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For examples of Partners for Work program click HERE
 

Partners for Work Program

Brief history:

Partners for Work was developed by the Auburn Rotary Club in 2003 and has expanded through-out western Washington as a viable program that assists employers in gaining access to this talented, untapped workforce.  The target population is people who are over 18 years of age who have developmental disabilities and want to work.  These individuals have learned valuable skills to offer the workplace, yet their unemployment rate (70%) is very high and many can’t meet the established job requirements set by human resource departments within businesses. 

Rotarians are often the top people in their companies and in a key role to help open the door towards paid work. What Rotarians do best is network and communicate. These are powerful skills creating opportunities for people with disabilities. 

Through Partners for Work, Rotarians and employers are assisted in finding service resources at no cost for the following items:

People with developmental disabilities are currently employed in a variety of jobs. In King County, people can be found working as office assistants, warehousemen, groundskeepers, small business owners, and in many more occupations.
Management has experienced great success redistributing current work loads and creating jobs for people with disabilities, as other employees are freed up to do more complex tasks. Hiring an employee with a developmental disability can also improve teamwork and enhance work culture as the team learns to recognize everyone's contribution. Businesses are further able to contribute to their community by helping people with developmental disabilities become tax-paying citizens.

 

To learn more about Partners for Work (PFW), contact:
Jonathan Hankins; West Seattle Rotarian & Employment Consultant

(253) 735-1553 work

(206) 349-5297 cell