strengthens our mission of creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities while also advancing sustainable transportation.” For hundreds in the Sacramento region, these new electric vans are more than just a ride; they are the wheels of opportunity, powered by a commitment to both people and the planet.