Making a Difference in the Desert

When Damian Jenkins joined The Management Trust after a lifetime working in the luxury hospitality industry, he was happy to learn that a key facet of the company’s culture was giving back through local and national nonprofits. The Management Trust supports several including the USO, YMCA, Desi Strong Foundation, and local rescue missions and food banks, to name a few.

So with CEO Bill Sasser’s nod, Jenkins, who serves as President of The Management Trust’s Desert Division, added one more to the list: Desert Arc, a nonprofit focused on serving people with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and down syndrome, in the desert communities of Coachella Valley and beyond.

Jenkins joined the nonprofit’s efforts, and has served as its board chair for the past two years.

“Having a son with special needs, its mission is close to my heart,” Jenkins said. “They’ve been around for over 60 years and provide opportunities for adults—anyone 18 and over.”

Desert Arc teaches life and work skills and provides employment in landscaping, shredding, recycling, janitorial, and fulfillment through its employer network. Jenkins said The Management Trust’s Desert Division often uses Desert Arc’s landscaping and janitorial service at its office, as well as country clubs and some communities. The service is affordable and the quality of work is above standards, he said. “We also utilize their shredding services on an ongoing monthly basis.”

“They are so meticulous with attention to detail and laser focused on rules, as well as passionate and prideful because they have a job. It’s so great to see their smile when they collect that first pay check,” he added.

Jenkins said working with Desert Arc has allowed him to give back and impact people’s lives in a meaningful way – providing individuals with fulfillment and a sense of purpose while also providing much needed services to The Management Trust and the clients they serve.

Although the pandemic has impacted Desert Arc’s employment program as some country clubs closed or limited operations, Jenkins proudly notes that through The Management Trust’s involvement, the nonprofit added $100,000 in its topline revenue since his tenure on the board.

About 700 people are enrolled in Desert Arc’s programs, including its employment program, according to its website.