Projects
Partners for Work
PFW is a Rotary District 5030 project that creates employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by utilizing Rotarian business leadership as a vital link between job candidates and paid work. PFW was developed by the Auburn Rotary Club in 2003 and has expanded throughout western Washington as a viable program that assists employers in gaining access to this talented, untapped workforce. The target population is people who are over 18 years of age who have developmental disabilities and want to work. These individuals have learned valuable skills to offer the workplace, yet their employment rate (30%) is very low and many cannot meet the established job requirements set by human resource departments within businesses. Rotarians are often the top people in their companies and play a key networking and leadership role in helping open the door towards paid work. Partners for Work has helped create 13 jobs in District 5030 thus far! In our district, people can be found working within a variety of occupations and industries. Employees from Partners for Work are office assistants, warehouse/manufacturing stocking associates, membership/service assistants, and utility/janitorial assistants.
This project focuses on creating new opportunities for people who have traditionally been left out of the job market by having Rotarians become more aware of individual skills and abilities that exist within their own communities. This can be done simply through a series of club-level activities that don’t require fundraising or considerable amounts of volunteer service time by your membership. Contact your PFW district project chair, Jon Hankins, for further information and to receive a PFW toolkit to assist your club in seeding this wonderful project within your club!
Hiring a person with a Developmental Disability
Perhaps you’ve got a lot of questions, a few concerns, and are not sure where to begin. Rotarians and employers who are not in a position to hire can still contribute by generating other business contacts. The goal of Rotary Partners for Work (PFW) is to create employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by utilizing Rotarian business leadership as a vital link between job candidates and paid work.
As a Rotary member and an employer, you may be wondering if you should give this a try. Please review our Frequently Asked Questions to learn how you can help.
Christina Berry Helps U Rotarians Enjoy Their Club Luncheons
When you visit a University Rotary meeting, it’s hard to miss Christina Berry at the door to greet you. Her cheery smile and warm handshake have made arriving at luncheons a great experience! Christina was hired through Rotary’s “Partners for Work Project” with the assistance of Tom Swanson and his Vocational Services Committee. She assists in setting up and taking down table materials before and after luncheons, greets Rotarians at the door, helps with visitor check in and audio-visual equipment.
Christina is a student at Bellevue Community College and a graduate of Sumner High School in Seattle . Her interests are singing, piano, guitar, computers, bowling, skiing, soccer and cooking.
Say hello to Christina and to her job coach, Greta Kelleher, when you check in at your next luncheon. University Rotarians are so pleased to have Christina in their midst!
Hire a greeter for your club to assist with meetings.
Employer Recognition
On Oct 28th 2009, the Rotary Club of Auburn showcased PFW through employer recognitions. Below are several employers and respective club members who were given recognition for employing adults with developmental disabilities in the Auburn community. Auburn promotes PFW each year in October through multiple events: Mock Interviews, Employer Recognitions, District project updates, Employee spotlights, etc.
-and-Kip-Herrenjpg.jpg "Barbara Schlaitzer - Alice Octavia Floral Shoppe Employer of the Year")
Mock Interviews
A minimum of six Rotarians provide interview practice for two to three Partners for Work job candidates so that they are equipped with the right skills to get the job they most desire! Within one hour of service provided by Rotarians, the job candidates obtain valuable practice to discuss their job experiences and future interests. An Employment Consultant provides Rotarians a brief list of questions to assist them in learning more about the candidates that represent their community so that they can potentially refer them to suitable employment opportunities.
View our Reporting Cards and Mock Interview Questions to learn more.
See an example of Showcasing local job candidate’s skills and abilities through a live resume.
In the Media
Read about PFW in the media.