GONZALES — Gonzales Police Chief Keith Wise was recognized by Social Vocational Services on Monday for his support of the program and referring the organization to others in South Monterey County.
Social Vocational Services Inc. came to Gonzales in 2010 looking for a way to expand to areas of Monterey County. Employment Specialist Steve Owens would look at police departments and met with Wise, who was a sergeant at the time, to help maintain the police building.
“Chief Wise was always there, referring us to other people,” Owens said.
Now, there are two programs at the Gonzales Police Department involving Social Vocational Services, washing police cars and cleaning the police department twice a week.
The work in Gonzales led to referrals to working at the King City Police Department, Soledad Police Department, Sun Street Centers and Gonzales City Hall.
“I’m surprised, what an honor,” Wise said. “In Gonzales, it’s all about community. People helping people.”
According to Owens, they have been able to put their clients who live in the area to work. Social Vocational Services has clients who have development disabilities and integrates them into the community through jobs.
Gonzales Police Department is cleaned by a crew of three, with one extra supervisor.
