HELPING THE HELPERS
In the heart of Moses Lake, New Hope offers compassionate support and advocacy for individuals navigating crisis and seeking safety, stability, and healing. Behind their mission is a dedicated team of advocates, many of whom arrive with passion and potential, but need targeted skills training to step confidently into their roles.
That’s where SkillSource comes in to help the helpers.
When New Hope welcomed two recent Central Washington University graduates, Nydia and Jocelyn, into advocacy roles, the organization turned to SkillSource to bridge the gap between education and real-world readiness. Through On-the-Job Training (OJT), SkillSource partnered with New Hope to provide support during the new hires’ critical early months.
“New Hope has found SkillSource to be an invaluable partner in our mission to empower individuals like Nydia and Jocelyn,” said Suzi Fode, Director of New Hope. “On-the-Job Training provided support to cover the costs to learn the practical skills needed to thrive in our field.”
By reimbursing a portion of the employees’ wages during the training period, SkillSource helped New Hope invest in talent while offsetting the upfront cost of training new employees. Meanwhile, Nydia and Jocelyn gained hands-on experience and bilingual advocacy certification while also receiving support tailored to their needs—including transportation assistance, professional attire, and financial incentives.
Jocelyn, now a Legal and Community Advocate at New Hope, reflected on the experience: “The On-the-Job Training I received helped me develop the practical skills I use every day. Whether transporting a client to court, attending outreach events, or having one-on-one conversations, the knowledge I gained helps me provide meaningful care. It prepared us to support, empower, and truly show up for our clients.”
By February of this year, both Nydia and Jocelyn had completed their training on-the-job, earning full-time permanent employment and benefits. Today, they continue to serve as trusted Legal and Community Advocates, making a real impact in the lives of those navigating difficult transitions.
On-the-Job Training not only opens doors for emerging professionals, it strengthens the workforce and helps essential organizations like New Hope fulfill their missions with confidence.
“SkillSource’s commitment to personalized support and their deep understanding of local workforce needs makes them our go-to organization for effective training and workforce development solutions,” shared Suzi Fode. “We appreciate this excellent partnership that thrives on open communication and a collaborative approach.”
To learn more about New Hope, visit: https://newhopewa.org/
