The County Cup

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

A diverse workforce benefits businesses and communities. People with disabilities play a vital role in the creation of a diverse workforce. The Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MH/IDD) and the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) are proud of their partnership in the creation of the County Cup. A first job experience can help steer a career path for a young adult, with or without a disability. An ever-growing number of students graduate from high school with little or no experience to land “that first job.” Mr. Gary Entrekin, MH/IDD administrator, worked with the senior management team to change this trajectory. When the Government Services Center (GSC) in West Chester, Pennsylvania closed the building cafeteria in 2011, MH/IDD administrators recommended the Chester County Facilities Department contract with a food service vendor that also had experience providing supported employment. In April 2012 MH/IDD and the Facilities Department collaborated to create a letter of interest and scoring process to select a new vendor. Applicants had to describe how they would operate a supported employment food concession without funds from the County. The competitive bidding process resulted in awarding the CCIU the contract, which resulted in the County Cup.