Welcome to Washington Vocational Services News and Events Page. You will find the latest and greatest information about our agency and our services. Please check our Upcoming Events, Current Events, News Letters and 2006 Annual Report below.

Washington Vocational Services has adjusted our fundraising efforts for 2009.
Our desire is to be efficient with resources and sensitive to the economic conditions of our community.
Instead of spending thousands of dollars to put on a large fundraiser WVS will be investing in several small fundraising events within each of the communities we work.

Following are fundraising events you can sponsor or volunteer to help with:

Upcoming Events:

2009 Fundraising Opportunities :

2221 East Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 108
Anchorage, AK  99508
YAY, it’s Charity Walk Time Again!! 
Graze to Raise!  Join Our Alyeska Vocational Services Team!!!
You, too, can walk with us through downtown Anchorage stopping at stations along the way, sampling delicious food from local restaurants, listening to or feeling the beat of live music while raising money to expand services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in our community!
The Visitor Industry Charity Walk celebrates a commitment to giving through a fun, festive community event that raises money for nonprofit agencies throughout the state of Alaska. Since the first walk in 2000, over $850,000 have been distributed to Alaskan charities.
Alyeska Vocational Services (AVS) is a non-profit agency providing employment services to persons with disabilities throughout the Municipality of Anchorage.  AVS is participating in this year’s Charity Walk on Friday, May 1st, 2009 Starting at 6:00 p.m. to support services to deaf, hard of hearing and late-deafened individuals.  Thank You to all of those who contributed last year!  With your help our staff will continue the much needed Independent Living Skills Training and Advocacy for those in need. 
There are two ways you can sponsor our Alyeska Vocational Services Team:

1. You can go on line to https://www.travelaska.com/_ACW/register.cfm and register by selecting “Alyeska Vocational Services (Keri Ornellas)” from the drop down menu and registering your donation. 
2. If you cannot register your donation on-line, contact me at keri@wvs.org or (907) 306-7258.  I’m happy to register your contribution for the team.

Your contribution of $30 or more will qualify you to walk with Alyeska Vocational Services Team in Anchorage on May 1st.   For contributors in Washington, please let me know if you plan to join us to ensure you have a bib; your bib is your ticket for food.  (See Tucker, Picture Left, wearing his bib. Isn’t he cute?)  If you are not able to join us in Anchorage, your donation of any amount will assist us in continuing our support of persons with disabilities in our community! 
Your donation is fully tax deductible!  In addition, if you can contribute a donation of $100.00 before April 27th, your name will be entered into a prize drawing for a trip!   
To contribute to this wonderful cause on line please visit the following web page:  https://www.travelaska.com/_ACW/register.cfm

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information at (907) 306-7258 cell/Text or by email to keri@wvs.org.

Yours Sincerely,

Keri Ornellas
Program Manager Alaska Services
Alyeska Vocational Service

In Washington: 

• Skagit County: WVS will participate in a 4% Friday with the Mt. Vernon Food Co Op.
• Snohomish County: We are developing a couple of possible fund raisers,  including an evening out with jazz.  A casual evening of food and music to raise funds for our community job classes.
• Island County:  Activity to be determined
• San Juan County: Activity to be determined

Your contributions are welcome to support our efforts at each of these fundraising events.
For more information please contact Shelby Satko, Washington Vocational Services 425-774-3338 or Shelby@wvs.org
                                                                                            

News:

Washington Vocational Services awarded three-year CARF accreditation

Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish County Washington — 12/10/2008 — CARF International announced that Washington Vocational Services has been accredited for a period of three years for its Employment Services Community Employment Services Job Development, Job Supports, Job site Training and Employment Planning Services programs. The latest accreditation is the third consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to Washington Vocational Services.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.

Washington Vocational Services is a Not-for-profit organization with offices located in the states of Washington And Alaska.  It has been providing employment services in the Northwest since 1976. 
CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.  For additional information, contact Lynn Van Vactor, Executive Director at 425-774-3338 x206 or Lynn@wvs.org.

October 2nd 2008 The 18th Annual Region 3 Supported Employment Conference at Warm Beach Conference Center

Click Here for the 2008 Conference & Bus Registration Forms

Click Here for the 2008 Agenda

Washington Vocational Services is again partnering with Work Opportunities and Chinook Enterprises to Co-host another wonderful conference! Last Year over 270 people attended the 17th Annual Region 3 Supported Employment Conference.

