Spokane Workforce Council Secures Over $4.8 Million in Grants to Break Down Barriers and Connect More Residents to Quality Jobs

Combating the Opioid Crisis

Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) was awarded $879,363 from the U.S. Department of Labor through the Washington State Employment Security Department to address the ongoing opioid crisis in Spokane County. These grant resources equip the Spokane WorkSource System to offer individuals impacted by the opioid epidemic access to peer navigator support, training, and employment resources to assist with reintegration into the local workforce and economy. SWC will join forces with partner organizations at the WorkSource Spokane One-Stop Campus to deliver direct assistance to individuals and businesses. SWC will also collaborate with Pioneer Human Services’ successful Peer Navigator program, which leverages firsthand experiences with justice involvement to offer recovery-oriented support services. This award marks year-one of a three-year transformative project, offering substantial benefits for Spokane area residents and employers and promoting long-term stability for those affected by the opioid crisis.

Community Reinvestment Plan Funds

Spokane Workforce Council is honored to be among the recipients of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s recently unveiled Community Reinvestment Plan funds, with an award totaling $1.35 million. The funds are intended to address racial, social, and economic disparities within our local communities and will be used to assist local residents in our poverty reduction initiative and focus upon serving BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color)-owned businesses and employees. SWC looks forward to building stronger partnerships with BIPOC-owned businesses in our region, and we are committed to assisting with their hiring, retention, and training needs.

Washington Jobs Initiative – Healthcare Talent Pipeline Development

In an exciting bi-regional partnership with Workforce Southwest Washington in Vancouver, WA, Spokane Workforce Council has been awarded $2 million as part of Washington state’s Good Jobs Challenge plan. Both regions are currently facing a critical shortage of patient-facing healthcare workers. Under this program, we’ll partner with local employers and training providers to enhance the healthcare talent pipeline. A key emphasis will be on serving 18–30-year-old young adults and those in the early stages of their career development, particularly individuals from historically underrepresented communities in the healthcare field. In the Spokane area, vital institutions including CHAS Health, Providence Healthcare, and Eastern State Hospital will be collaborating in this joint effort and leveraging their training programs. The grant funding will facilitate the success of program participants, ultimately leading them to promising career opportunities in the healthcare industry.

Washington Jobs Initiative – Pierce-Spokane Construction Works

In partnership with WorkForce Central, the local workforce development board in Pierce County, Spokane Workforce Council has been awarded $432,000 in support of its TradeUp to Construction initiative. This project will provide coordinated assistance to help fill labor shortages in the construction trades and create a pipeline of workers to sustain this industry in our regional economy. In partnership with Association of General Contractors of the Inland Northwest and Spokane Home Builders Association, the SWC will offer hands on learning events to promote career pathways and direct support into apprenticeships and quality jobs in construction. This additional funding is instrumental in prioritizing opportunities for individuals who have encountered barriers in establishing their careers within the trade industry. With a commitment to fostering skill growth and offering robust support, this initiative is set to create lasting impacts, ensuring that the benefits of the construction sector extend to a diverse range of individuals in our community.

Spokane Workforce Council is committed to its mission of strengthening the workforce, addressing critical community challenges, and fostering a resilient and inclusive Spokane. These grants represent a significant step towards achieving these goals. We are excited about the positive impact they will have on our community and are dedicated to continuing our work in the service of our residents, businesses, and stakeholders. For further information, please visit our website at www.spokaneworkforce.org or contact our office at admin@spokaneworkforce.org. 

###