Breaking Down Barriers, Building Up Community
March 6, 2025 – Employees from local community service providers loaded up for a Van Tour that wove together the threads of our community’s support system. The Van Tour was a revival of a workforce collaboration initiative created several years ago. It was initially focused on Education and Workforce Training but has since blossomed into encompassing other crucial areas like housing, safety, food security, healthcare access, child and family support, transportation, and crisis intervention.
The heart of the Van Tour lies in the “no wrong door” philosophy. It’s a promise that no matter where someone turns for help – be it SkillSource, DSHS, or any other agency – they will be met with open arms and guided to the right resources. This vision transforms our community into a seamless network of support, where every individual feels seen and heard.
The day began at WorkSource in East Wenatchee, where Elah Israel, Toby Haberlock, and Lisa Rosales shared the opportunities available for employment and career development through WorkSource partners SkillSource, Employment Security, and OIC of Washington. The journey traveled on to Wenatchee Valley College, where Student Navigators Dalia Hernandez and Magali Olguin Ramos shared resources for students of all ages, and how it’s truly never too late to enroll in college. After WVC, the vans visited SkillSource to learn about their role in skills development, business solutions, and for a tour of the student learning center.
After lunch, the vans rolled on to Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council where the focus shifted to alleviating the impacts of poverty, highlighting resources for food insecurity, housing, weatherization, and literacy. The final stop, DSHS, brought into sharp focus the challenges faced by those serving our most vulnerable populations. Erin Mooney of DSHS and Valerie Smith of DVR shared insights into the essential services provided, from food benefits to vocational rehabilitation.
Van Tour participants emerged with a deeper understanding of the community’s resources and a stronger sense of connection to their fellow service providers. They felt empowered to make more informed referrals, ensuring that individuals receive the precise support they need, whether it’s English language classes, career skills, college grants, child and family support, or housing assistance. Van Tours foster collaboration amongst partners, helping to create a community where everyone has access to the support they deserve.
Dates for future Van Tours and Workforce Collaboration Summits can be found on the WFC Resource website. Thank you to Town Auto Group for donating one of the vans for this tour!