August 2008
18TH ANNUAL REGION 3
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE

On behalf of the Region 3 Conference Planning Committee we would like to invite you to join us for our 18th Annual Region 3 Supported Employment Conference, October 2, 2008.  Our conference will again be held at Warm Beach Conference Center which is central to our region.  We will again be offering chartered bus transportation to help with the high cost of fuel and to increase accessibility. 

On this special day, persons with disabilities, family members, local employers, agencies that help provide employment, case/resource managers, vocational counselors, teachers and others will come together to recognize the value of work.  Our guest speaker, Michael Bortolotto, is known for his inspirational message of overcoming barriers and thinking outside of the box.  Michael is a National Toastmaster Award Recipient, gifted speaker and extremely inspirational!  You will not want to miss Michael’s uplifting message! 
                                                                                                                          
The conference facility is accessible and offers an open, retreat atmosphere.  We are working to ensure the best conference ever by providing a better sound system and an inviting lunch.  The campus is the home of, Lights of Christmas with beautiful surroundings, a view of the bay and 300 acres of forested paths. Our event this year is informal and comfortable clothing is recommended.  Please dress informally and bring an umbrella in case it should rain! We’ve moved the conference date 2 weeks earlier with hopes of capturing the fall sunshine!

The theme for the conference is “Connections” with Charlottes’ Web as our inspiration.  We have “Some Conference” planned for you.  It will be an exciting day filled with topics and training that will be useful to individuals looking for employment and those assisting them in their employment search.  Enjoy, learn, get inspired and take home new ideas.
We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Phil McConnell, Rob Martin and Lynn Van Vactor

Planning Committee Chairpersons

Thank you to our sponsors: 
Division of Developmental Disabilities, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Snohomish County, Skagit County, Island County, Whatcom County and San Juan County.

July 2008 WVS has been awarded a new contract with San Juan County Human Services which will expand our employment services to customers in living in the San Juan Islands.  We are excited to be partnering with San Juan County Human Services staff to provide quality individualized employment services.  WVS will begin meeting soon with individuals and their families to ensure a smooth and positive transition.  As well, we will work to maintain high quality employment services to San Juan County residents. 

July 2008 Staff Appreciation Day:  Staff of Washington and Alyeska Vocational Services are appreciated for the quality work and commitment to employment for persons with disabilities within our communities.  One way the WVS board recognizes the outstanding contribution of our staff is with an annual Staff Appreciation Day.  This year staff were treated to an alder cooked salmon lunch and a show at Tillicum Village.  We had a wonderful time with beautiful weather, good food and wonderful company!

June 2008:  Annual Board Dinner
WVS Board of Directors was treated to a spectacular 7 course dinner by Chef John Satko. John also happens to be the husband of our Director of Development Shelby Satko.  Kudos to John, Shelby and Seattle Warwick Hotel’s Brasserie Margaux  Restaurant for making our annual dinner a spectacular event.

January 2008:

WVS Purchased our second Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Franchise!

As of January 1, 2008, WVS is the proud owner of Auntie Anne’s Pretzel franchise located at Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham Washington.

It’s a Pretzel Perfect day in Bellingham, WA!

Mountlake Terrace, WA – January 1, 2008 – Washington Vocational Services (WVS) expands their social enterprise operations with the acquisition of their second Auntie Anne’s Hand Rolled Soft Pretzel’s ™ located at Bellis Fair Mall, Bellingham, WA on January 1, 2008.

WVS is rolling out “Snack like you mean it!” © pretzels in Tulalip and Bellingham,  WA.  Now their second operation, WVS a non-profit provider of employment services to persons with disabilities, will provide employment & training to persons with disabilities in each of their stores.  Owning franchises allows WVS to expand employment services offered to persons with disabilities. 

Washington Vocational Services, is dedicated to providing outstanding quality services that result in successful community employment for persons with disabilities. Since 1976, WVS’s has provided employment assistance to over 4,000 persons within four Washington counties including; Snohomish, Skagit, Island and now Whatcom & Anchorage, Alaska.

Visit either of their store locations: Seattle Premium Outlet Mall, Tulalip and Bellis Fair Mall,  Bellingham WA to enjoy a pretzel perfect day!   For More information contact:  Lynn Van Vactor: 425-774-3338.

December 2007:

Wonderful News!
Washington & Alyeska Vocational Services’ employees continue to be blessed to work with dedicated colleagues in a variety of communities.  We are pleased to work side by side with local employers, persons with disabilities, community agencies, county staff, state employees and others to meet the needs of those seeking employment opportunities and those working to overcome barriers.  
WVS has recently been awarded 1 new contract which expand our services into Whidbey Island. 

