by Todd Dunnington
As a social enterprise, Skills Inc. is constantly weaving and linking our non-profit mission with our business enterprise.
For the past 40+ years we have been successfully carrying out our mission to train and employ persons with disabilities: 70% of our employees have an identified disability. Over the years we have also developed manufacturing processes which have enabled Skills to become recognized as a leading aerospace supplier.
With 300+ employees, we are one of the largest aerospace suppliers in Washington State, meeting stringent quality and governmental standards. In recent years, we have found new ways to expand our impact by joining forces with partners in the community who also have a goal of providing services to persons with disabilities.
In this newsletter, you will read about this expanded relationship and the internal structure and activities at Skills that make this possible. As a designated Community Rehabilitation Program, we are working with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to assess and place individuals who have turned to the state for employment assistance. We also train and teach high school interns from Federal Way and Enumclaw School Districts. These, and other initiatives, are allowing us to expand our social enterprise model. Linking the social and enterprise missions at Skills Inc. is a win-win for all involved.