Spokane Workforce Council Awards $100,000 to By-and-For Community Organizations to Advance Workforce Equity and Access

Spokane, WA – September 30, 2024 – The Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) is pleased to announce the awarding of $100,000 in total grants to four local by-and-for community organizations as part of its Accelerating Community Connections initiative. These grants are funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project and aim to increase access to workforce system resources for historically underserved populations.

The recipient organizations, selected for their commitment to serving the Black, Latine, and Native communities, are:

• If You Could Save Just One
• A Woman’s Worth
• Nuestras Raíces
• Creole Resources

Each organization will use the grant to expand culturally appropriate services and workforce system access, with a particular focus on two key SWC initiatives: Economic Security for All (EcSA) and Community Reinvestment Project Career Accelerator Incentives. These efforts aim to create stronger connections between the workforce system and the focus populations, addressing barriers to employment, training, and career advancement.

Natalia Gutierrez, Founder and Executive Director of If You Could Save Just One, an organization serving youth and families in the Hillyard neighborhood, shares “So many of the youth and families we serve are facing many layers of hardships. We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a valuable resource to help people navigate unemployment, underemployment and/or GED needs in a more comprehensive way. This grant also opens opportunities for us to expand into more case management-type support for community members.”

Gaye Hallman, Founder and CEO of A Woman’s Worth, an organization serving women with justice re-entry services, shared the impact of this opportunity for their clients: “Giving women an opportunity to unveil their passions, dreams, and aspirations and turn them into a reality is a passion of mine. I believe in second chances, and providing, supporting, and mentoring women to believe in themselves and the gifts within. An opportunity of self-worth is uncovered and explored. That is what drives us every day to continue our mission and quest.”