WorkSource works with all sorts of businesses—from major healthcare providers to trucking companies. But sometimes, we get the opportunity to work with community partners too, in service of a common goal.
Recovery Café works with individuals in long-term recovery from drugs and alcohol—empowering them with resources and community to reach their full potential.
In a lot of ways, this is what we do at WorkSource as well. We provide the tools and guidance for job seekers to become self-sufficient.
Recently, I was lucky enough to sit down with Executive Director Vince Collins to talk a little about how WorkSource and Recovery Café work together.
Recovery Café employs 50+ staff throughout Southwest Washington. The main program operates as a membership-only model where participants engage in a support circle once a week in exchange for meals and other social activities. Services are available to individuals at any point in their recovery journey.
Our Business Services team proactively makes connections to organizations in our community to find opportunities for both job seekers and employers. With Recovery Café, the connection was easily made as many of their clients were already looking for work.
WorkSource has funds to help those impacted by the opioid crisis, so there was a significant opportunity for partnership between both organizations.
“We train and maintain staff who are Recovery Coaches,” says Vince. “So, this is one where their history actually serves as a requirement for the job.”
One of the things that makes Recovery Café so unique is the sheer breadth of positions available. From kitchen to maintenance to client-facing roles—there’s work for a variety of skillsets and ambitions.
Recovery Café has used WorkSource to find interns and also has taken advantage of our On-the-Job Training program—which reimburses a portion of an employee’s wages to the employer while in training. This program is a great way for employers to hire new talent, get them up to speed, and save money.
In addition, Recovery Café has attended hiring events, welcomed Business Navigator Karin LaValla to speak at their Professional Development Day, and provided ongoing referrals to our services. Our partnership is continuous and fruitful, no doubt owing to the shared missions of our organizations.
“We work hard to integrate our participants into the community,” says Vince. “Our missions really align that way and that’s why we’ve been so successful with WorkSource.”
If you’d like to learn more about how WorkSource Business Services can help your business, contact Mike Vezzola at mvezzola@worksourceswwa.com or call at 413.335.2038.
WorkSource is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay Service 711.
This program receives support and funding from a U.S. Department of Labor grant(s) provided through Workforce Southwest Washington. Read more about WSW federal funding at WSW Funding Disclosures: https://workforcesw.org/federal-funding-disclosure
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