What’s New at WDC
News, success stories, and important updates from across our programs, partners, and communities.
How Local Resources Helped Afzal Build a New Life After Fleeing Afghanistan
In this video, meet Afzal, a refugee from Afghanistan who arrived in King County in 2021, after being evacuated from Kabul as the country fell to the Taliban. After connecting with Neighborhood House and enrolling in services blended from local (VSHSL), state (EcSA) , and federal (WIOA) resources he was able to find a job, receive training, and cover basic costs like rent and transportation. Afzal's story showcases the potential of community-based programs and the impact they can have in helping refugees and other vulnerable populations find stable employment and build a new life.
They Rethought Services to Deliver $9 Million in COVID Relief
By hiring people from the community, Open Doors cultivated understanding of the needs of the people they serve. They integrated PPE and food relief into a single delivery package, including information tailored to the families’ own languages, drove the rental assistance program, and even represented Open Doors in meetings with King County.
King County Executive & City of Seattle Spotlight the Efforts of the Workforce Development Council
King County and City of Seattle are transforming the workforce system to connect more people to high-demand jobs. The new model will better align funding to help people who face barriers to employment and help ensure that employers have the well-trained workforce they need to remain competitive in the global economy.