Hiring Initiatives
Cultivating Inclusive Workplaces Through Connected, Business-Driven Hiring
Wise’s Hiring Initiatives unite powerful community partnerships—like Partners for Work and HireAbility Spokane—to connect businesses with skilled individuals with developmental disabilities. We empower employers to build equitable workplaces, strengthen talent pipelines, and foster belonging from day one.
Why It Matters
Inclusive hiring drives impactful outcomes:
- Opens access to diverse, skilled candidates who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Strengthens employer culture and retention through supported employment Reduces barriers to employment
- Creates scalable models, from local greeter roles to county-wide hiring events
Our Initiatives
Partners for Work
(Rotary District 5030)
Rotarians open doors. Since 2008, this Rotary-led initiative has placed over 140 adults with I/DD in paid roles across King County by leveraging local networks and “working interview” opportunities with 21 Rotary clubs.
What we do:
- Development of a Partners for Work committee in your Rotary Club
- Facilitate working-interview roles (e.g., greeters at club meetings)
- Coordinate mock interviews, feedback sessions, and graduation certificates
- Connect businesses to job candidates through Rotarian introductions
Interested in learning more about Partners for Work, contact: Heather Evans, [email protected]
HireAbility Spokane (Spokane County)
Hire Ability Spokane promotes the hiring of people with developmental disabilities in Spokane County. We provide resources and support to employers and partner with supported employment professionals to create employment solutions that contribute to a diverse, inclusice workforce.
- Employer Consultation & Job Analysis – Understand hiring needs to adapt job postings, interviews, and workflows.
- Events – Interview events spotlight prescreened candidates & breakfast events promote community networking and an opportunity to learn about Supported Employment.
- Ongoing Support – Posthire coaching ensures smooth onboarding and job retention
- Highlight Success Stories – Businesses thrive thanks to employees like Carl Paulitz at the Spokane Club, Jessica at Spokane Gymnastics, and many others!
Interested in learning more about HireAbility Spokane, visit hireabilityspokane.org and fill out the contact form or email Charly Walters, [email protected]
Who Can Benefit
- Employers looking to diversify and strengthen their workforce with dedicated, skilled team members
- Rotary clubs and civic organizations seeking hands-on, high-impact community service projects
- Employment providers and advocates wanting to bridge connections between job seekers and businesses
- Communities anywhere interested in launching supported employment efforts that build on proven models
These initiatives started in Spokane and King Counties—but the framework is flexible and adaptable for any region.
Replicate These Initiatives
Blueprints for inclusive hiring
Whether you’re in a small town, or a major metro area, the core elements of Partners for Work and HireAbility Spokane can be replicated and tailored to your local community. Our team can help you:
- Adapt working interviews and hiring event formats to your region
- Train facilitators or employer engagement staff
- Create communication materials and toolkits for employers and job seekers
- Identify local champions (e.g., business leaders, Rotarians, service agencies)
- Launch, test, and refine your own inclusive hiring campaign
Are you interested in partnering with us?
If you’re ready to connect with skilled workers, strengthen talent and support workplace equality, reach out! We’d love the chance to grow our communities, together.
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