On April 9, 2024 nearly 80 people came together to share best practices and resources at the Omak Workforce Collaboration Summit. The summit was held at the Omak Elk’s Lodge and WorkSource Okanogan, presented by WorkSource system partners SkillSource, OIC of Washington, Employment Security Department, and Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

The summit was designed to support employees in Okanogan County who work with the public to help people achieve lifelong success and self sufficiency. This includes front-line staff and supervisors at non-profits, community based organizations, government entities, and service focused businesses. Session topics ranged from diversity in hiring, resources for assistance with utilities and housing, reducing recidivism with pre and post-release support, addressing childcare needs, upskilling workers and helping businesses and workers reach their potential, and more.

Thank you to the summit’s keynote speakers Tamar Jackson and Kelly Brickhouse from the Workforce Center of Pierce County, and to SkillSource CEO Lisa Romine and Todd Wurl, Regional Director of Washington State Employment Security Department for helping us open and close the day. We are grateful for the opportunity that the day afforded us to have critical conversations about the resources, benefits, services, and opportunities available, and how to better increase their accessibility to the community. Thank you to all the partners and presenters who took the time to come together in Omak for this valuable summit!

Fore more information on the North Central Workforce Collaboration, including future events, visit the North Central Partner Service Directory website.