PIC Moves into New, Larger Offices

 

PIC staff on moving day. They have moved into their new offices and are ready for service.

The new 11,000 sq. ft space includes expanded training rooms with a large meeting room which will also hold community events. The office also offers improved technical training support, space for more than 20 agency employees, on-site partners and expanded parking. Clark College and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to share space with PIC.

We have supported job seekers with training and placements for more than 30 years. PIC provides job training, placement and coaching to people on public assistance, refugees, veterans and low income seniors. Our goal is to help people achieve economic independence.

PIC provides employers with qualified and pre-screened employees. Programs include the Community Jobs Program, senior and refugee programs, and services for veterans through the Veteran Women Program and Homeward Bound. For more information call us at 696-8417.

PIC has Moved

Partners in Careers is expanding into a new location! When construction is complete in May, PIC will relocate to 3210 NE 52nd Street between NE St. Johns Road and NE St. James Road. Here are a few facts about our new space:

• 11,000 square feet
• Expanded training room capacity with 3 new training rooms. One can be opened to accommodate 100 people
• The new youth program will have their own space with its own computer resource area
• The building right on the bus line-drop off and pick up points are next to the building
• Great access-the entire building is on one level; the parking lot is at the front of the building
• There's ample room for our programs and new programs
• There will be improved tech training support
• There will be plenty of space for the 20 employees working in the new building

Watch this space for announcement of the official move!

John Wallace, Sue Vanlaanen, Iloba Odum, Leslie Currie, Pam Brokaw and Maureen Witters

John Wallace, Sue Vanlaanen and Iloba Odum start the building renovation.

U.S. Navy Veteran joins PIC team

Emily Stoutsenberger, a former Navy journalist, has signed on to coordinate PIC’s Veteran Women Program (VWP).

In addition to her military service, Emily formerly assisted veterans seeking work through the State of Oregon Employment Department. She has developed partnerships with community non-profits and local businesses and coordinated events. Emily has volunteered since 2005 at the YWCA of Clark County providing facilitation in a women’s support group. She is now putting these talents to work in the VWP and in preparing to launch a brand new program helping homeless veterans with families called Homeward Bound.

A graduate of Washington State University at Vancouver, Emily majored in Digital Technology and Culture. She has a professional writing certificate from WSU. 

“My priority is to work with our community partners to meet the needs of our women veterans,” Emily said. “We are linking women to training, jobs and community resources. I want to reach out to help others to empower them to feel good about their lives and themselves.”

Emily added, “It’s difficult when you feel a sense of inadequacy and low self esteem. By having an advocate, and someone who believes in you, it is possible to believe in yourself. I want to be that advocate and support for other veteran women.”

To contact Emily, call the VWP at (360) 696-8417.
You can e-mail her at Emily@swwpic.org

Community turns out for
PIC Open House

A cross section of community leaders, local organizations, business, family and friends turned out for PIC’s Open House October 15.

The event marked the launch of PIC’s new website designed to better inform the community about programs and services. The new site is www.partnersincareers.org

PIC’s new logo and jobs program for women veterans, the Veteran Women Program, were introduced.

“We were honored to have both John Lee and Susan Feland attend and talk about their support for our jobs program for women veterans,” said Pam Brokaw, PIC executive director.

Lee is Director of Veterans Programs for the State of Washington. Feland is the founder of Academy Women, a national organization partnering with PIC on the Veteran Women Program. Academy Women is coordinating the e-mentoring component of the program which will pair clients with mentors.

PIC, located in Vancouver, also provides job training, placement and coaching to people on public assistance, refugees and low income seniors. A non-profit, the organization’s goal is to help people achieve economic independence.

For more information about PIC and programs, check out the website or call Pam Brokaw at 696-8417.

 

Partners in Careers (PIC) names Pam Brokaw Executive Director

A non-profit corporation helping people find work through training and placement in partnership with business and education, has hired Pam Brokaw as its Executive Director.

“Pam has the skills to grow partnerships, to manage our programs and work collaboratively to meet pressing community needs,” said Mike Phillips, PIC Board Chair.

Brokaw formerly served as executive director of a local affordable housing non-profit, building housing and providing educational services for low-income families. She was District Director for Congressman Brian Baird and has served in local government.

Partners in Careers, formerly known as the Private Industry Council, is based in Vancouver and helps people dealing with barriers to employment.

PIC assists job seekers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors ages 55 and older and people with disabilities. The non-profit also helps young people who have dropped out of school, people transitioning from welfare to work, people with limited English proficiency and refugees.

“We’ll be doing all we can with our community partners to help get people working and economically self-sufficient,” Brokaw said.

PIC is funded through the state department of Community Trade and Economic Development, United Way, grant support and community contributions. To contribute to PIC or volunteer in other ways, please contact Pam Brokaw at 696-8417 or e-mail at pam@swwpic.org.

Calendar

August 2010

Watch for the Veteran Women Program at the Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum county fairs. We will have information about Homeward Bound our new program to help veterans and families find housing, jobs and a helping hand.

 

October 2010

The Veteran Women Program’s first birthday! You won’t want to miss this very special event. Stay tuned for more details, coming soon.