Bridgewell, a nonprofit social and human services organization serving northeastern Massachusetts, has presented Matthew Rosa, who goes by “Rosa” and is the owner of Captain Pizza in Middleton, with its 2023 Champion Award for providing jobs and training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Champion Award recognizes an outstanding business partner of Bridgewell’s who creates individual and supported employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a fair wage, helping them become valued and appreciated members of the workforce. Rosa is the seventh recipient of the honor since it was established in 2014.
“People like Rosa and places like Captain Pizza are champions because they recognize the potential in individuals with disabilities and give them the chance to work,” Bridgewell President and CEO Christopher Tuttle said. “What they quickly find out is that they have hired some of the most loyal, dedicated, capable workers around.”
Captain Pizza is part of Bridgewell’s community-based supported employment, with up to 10 people from the Employment Support program trained to work at the restaurant in rotation. Two to three individuals work each week with the support of a job coach. They are ServSafe-certified and work in all aspects of the restaurant, including food and meal prep and fulfilling customer orders.
“Bridgewell’s Employment Support program works with community business partners to match individuals with jobs they are interested in, like those in the restaurant industry,” Darren Goad, Bridgewell’s director of employment and community-based day supports, said. “What really sets Captain Pizza apart is that Rosa has our individuals working side-by-side with other employees in the kitchen and behind the counter. This business exemplifies inclusion.”