• January 1st 2008, WVS will begin providing supported employment services to persons with disabilities living on Whidbey Island.  We are excited to be partnering with Island County Human Services staff to provide quality individualized employment services.  WVS will meet soon with individuals and their families to ensure a smooth and positive transition.  As well, we will work to maintain the on-going high quality service that has been provided to Island County residents. 

We at WVS & AVS are committed to the communities and people with whom we work. Thank you for your ongoing support and assistance which allows us to make meaningful contributions to our communities every day.

October 2007: WVS Co-Hosts the17th Annual Region 3 Supported Employment Conference

Washington Vocational Services partnered with Work Opportunities and Chinook Enterprises to host another wonderful conference! Over 270 people attended the 17th Annual Region 3 Supported Employment Conference. Our key- note speaker Dr. Violet Malone reflected on the value that each of us brings to our work and community. We want to ensure the opportunity of employment for everyone! The conference was attended by advocates, persons with disabilities currently working & those seeking employment, school districts, vocational rehabilitation staff, employment specialists, state and county employees. WVS thanks each of our presenters who volunteered their time to share their wisdom and experience with us. In addition, a huge thanks to our volunteer committee for their commitment to ensuring a tremendously successful event.

September 2007: Tea Bags ~n~ Rags: Washington Vocational Services first annual Fall fundraiser held at Edmonds Community College was a tremendous success! Past job class participants shared their stories of successful employment, including the benefits that our WVS job class provided to them.  Students from Edmonds School district modeled fashionable clothing which was then auctioned off and donated to YWCA working wardrobe in the donor’s name.  Over $20,000.00 was raised during this tremendously successful afternoon event.  Washington Vocational Services is very grateful to our sponsors including:

• Rags to Riches $5,000.00:  Tulalip Tribes

Thank you for making Tea Bags N Rags such a tremendous success!!   Please plan to join us next year for a fabulous afternoon of tea and fashion!
September 2007:

Snohomish County Business Journal -- Business Women 2007

http://www.scbj.com/archive/bw07/vanvactor-bw07.htm

................................................................

Current Events:

July 2007:

Fantastic News!

Washington & Alyeska Vocational Services’ employees are blessed to work within a variety of communities.  We are pleased to work side by side with local employers, persons with disabilities, community agencies, county staff, state employees and others to meet the needs of those seeking employment opportunities and those working to overcome barriers.  

WVS has recently been awarded 2 new contracts which expand our services into new communities and venues:

• July 1st 2007, WVS will begin providing supported employment services to persons with disabilities living on Camano Island.  We are excited to be partnering with Island County Human Services staff to provide quality individualized employment services.  WVS will begin meeting soon with individuals and their families to ensure a smooth and positive transition.  As well, we will work to maintain the on-going high quality service that has been provided to Island County residents. 
• June 2007, WVS was awarded a contract from Community Transit in Snohomish County to provide travel training throughout the county.  Travel training fits well within our vision that all people will be seen for their abilities.  Teaching persons within our community how to independently access public transportation and navigate safely between their home, work, shopping and health care can mean the difference between remaining home bound or gaining independence.  We have been impressed with the commitment to community that we have seen with the staff of Community Transit and we look forward to partnering with them to provide effective and efficient services to their customers.  

We at WVS & AVS are committed to the communities and people with whom we work. Thank you for your ongoing support and assistance which allows us to make meaningful contributions to our communities every day.

June 2007:

WVS Featured in Wall Street Journal: Smart Money

Profits on the Side (To read the article, click on the link above)
Take a charity. Add a franchise outlet. The result: more money for the mission.

The Journal Report: Small Business Wall Street Journal
By COLLEEN DEBAISE
June 25, 2007; Page R3

As executive director of Washington Vocational Services, Lynn Van Vactor spends her days helping people with disabilities find jobs. Then, every so often, she really gets down to business: ....

April 2007:

WVS Spring Newsletter 2007

March 2007: Snohomish County Business Journal Article

Breakfast Cart Program Rolls into WorkPlace by John Wolcott

http://www.snohomishcountybusinessjournal.com/archive/mar07/wvs-mar07.htm

WVS Winter Newsletter 2007

January 2007:

Deb Russell, Director Customer Care Starbucks Corporation named Board President

At WVS' annual board meeting the full board voted in the slate of officers: Debra Russell is named President of the board for Washington Vocational Services and Alyeska Vocational Services. Vice President: Ken Eriksen, IAM Boeing; Treasurer: Bret Stewart, President of Centertwist Corporation. WVS is grateful for the wonderful volunteer spirit of our Board and Business Advisory Committee. To see a complete list of committed community members who provide our agency support visit "About WVS" and click on Board ~ BAC Members.

