Washington Vocational Services Receives $37,000 Sponsorship from Wellpoint Washington Supporting Pathfinders and Healthy Relationships Programs for Youth with Disabilities
Washington Vocational Services (WVS), recipient of the 2024 Governor’s Award for Small Nonprofit Employer of the Year, is proud to announce a generous sponsorship of $37,000 from Wellpoint Washington, a leading healthcare organization committed to improving lives and supporting communities across the state. The sponsorship, presented on February 27th at the WVS office and ATTIC Transition Program in Burlington, directly supports WVS’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities through employment, independence, and self-sufficiency.
For nearly 50 years, WVS has been a leader in disability employment services, providing customized support to help individuals achieve meaningful careers and greater independence. WVS continues to serve clients in Snohomish, Skagit, King, Whatcom, and Island Counties, offering programs that create pathways to employment and community integration.
The Adult Transition To Independence Center (ATTIC), designed for individuals aged 18 to 22, is one of WVS’s key initiatives, helping youth with disabilities develop essential life skills, job readiness, and self-advocacy. With Wellpoint Washington’s support, WVS is able to enhance the transition services offered through ATTIC by providing the Healthy Relationships and Pathfinders programs.
Pathfinders is a customized program that engages middle school and high school students in planning for their futures by encouraging them to dream big, explore different career paths, and take active steps toward their goals. Healthy Relationships is a high school program that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to build and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships, fostering greater independence and self-awareness.
“This generous support from Wellpoint Washington will have a lasting impact on the young adults we serve,” said Janet Bruckshen, executive director of Washington Vocational Services. “Our mission is to remove barriers and provide meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We are so pleased to offer programming that helps both youth and young adults envision and prepare for their future, and we couldn’t do it without Wellpoint’s support.”
“Wellpoint Washington is committed to fostering healthier and stronger communities, and that includes supporting workforce development programs that help individuals with disabilities gain independence.” said Lisa Bogard, President of Wellpoint Washington. We are proud to continue to partner with WVS over the past 10 years in their mission to remove barriers and create opportunities for young people to thrive. The ATTIC Transition Program is making a meaningful difference, and we are honored to contribute to its success."
For nearly five decades, WVS has been at the forefront of disability employment services, partnering with businesses, government agencies, community organizations, and local school districts to create inclusive opportunities. The ATTIC Transition Program contracts with school districts such as Anacortes, Burlington-Edison, Sedro-Woolley, Mount Vernon, and other regional districts, offering transition services that ensure students with disabilities have access to career preparation, employment training, and independent living support as they move into adulthood.
For more information about ATTIC Transition Program and its services, contact Washington Vocational Services at 425-774-3338.
About Washington Vocational Services
Washington Vocational Services (WVS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through customized employment services, job training, and community integration. Since 1976, WVS has worked to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and meaningful employment. WVS serves clients in Snohomish, Skagit, King, Whatcom, and Island Counties and partners with businesses, government agencies, school districts, and community organizations to create inclusive employment opportunities.
In 2024, WVS was honored with the Governor’s Award for Small Nonprofit Employer of the Year, recognizing its outstanding contributions to disability employment and workforce inclusion. This award, presented by the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, celebrates Washington employers who excel in creating inclusive workplaces for individuals with disabilities.
For more information, visit Washington Vocational Services online at www.wvs.org.