Consulting Project with Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WISE) & Down Syndrome Innovations (DSI) of Kansas 

In March, Team Chinook took off jet setting to sunny Kansas City where we introduced ourselves in a new consultation project and worked alongside WISE and DSI to identify new ways to broaden Employment for All.

While in Kansas, we learned a little about bar-b-que and a lot about registered apprenticeships, continuing education, and a myriad of wrap–around services to individuals who experience Down Syndrome and other disabilities. We are proud to be a part of KUCDD’s IHDPS’, and KKDADS Employment First Project in partnership with WISE!  

Later in May, Chinook was honored to host DSI at our headquarters and multiple job sites throughout Skagit County, to share more with them about our unique model of social enterprise and nearly 45 years of impact on Skagit County. We even shared the fun with friends at Microsoft where DSI was able to tour their epic Supported Employment program.  We had a blast touring local job sites that Chinook supports throughout Burlington, Sedro Woolley, Anacortes and Mount Vernon, hosting community partners who are eager to see DSI grow over the next year of partnership! 

We plan to go back to Kansas one more time to see how DSI and their jobs have grown and flourished (and eat a few more ribs).