 Northwest Center Expands Through New Partnership
Expanding, building, evolving. Just about any word that signifies growth is on the lips of people at Northwest Center these days. Case in point: a new partnership with Spokane-based Nova Services has drastically expanded Northwest Center's geographic reach and number of people served. Nova Services' job training and employment services for adults with disabilities are a perfect match with Northwest Center's mission.
Although unemployment rates across the United States have dropped in recent years, 75% of adults with disabilities remain unemployed--primarily because of a lack of available training, access to community jobs and quality long-term support. So when Nova Services approached Northwest Center last year about developing a partnership, CEO David Wunderlin saw an opportunity to leverage Northwest Center's solid infrastructure and program expertise to create more jobs for people with disabilities in an under-served area of the state.
Nova Services will work to move adults away from sheltered workshop environments and into community-based employment. "This is an area where Northwest Center excels--assisting adults on the path to employment and maximizing their level of independence," said Dave Wunderlin. "And this is where we plan to strengthen Nova Services and the Spokane community," added Nova Services Executive Director Linda Brennan. Together, Northwest Center and Nova Services will build new programs and jointly work with 850 people this year. |
 School-to-Work Program Prepares Students for Employment
When young adults with disabilities graduate from high school, what options do they have? That question inspired Northwest Center to develop the School-to-Work Program, which helps students with disabilities gain the employment skills they need to succeed in job positions. Students like David (pictured left), who was recently placed in a community-based position at a local fitness club and is off to a great start.
Through the School-to-Work Program, Northwest Center works closely with high school students during their last year to determine their employment goals, the level of support they need and the type of job that's most appropriate. Of the 12 people in the 2006-2007 program, three have already been placed in independent community positions, three are seeking community positions and five will receive one-on-one training and support. The program is a collaboration with the King County Department of Developmental Disabilities and area school districts-and the participants hail from Federal Way to Shoreline.
Employment Specialist Jana Anarde works directly with the students and says the baby steps that happen day by day add up to tremendous progress over a few months. "The people in this program want to work and they're really committed," Jana says. Northwest Center is now recruiting participants for the next school year and believes that its high placement rate will be a deciding factor for students and parents who have several agencies to choose from. |
 Donor Makes $240,000 Bequest
When Northwest Center CEO Dave Wunderlin started having lunch with June Gasparovich several years ago, little did he realize the impact that those lunches would have on June--let alone children with disabilities. But June's deep commitment was once again demonstrated when she died early last year. She left a generous $240,000 bequest to Northwest Center, which will be put to excellent use at a new program in South King County.
In the 1970's, June's brother, James Shinkle, received employment services at Northwest Center, and that connection prompted June to later establish a fund in memory of her brother. Over the years, she contributed a total of over $100,000 to the fund. June also stayed in touch and occasionally met with staff members, including CEO Dave Wunderlin. During a visit to Northwest Center's Child Development Program several years ago, June was particularly interested in the idea of preparing kids with disabilities for kindergarten so they could put their best foot forward when they started school. Both June and her husband were retired Seattle school teachers and were devoted to education.
Based on June's excitement during the visit to the children's program, Northwest Center decided to use the bequest for a new children's program in South King County. In that area, there are very few programs that address the specific needs of kids with delays and disabilities, yet the need is great. "We're going to prepare children to take full advantage of their education," Dave says. "And our hope is that they'll get to start out in a different orbit than they otherwise would have." |
 Qwest Funds Family Enrichment
A $10,000 grant from Qwest is making a big difference for families at Northwest Center. The grant has enabled us to launch a new program, in which parents and families will get the extra support, tools and strategies they need to care for children with disabilities. As a result of this program, more children with delays and disabilities will have opportunities for growth and development within the family setting. Thanks to Qwest for making it happen!
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Volunteer Spotlight 
If there's an award for most committed volunteer on the planet, it should go to Teresa. She's been visiting Northwest Center's Child Development Program for 29 years--every weekday for five hours a day. Traveling to the center takes Teresa an hour on the bus, but she thinks it's totally worth the effort. Teresa helps out in the infant and waddler rooms, holding babies, organizing toys and chaperoning the occasional walk to the park. Teresa loves the kids and enjoys helping the teachers. When asked if she'd like to continue volunteering for another 29 years, she simply responds, "Why not?" Why not, indeed! |
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