In early November, local employers and supporters who have been key partners of Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI) gathered in celebration at SJI’s annual Partner Appreciation Luncheon.  Held at the beautiful Harborside Room at McCormick and Schmick's on Lake Union, the event was a huge success.  Guests heard the emotional success story of Jessica Torres, who went through SJI's office occupations program upon completing a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.  Jessica, now a project manager at a furniture company, recently purchased her first home and is enjoying a steady salary of over $35,000 with benefits and a 401(k) plan.

Following Jessica's story, Mayor Greg Nickels presented Seattle Jobs Initiative’s Partner Awards, showcasing individuals, employers and other partners that have demonstrated commitment to SJI’s goal of helping Seattle’s low-income residents become economically self-sufficient.

This year, Seattle Job Initiative’s Creating Opportunities Award was presented to United Way of King County, for the organization’s widely successful Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) campaign. The countywide effort helped working poor families “keep more of what they worked for,” by assisting with tax preparation and ultimately returning to them more than $6 million in federal refunds.

Genie Industries received SJI’s Employer Partner of the Year Award. The Redmond-based manufacturing firm has hired 29 graduates from SJI’s manufacturing program in the last two years. Volunteers from Genie Industries have also taught interviewing skills to job seekers and have consistently participated in SJI’s advisory committee, which provides feedback on training curricula.

Seattle Jobs Initiative’s Champion of the Year Award was awarded to 2 individuals: Jennifer Shotwell, former human resources recruiter at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Heather McGovern, human resources representative at Safeco Insurance. Both women have shown outstanding commitment to the program by hosting internships, mentoring participants, and providing feedback on SJI’s curriculum.

Thanks again to everyone who attended in celebration of our mutual accomplishments of opening doors to living wage careers!