PIC is Moving Forward!

This is an exciting time for Partners in Careers. We have moved to new space at 3210 N.E. 52nd Street in Vancouver. We are on one floor, have more training space, improved parking and a large community room for job fairs and other gatherings. ...Read More

PIC

Our 18-member staff works with hundreds of families and individuals to help them become economically self sufficient. We do this through job training, coordination of support services and job placement. Our clients are primarily referred to us by local agencies providing public assistance to people in need.

We work with families with children, refugees, low-income seniors and adults facing multiple challenges to employment such as homelessness, debt, addiction and mental illness. Our newest program, the Veteran Women Program, is open to all women veterans and helps with connections to services, training and jobs.

PIC is a 501 (C) (3) organization, a non-profit that is funded primarily by local, state and federal government.

What’s New

YouthFirst Creates Employment and Keeps Students on Track to Graduate from High School

Eight high school graduating seniors were honored on June 15 at a special ceremony for the YouthFirst program of Partners in Careers. YouthFirst matched 20 Lewis and Clark High School students (10 seniors and 10 juniors) with local employers in a pilot paid employment program for students at risk of not graduating. All had personal obstacles in their lives. All participants graduated or are now on track for graduation.

For most it was their first job. They went through an interview process with resumes and coaching. They worked 10 hours per week plus carried a full load at school, completed five hours per week of supervised homework or study hall and wrote about their work experiences. Funding was provided by Partners in Careers with support from Riverview Bank and Hewlett Packard, which donated a computer lab for the students. Community volunteers also mentored the students.

At the ceremony, Washington State Senator Craig Pridemore addressed the students and their parents. "You didn't just succeed," he told the graduates. "You succeeded despite your obstacles." Mayor Tim Leavitt also spoke to the students. A program video, which was created by program participant Tony Torres, who completed a job assignment with the Vancouver Public Schools video production, is available at http://youtu.be/-A-aOrz9kck . PIC intends to expand the program for the 2012-13 school year. For more information, visit call Dave Cole at 696-8417, ext. 128.