Kevin had worked at Burgerville #2 on Mill Plain since 1993; however, last September that store closed its doors for the last time.  Kevin's General Manager, Paul Holloran, knew he had to find a new work home for Kevin and transferred him to Burgerville #38 on Thurston Way.  Adjusting to change is difficult for everyone and Paul and Kevin's co-workers wondered how well Kevin would adapt.  The store location may be different but how Kevin feels about his job remains the same.  After more than 18 years, he still loves going to work for Burgerville everyday!

 

Innovative's Supervised Visitation Program is meeting an essential need in Clark County.  This program provides a safe, monitored environment for children in foster care to visit with their biological families as they work toward family reunification. Community members are recognizing that need and are volunteering their time to help.  Working in a team oriented environment, these volunteers make a significant impact and are helping change lives for families involved in the foster care system.

 

Cindy Sandor started volunteering at Innovative more than three years ago. She had extra time on her hands as her three children grew up and moved out and started exploring extra opportunities. Cindy works fulltime as a secretary at Pacific Middle School and volunteers at Innovative one night a week and on Saturdays. She is happy to carry over some of the talents she uses at her day job as she works the front desk at Innovative, greeting families as they arrive for visitations and reading/editing visit narratives during the slow times. Cindy feels strongly about giving back to her community and her help is invaluable. "I feel like I am able to lend a hand to one of the most dedicated group of workers I have ever met. Supervised Visitation works under a great deal of pressure to get the job done. I am glad to help out and be a part of their team."  

 

Angie Pence is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Social Work at Eastern Washington University's Clark College Satellite program. Angie heard about Innovative from a friend whose child receives speech therapy here. Interested in working with a wide range of ages, Angie was excited when the opportunity to intern with Innovative presented itself. She will graduate this June, having interned for five quarters with us, working 11-15 hours a week. Angie started in the Supervised Visitation program. She received training, job shadowed during visitations and, when she felt ready, began monitoring visits on her own. Angie feels that "Supervised Visitation is a really good way for families to reconnect and get on the right track" as they work toward reunification. Angie is also spending some time in Innovative's Adult Day Health Center. While she originally felt a bit overwhelmed, she has grown to love working with this population. In fact, based on her experiences with Innovative, Angie plans to pursue employment working with senior citizens and adults with disabilities.

 

We need you! These are just two examples of the volunteer/intern opportunities available throughout Innovative's 16 programs. If you are interested in volunteering, or if you're a student looking for an unpaid internship, please contact Kristi Criswell at kcriswell@innovativeservicesnw.org or 823-5154.    

 

The HEDCO Foundation awarded Innovative Services NW a 50% matching grant for a brand new 2011 Sprinter Cargo van for Innovative's Custodial program. Thanks to the Dornsife Family Foundation, who donated a substantial amount of the match, Innovative Board Member Ron Torgensen and an anonymous donor who contributed to the match, Innovative was able to meet the requirements of the grant and purchase the brand new van. The final cost of the vehicle was $43,157.25, which included a manufacturer's discount of $2,000, and McCoy Freightliner's dealer discount in the amount of $1335.00.  

 

Innovative's Custodial Services Program helps adults with disabilities and other barriers train for and maintain meaningful jobs. Custodial services staff clean more than four million square feet on a weekly basis, while supporting 30 individuals with disabilities or disadvantages in employment or worker training.

 

The new 2011 Sprinter Cargo van is larger, and more appropriately equipped to transport custodial equipment for floor, window and carpet cleaning. In addition, it has more capacity to create efficiencies in the delivery of our cleaning services and it will dramatically reduce costly maintenance. According to Sheryl Roach, Director of Adult Services, "It's a dream come true for our field operations staff. They really look forward to using the van for their daily operations. By having the appropriate vehicle, we also look forward to increased efficiencies, more opportunities at additional work sites and increased revenue."

    

Sincerely,