 School-To-Work Program Awarded Exclusive Contract
Our April newsletter featured Northwest Center's School-To-Work Program, which helps young adults with disabilities transition from high school into community employment. This month, we're thrilled to announce that we have been chosen as the sole provider for the program at Shoreline School District. During the 2007-2008 school year, Northwest Center will work with five to eight students in that district to determine their employment goals, the level of support they need and the type of job that's most appropriate. Each person will benefit from an individualized plan that addresses their specific needs and desires.
In the past, students with disabilities graduated from high school and then often waited at home until their employment services kicked in. "Now we're working with students before they graduate -- starting the process sooner, rather than later," said Virginia Burzotta, Senior Director of Client Operations at Northwest Center. "That way, we're helping them achieve a more seamless and successful transition to employment."
Northwest Center received the news in June, after a competitive application and interview process. A full-time employment specialist will be assigned to the Shoreline program, and that person will hit the ground running at the start of the school year. |
 See How Our Garden Grows!
Sensory gardens... What a wonderful blend of sight and smell and touch. In April, Northwest Center's Child Development Program had a fragrant addition to its facility when volunteer workers broke ground on Spencer's Garden. The garden was inspired by Spencer Stoker, who passed away last spring. Thanks to a group of generous individuals, hundreds of kids with and without disabilities will soon have easy access to a delightful sensory experience.
Spencer's mother, Jan, is a Northwest Center board member and employee at Two Degrees, a team of financial, IT, consulting, and recruiting professionals. The folks at Two Degrees are more than Jan's co-workers - they are her extended family. That family established a fund in Spencer's honor and raised over $20,000 to create a sensory garden at Northwest Center's child care facility, where Spencer spent time with his classmates while his parents were at work. As a result of their efforts, Spencer's classmates, and many future classes of children, will be able to enjoy the sights and smells of a beautiful garden.
Thanks to all the volunteers who joined the work party! |
 Enterprise Spotlight:
Northwest Center Auto Sales
You probably know Northwest Center as the organization with the big blue trucks that pick up your clothing donations. What you might not know is that we accept much more than clothes! In fact, our auto donations have been so successful in recent years that we decided to open our own auto sales lot in Auburn. Now we're able to take donations, perform maintenance on the cars, and then sell them directly to the public. All under one roof -- and under a name that the community trusts! By opening this business, we're able to maximize deductions for our donors and generate income to serve hundreds of people with disabilities. It's a win for everyone! For more information, or to view the inventory, just head to the auto sales website at www.nwcautos.com. |
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Thank You, Donors! Many donors came forward from January through June to show their support of our annual luncheon, programs for children and services for adults -- or to honor or memorialize loved ones. Thank you to everyone for including us in your giving; we're honored to call you our partners.
| More than $100,000 |
In honor of Parul Houlahan |
| Estate of Norman G. Heutmaker |
John Stivelman |
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| $5,000 to $10,000 |
In honor of Mark Padilla |
| Tom and Sue Ellison Foundation |
Liza Zamudio |
| Qwest Foundation |
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| In honor of Robert Taylor |
| $3,000 to $4,999 |
Charles Macaulay |
| Gerry Kingen |
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| Lockton Companies of St. Louis, Inc |
In memory of Katie Dion |
| Mercury Mail Services, LLC |
James and Evelyn Chumbley |
| Rainier Investment Management, Inc. |
Naida Khan |
| Jeffrey and Dabney Roush |
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| In memory of Mark Moloney |
| $1,000 to $2,999 |
Evelyn Bateman |
| Baldwin Resource Group |
William and Laura Brownlow |
| The Braitmayer Foundation |
Theodore and Barbara Daniels |
| Costco Foundation |
Caryn and Mitch Freedman |
| Intelius Inc. |
Joanne Kinsman |
| King and Snohomish County |
Judith Moore |
| Employee Giving Campaign |
Jodi and Jerry Ruhl |
| KIRO TV 7 |
Loretta Schutten |
| Penske Truck Leasing |
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| Riddell Williams |
In memory of Spencer Stoker |
| SAFECO Insurance Companies |
Jeff Sebak |
| SEACON, LLC |
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| Shredfast |
In memory of Phillip Taggart |
| Simon Giftcard |
Laila Adams |
| Geoff Stevens |
Lawrence and Shirley Anderson |
| Jan Stoker |
David and Marcia Mahn |
| Two Degrees |
Patricia Price |
| Washington Learning Systems |
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| In memory of Curtis Watland |
| $500 to $999 |
Mary and Louis Rentas |
| Marth Christensen |
Jerry Watland |
| Ann Davis |
Dona Winder |
| Cameron Fellows |
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| Kevin Gallagher |
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| Microsoft Corporation |
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| Charles and Mary Moriarty |
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| $250 to $499 |
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| Anonymous |
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| Melissa Albert |
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| Artcraft Printing |
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| Renee Ellison |
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| Kennedy Associates RE Councel |
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| Gilbert Price |
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| Bryan Reich and Panisima Kanokkaew |
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| Valpak of Western Washington |
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| Westport Supply Company, Inc. |
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| $100 to $249 |
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| Anonymous |
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| Sung-Eun Choi and Erik Hendricks |
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| Cingular Wireless |
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| John and Deborah Cole |
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| Paul and Jennifer Davies |
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| Chantille Henry |
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| Key Bank |
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| Key Foundation |
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| King County Employee Charitable Campaign |
| SAFECO Insurance Companies |
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| Scott Severson |
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| Starbucks Matching Gifts Program |
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| Tibbetts United Methodists Women |
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| Kathryn Willson |
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| $1 to $99 |
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| Anonymous (2) |
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| Aon Corporation |
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| Nancy Bryant |
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| Diane Cavanaugh |
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| Katherine Kameron |
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| Gerald and Margaret Pomeroy |
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| Safeco Matching Gift Center |
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| Deborah Wardwell |
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| Omar Villanueva-Leyva and Lucia C. Zavala | |
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Client Spotlight 
Dave is a man with a clear motto: get the job done. He has been working at Value Village in Burien with a group of other Northwest Center clients who receive and sort the donations that stream in throughout the day. For three years, Dave has been an outstanding worker who tackles tough tasks with a smile, offers great customer service and takes the initiative when he sees something that needs to be done. In December, Value Village recognized Dave's contribution to the team by hiring him as a full-time employee, making him eligible for benefits and raises. Congratulations, Dave! |
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Golden Hearts Luncheon - Join us on September 28, 2007
