HireAbility Agency Breakfast Event

HireAbility Spokane (HAS) hosted a special breakfast event at the Lincoln Center in downtown Spokane. Several Spokane-area employment agencies were on hand to hear about HAS’s latest efforts, and the announcement of their new video campaign with Cornerbooth Productions.

Dave Sonntag, a long-standing member of HAS’s advisory committee spoke first, addressing the need for a more collaborative effort between the county, hiring agencies, business partners and HAS. It was emphasized that a stronger partnership would no doubt increase the amount of successful job placements for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Brian Nichols, also a long-standing member of HAS’s advisory committee, spoke to a greater extent on the standards of employment that HAS was looking for. It was emphasized that the old charity model of employment must be replaced in favor a new, fully-inclusive model of employment.

Frank Swoboda, owner of Cornerbooth Media, spoke next, providing everyone with an overview of HAS’s new video-based advertising campaign. Corner Booth has begun shooting footage and interviewing individuals as part of an ongoing, media-messaging effort to help educate the public about HAS’s mission.

Charly Walters, team lead for HAS, spoke last, addressing how a better system of referrals could lead to more successful job placement for individuals with DD. She also reinforced the need for greater agency involvement and how the agencies could benefit from utilizing HAS’s resources within the DD community.

The event overall was a great success, well attended and the feedback that HAS received from the attendees was very positive. While many of the agencies had limited knowledge of HAS’s efforts before the event, they all came away with a better understanding of HAS’s mission and how working in syncronicity can lead to greater success for all groups involved.