Published October 2004

Work Opportunities’ clients
thrive in workplace

By Kimberly Hilden
SCBJ Assistant Editor

“What do you do?” — just about everyone has been asked that question at some time or another, whether at a business dinner or social function.

For most, the answer comes easily: “I’m a loan officer for Such-and-Such Bank,” or “I’m an account executive with Whatchamacallit Insurance.”

For 70 percent of working-age individuals with developmental disabilities, however, the answer is a succinct “nothing,” said Phil McConnell, executive director of Work Opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Work Opportunities Work Opportunities client Victor Horton works for Eldec Corp., a part of the Crane Aerospace Group. Horton does a variety of packaging, labeling and clerical support duties for the company.

The Lynnwood-based nonprofit, now in its 41st year, aims to promote self-determination, self-respect and community participation for people with disabilities through the act of work by offering an array of job placement and support services.

“Our philosophy is that through work, our identities are established,” McConnell said, noting that a person’s occupation, whether paid or voluntary, connects them to the community in the relationships formed with colleagues and customers and in the knowledge that they play a part in an organization’s success.

Through its own work centers, job placement and support staff; a partnership with WorkSource offices in Everett and Lynnwood; and partnerships with the business community, Work Opportunities offers:

• Job development, coaching and long-term support.
• Group-supported employment services.
• Vocational evaluation services.
• Employment and training opportunities.

The organization also offers Work Force Investment Act services, including employment training, job development and support services to income-eligible adults and dislocated workers.

In 2003, Work Opportunities served 524 people; half of those were people with developmental disabilities, McConnell said.

Some were part of an enclave, a small group of Work Opportunities participants working within a company and receiving ongoing, on-site support. Over the years, Work Opportunities has developed partnerships with Snohomish County, Stevens Hospital and Eldec Crane to develop such enclaves, McConnell said.

Others performed electronic and mechanical assembly, mailings and packaging, and other contract services within Work Opportunities’ two work centers, in Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.

Last year, the work centers provided contract services for 40 companies, including Boeing and Intermec, McConnell said.

Along with revenues generated from the contract jobs, Work Opportunities receives funding through Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities, King County Developmental Disabilities, the state Department of Social and Health Service’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the United Way, McConnell said. Last year, the organization operated on a $2.6 million budget.

“A lot of our funding for providing jobs and the services that we do comes from the state, and they’re in a crisis situation. There are haves and have-nots — the haves are losing some, and the number of have-nots is growing,” he said.

In 2003, the state eliminated funding for assisting individuals with developmental disabilities in making the transition from high school special education to community employment, a challenge Work Opportunities responded to by looking at new partnerships and fund-raising opportunities, McConnell said.

Last year, the nonprofit held its first fund-raising auction, generating $30,000, he said. Sponsored by CityBank, the event was helped by the contributions made by more than 100 businesses. In June, Work Opportunities held its second annual auction. Again sponsored by CityBank, the event raised $45,000.

Heartened by the response from the business community and the community at large, Work Opportunities is exploring new collaboration opportunities to best serve its mission of giving its participants a “valued identity” through work, McConnell said.

“Work is so central — Work is our first name,” he said.

For more information, contact Work Opportunities, located at 6515 202nd St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036, by calling 425-778-2156. The organization’s Web site, www.workopportunities.org, is under construction.

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