WVS 2006 Annual Report : To view WVS 2006 Annual report in ADOBE format , click on the link below:

2006 Annual Report

Skagit Connections a Big Hit!

Skagit Connections, our successful social and recreational program in Skagit County has been re-authorized for an additional year. A wonderful board of volunteers planned and coordinated over 12 successful events in 2006. For 2007 due to the popularity of this program Skagit Connections Board has been asked to coordinate 14 events. On average 20-30 persons participate per event in a variety of integrated activities within our community. Keep an eye out for our 2006 annual report for pictures and stories about how folks are getting connected in Skagit County.

WVS awarded Skagit County Job Club Grant

Washington Vocational Services was awarded the opportunity to continue a successful job club in Skagit County. Job club's schedule has been re-designed to be more effective. Classes are designed for supported employment customers looking for work and high school students that are graduating. Job club is a wonderful resource to learn more about interviewing, resume writing and positive worker characteristics. Thank you Skagit County for providing this opportunity.

Washington Vocational Services Alaska is renamed ~ Alyeska Vocational Services

Our Alaska office is now doing business as Alyeska Vocational Services. The name change for our Alaska office reflects a desire to be sensitive to community identity. The Aleut word Alyeska meaning mainland is reflective of the area in which we provide service. Our staff are all residents of Alaska and have a strong desire to support their community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with local agencies to enhance services to those in need in Alaska.

December 2006: WVS Expands Services in Alaska!

Washington Vocational Services has contracted with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Alaska to provide vocational rehabilitation services to customers living throughout the state. WVS has hired Sharon Miranda to lead the way. Sharon specializes in providing services to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. She also teaches ASL at the University of Alaska Anchorage. WVS is excited to have Sharon join Lynne Sauve in expanding WVS services to persons in Alaska.

October 2006: WVS Co-Hosts the16th Annual Region 3 Supported Employment Conference

WVS partnered with Work Opportunities and Chinook Enterprises to host this wonderful event! Over 230 people attended the 16th Annual Region 3 Supported Employment Conference. Our key- note speaker John Evans reflected on the value that employment has in his life and how meaningful employment is for each of us. We want to ensure the opportunity of employment for everyone! The conference was attended by advocates, persons with disabilities currently working & those seeking employment, school districts, vocational rehabilitation staff, employment specialists, state and county employees. WVS thanks each of our presenters who volunteered their time to share their wisdom and experience with us. In addition, our volunteer committee for their commitment to ensuring a tremendously successful event.

The conference agenda is attached:

2006 Region 3 Supported Employment Conference

June 2006:

Our Annual Report is completed you can view our report by downloading the attached Adobe file.

WVS 2005 Annual Report

Open House:

Washington Vocational Services will be having an Open House September 14th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. Please come join us to learn more of our services and meet our staff!

Hold This Date:

Washington Vocational Services is collaborating with Chinook Industries and Work Opportunities to host the Region III Supported Employment Conference. The Conference will be held October 26th at the Skagit Valley Conference Center at Bow. Registrations will be sent later in July and linked to our web site.

February 2006: Information and Education Support

WVS is being supported by Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities to further develop and refine collaborative marketing activities with local businesses and develop partnerships with other vocational rehabilitation agencies within our community. Our desire is to develop many new jobs that will be open for application from all persons with disabilities within Snohomish County. Visit our news site in the future for updates on our success!

Thank you to our colleagues in Alaska for their warm welcome and vision of working together to create more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities!

January 2006: WVS awarded community grant

Washington Vocational Services was awarded a community grant to establish a job club in Skagit County. WVS will be collaborating with other local rehabilitation agencies to provide a monthly job club for supported employment clients looking for work and high school students graduating. Job club will be a wonderful resource for our clients to learn more about interviewing, resume writing and positive worker characteristics. Thank you Skagit County for providing this opportunity.

January 2006: Another year of Skagit Connections!

Skagit Connections, our successful social and recreational program in Skagit County has been re-authorized for an additional year. A wonderful board of volunteers planned and coordinated over 12 successful events. Over 100 persons participated in a variety of integrated activities within our community. Keep an eye out for our 2005 annual report for pictures and stories about how folks are getting connected in Skagit County.