A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
October 30 2024 – The community of Othello boasts a population of around 8,500. Othello residents are diverse, family-centered, and take pride in their small community, with a majority sharing in and celebrating Latino and Hispanic cultures and traditions. It’s a cozy town where it seems like just about everyone knows your name, and at the same time, Othello is confronted by the challenges of being a rural town in a struggling economy, including gaps in education, low-wage jobs, and high unemployment.
SkillSource helps people gain the education and skills they need for employment by connecting them to resources within the local community. We also work with local businesses to learn about their needs. SkillSource serves as a bridge between the employer and career seekers to strengthen the workforce, build up business, and get people hired into meaningful careers with competitive wages.
SkillSource and The Othello Chamber of Commerce hosted an Open House at the Thieme Career and Development Center, which houses SkillSource and multiple partners. The community was invited to drop in and connect, learn more, and enjoy a free barbecue dinner. Nearly 50 guests toured the Career Center and heard presentations from staff about Career Seeker Services, Business Services, and the Open Doors program, which works with youth who have been disengaged from school. Guests also had the chance to fill out passports for visiting tables from community partners, including Big Bend Community College, The Othello Food Bank, Lighthouse, OIC of Washington, New Hope, HopeSource, and the Othello Chamber.
Thank you to Classic Grill’n for providing an absolutely delicious barbecue dinner to Open House attendees! We are also grateful to Othello Mayor Shawn Logan, SkillSource Board Member and local business owner, Ken Johnson, Adams County Commissioner, Mike Garza, Othello Schools’ Superintendent, Pete Perez, and to the dozens of SkillSource staff and partners who worked so hard to make this Open House an engaging and successful opportunity for meaningful connection!
