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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

AtWork! Spokane builds inclusive employment opportunities across the Inland Northwest

Sponsored content provided by AtWork! Spokane

Since 2017, AtWork! has proudly served Spokane County and the surrounding communities, supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to find meaningful employment, community connections, and purpose.

Our expansion into Spokane was driven by a simple observation, there was a need for more inclusive employment options in Eastern Washington, and AtWork! was ready to help fill that gap. Now, we’ve built strong partnerships with local employers, schools, and community organizations to ensure that everyone, has the opportunity to thrive at work and in life.

 

A Community That Feels Like Family

Spokane is a special place; tight-knit, welcoming, and grounded in community. Everything is close by, and that accessibility makes job placements and support more seamless for both employees and businesses.

Spokane may be one of AtWork!’s smaller teams, but that’s part of what makes it powerful. The size fosters deep collaboration, close partnerships, and meaningful relationships with the people we serve and the employers we work alongside. Whether we’re job coaching at REI, connecting with partners like the Scale House Market, Hospice of Spokane, and Art Salvage, or supporting students through the School-to-Work program, our team is united by one goal: inclusion through employment.

 

Stories of Growth and Success

Every success looks different here because every person’s journey is unique.

Take Serra, a School-to-Work student who was nervous about transitioning out of high school. She loved being part of her school community but feared losing that sense of belonging. Through AtWork!, Serra found a job at Village Center Cinemas, where she could share her love of movies and stay connected to friends. Today, Serra is thriving, confident, connected, and excited about her future.

Or Jared, who found his place at Art Salvage through a customized role as a Sanitation Specialist. When an injury temporarily sidelined him, Art Salvage held his position until he was ready to return, even creating a light-duty schedule to ease him back in. It’s a perfect example of how inclusive employers make all the difference.

These are the stories that define success in Spokane; growth, independence, and connection built through meaningful opportunities.

 

Community Partnerships that Matter

AtWork! Spokane works with local businesses that share our values of inclusion and collaboration. Companies like MOD Pizza Airway Heights, REI, Riverview Retirement, and South Perry Pizza. We’re also active members of the Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) network, joining community events and School-to-Work fairs to raise awareness and build relationships that open doors for the people we serve.

For local businesses, partnering with AtWork! means receiving hands-on support every step of the way, from job matching to training to ongoing coaching. Employers often tell us that working with AtWork! has helped them not only diversify their teams but also strengthen their workplace culture.

“Having Aubrey and AtWork! at the Scale House Market has been truly invaluable. They don’t just support our operations - they strengthen the heart of what we are building.” – Brittany at Scale House Market

 

Looking Ahead

The future is bright for AtWork! in Spokane. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and energized by the opportunities ahead. Every day, more people are discovering the power of supported employment and we’re committed to ensuring the community knows that AtWork! provides individualized, long-term support for both employees and employers.

By sharing inspiring success stories, building stronger connections with local schools, and continuing to highlight what inclusive employment truly looks like, we’re helping Spokane grow into an even more welcoming and empowered community. As we look to the future, we’re excited to deepen partnerships, spark new collaborations, and expand AtWork!’s impact across Eastern Washington, creating more opportunities for people of all abilities to thrive.

 

Get Involved

AtWork! Spokane is proof that when a community comes together, inclusion thrives. You can be part of this movement by:

  • Partnering as an Employer – Open your workplace to inclusive hiring and discover the value of diverse talent.
  • Becoming a Volunteer or Advocate – Help spread awareness and build stronger community connections.
  • Supporting Our Mission – Your donations help fund programs that change lives across Washington.

Together, we’re creating a Spokane where everyone has the opportunity to work, contribute, and belong.

Learn more about AtWork! Spokane by visiting www.atworkwa.org.