Two PSEG Long Island employees honored for mentoring
PSEG Long Island recently received the Employ America Inclusively Award from Hauppauge-based Career and Employment Options (CEO), recognizing the volunteer mentoring work of two PSEG Long Island employees.
John Cassano of Bay Shore and Orlando Molinares of Hauppauge have been volunteering with the CEO nonprofit for several years, mentoring students face-to-face and then via video chat during the height of the pandemic. They have also represented PSEG Long Island at career fairs at local high schools, according to a company statement.
“Working with the students at CEO has been exceptional and personally rewarding for me, whereby I benefit from the positive influence of helping students and adults with both physical and emotional disabilities to navigate social, academic, career and or personal crises,” Cassano said in the statement. “Observing any student or adult grow and learn is an affirmation of my efforts. I also find that mentoring allows us to learn from one another, providing a path to knowledge transfer.”
Molinares said he is proud to receive the award on behalf of PSEG Long Island.
“I am truly grateful for the support and opportunity to represent our company and be part of such an amazing program,” Molinares said in the statement. “It felt good to be recognized for our dedication and commitment in making a difference.”
Founded in 2005, CEO offers transition and employment opportunities for students and adults in special education, 504 plans and general education programs. CEO works with local companies to offer career guidance, mentoring, resume writing and interview skills. The nonprofit also helps students obtain internships, career-shadowing opportunities and potential employment.
“PSEG Long Island has been an incredible support and resource of information for people we serve,” Nicholas Villani, Career and Employment Options CEO, said in the statement. “John and Orlando’s continued and effective impact on the students has broadened the students’ career horizons.”
