Grays Harbor Youth Works’ list of accomplishments are attributed to the Board of Directors guidance, leadership, and perseverance. There were many individuals who remained dedicated for three years to help build the foundation and infrastructure. As the organization grew, new Board Members carried on the tradition by creating the by-laws and nonprofit structure that guides the organization today.
2010
- Provided a community forum for Grays Harbor County to discuss youth needs. Eighty individuals attended the first meeting at Ocean Shores Convention Center. Forty individuals attended the second meeting at Grays Harbor College that included five high school students; Dr. Edward Brewster, President GHC; Joan Brewster, Director of Grays Harbor County Public Health and Human Services; and Cassie Lentz, Program Manager, Grays Harbor Community Foundation
- Interviewed 243 students who attended Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and North Beach high schools.
2011
- Worked with Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW) to form an incubator partnership and seed funding, in-kind office space in a professional environment; access to community peers, management assistance, and acted as a fiscal agent. This type partnership gave GHYW a chance to build their infrastructure without duress.
2013
- GHYW was incorporated by the WA State. The pilot was launched with eight interns to test the design of the program. This design was based on the input by the community forums and High School Students’ feedback. GHYW received their first Jesuit Volunteer/AmeriCorps paid by GHYW. Participating high schools were Lake Quinault, North Beach, Hoquiam, and Aberdeen, with eight employers acting as mentor hosts.
2014
- First winter and spring sessions offered to Taholah, Lake Quinault, North Beach, Hoquiam, and Aberdeen.
- Incubator partnership transition to partnership with in-kind assistance with office space, minimal administrative needs, and some sharing of the Jesuit Volunteer/AmeriCorps. The number of interns increased to 24 and employer/mentor hosts 20 with two employers taking 2 interns.
2015
- GHYW received their tax-exempt status 47-1881152, from WA State and IRS.
2016
- GHYW added Elma School District and the Jesuit Volunteer/AmeriCorps Program Coordinator role increased. Number of employers increased from 8 to 36; and 26 interns. Entered into a subcontract partnership with The Arc of Grays Harbor County to provide summer jobs for Special Education students. GHYW was selected by the Governor’s office to be one of 22 organizations to be Learning Lab and Present at the Governor’s Summit on Microsoft Campus. Montesano School District was added to the list of schools. GHYW was invited by Regional Alliance for Youth to participate in forming a GH Career Connected Learning Committee.
- GHYW also represented RALLY at the Governor’s Summit for Grays Harbor region.
2017
- GHYW added Elma School District to the list that were served. The number of employer/mentor host increased to 45 and 32 interns. GHYW was invited by WA STEM to present with one other organization the Federal Department of Labor. There was a pilot expansion in offering a Career Pathway Program funded by Pacific Mountain Workforce
- Development Council and Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. The second year in partnership with The Arc of GH offering summer jobs to Special Education students, alongside GHYW first stand-alone summer internship program.
- Career Pathway Day – Introduced!
2018
- Hired a full time Program Coordinator in November with grants from the Medina and Discuren Foundations.
2019
- Received a contract from Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council to intern/employ 35 students with two barriers for 90 hours at $12.00 an hour. GHYW completed the recruitment, placement, and all WIOA forms with ResCare.
- GHYW added the following Schools and types of students: Harbor High School, Gravity Learning Center, Ocosta High School, Raymond High School, East Elma High School, Out of School Youth, Homeless, and Home School. Total business hosts is 77 and 58 interns.