Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – General
Chinook’s mission is to support full participation in community life for people with disabilities or other barriers. We believe meaningful employment is the foundation for inclusion and opportunity.
Chinook is built on dignity, empowerment, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to contribute and belong. We reinvest resources into programs that directly benefit our community.
Chinook was founded in 1980 to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities in our region.
Since opening its doors, Chinook has served over 6,400 individuals, partners with more than 80 local employers, and supports hundreds of job seekers each year. Our programs help people find meaningful work and greater independence.
There are many ways to get involved:
- Schedule a tour to view our organization and learn more
- Volunteer your time or expertise
- Make a donation to fund programs and services
- Partner as an employer or community organization
- Attend events or help spread the word
Visit our website’s “Get Involved” section or contact our main office to learn more.
Subscribe to our newsletter Here to receive updates, stories, and opportunities. You can also follow us on social media for the latest news.
Chinook is committed to nondiscrimination, accessibility, and privacy for all participants, staff, and partners. Our policies are reviewed regularly and are available by request.
As a social enterprise, Chinook operates businesses, like manufacturing, grounds maintenance, and employment services, to generate revenue that supports our mission. This model allows us to reinvest in our programs and maximize our impact, blending business operations with a core social purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Assembly + Manufacturing
Chinook Enterprises specializes in low to medium-volume manufacturing and assembly, including:
- Mechanical assembly and manufacturing.
- Build to print.
- Single/Multiple terminal grounding wire assembly
- Cutting and kitting of miscellaneous materials (Tapes, foam, protective covers).
- We also offer bonding, sealing, packaging, kitting, and sheet metal forming services.
We serve a diverse range of industries, including:
- Aerospace (since the 1980s, with clients like Boeing)
- Alternative Energy
- Automotive
- Commercial
- Marine
Our Mount Vernon, WA facility encompasses over 12,000 square feet of office and production space. We accommodate both low and medium-volume orders, supporting Kanban, Just-In-Time (JIT), and custom delivery schedules.
While we don’t offer in-house design services, we collaborate closely with clients to ensure manufacturability and quality, providing feedback and support throughout the production process.
Our Quality Management System is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D standards by TUV USA.
We implement rigorous quality control measures, including in-process inspections and final quality assurance checks, to ensure products meet or exceed customer expectations.
Yes, we maintain comprehensive records to ensure full traceability of parts and materials used in our manufacturing processes.
Lead times vary based on project complexity and volume. We work closely with clients to establish realistic timelines and strive to meet or exceed delivery expectations.
Lead times vary based on project complexity and volume. We work closely with clients to establish realistic timelines and strive to meet or exceed delivery expectations.
We coordinate with clients to arrange shipping methods that best suit their needs, including local delivery (along the I-5 corridor) and freight services.
You can request a quote by visiting our completing our Contact form or calling us at 360-428-0140 with your project details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Commercial Grounds Maintenance
Chinook Enterprises provides comprehensive commercial grounds maintenance services, including:
- Precision mowing, edging, and trimming
- Pruning and tree care for shrubs and trees under 15 feet
- Now we offer any size Tree removal upon request
- Mulch and bark laying
- Vegetation control and cleanups Chemical and Manual weed control and pest control and Moss on lawns
- Seasonal cleanups (spring and fall)
- Winter preparation, including storm-drain clearing and plant winterization
- One-off projects like mulching, dethatching, and aeration
- Fertilization schedule for lawn and landscaped plants
We specialize in servicing commercial, industrial, government, and nonprofit properties. Our clients include educational institutions, healthcare facilities, marinas, airports, and business parks and Skagit County facilities
Our Grounds Crews operate across Skagit County, Washington, maintaining over 850 acres weekly.
Yes, we provide both short-term and long-term maintenance contracts tailored to your property’s specific needs and schedule, as well as one-time maintenance clean up, too!
Our experienced team follows best practices in the industry and maintains open communication with clients to ensure satisfaction. We take pride in our attention to detail and responsiveness to client needs.
Absolutely. Our clients, such as Dakota Creek Industries and Peace Health, have praised our professionalism and the quality of our work.
Our crews work five days a week, year-round, to keep your property looking its best in every season. .
Yes, we provide seasonal cleanups in spring and fall, as well as winter preparation services to protect your landscape during colder months.
We maintain open lines of communication and are prepared to address unexpected situations promptly to minimize any impact on your property.
You can request a quote by visiting our completing our Contact form or calling us at 360-428-0140 with your project details.
Pricing is based on the size of the property, the scope of services required, frequency of maintenance, and any specialized needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Job Seekers
Chinook Enterprises offers personalized employment services to residents of Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and Whatcom County. These are offered to those facing barriers to employment due to disability, injury, or other challenges. Our services encompass career guidance, job development, training, and ongoing support to facilitate meaningful employment opportunities.
Individuals aged 14 and older residing in Skagit/Island/Whatcom/Snohomish County who experience disabilities or other barriers to employment are eligible. Services are typically funded through agencies such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), and local school districts.
No, Chinook Enterprises provides vocational services at no cost to eligible individuals, as funding is secured through partnering agencies. If an individual doesn’t qualify for service through a partnering agency, Chinook can offer private-pay agreements for services on a sliding scale.
The process begins with a “Discovery” phase, where our team meets with you and, if applicable, your family or support network to understand your interests, strengths, and employment goals. This phase helps tailor a career plan suited to your aspirations.
Our Employment Services staff conducts “job development” by identifying opportunities that align with your skills and interests. We perform job site analyses, consult with employers, and may facilitate job tryouts to ensure a good fit.
Post-placement, we offer one-on-one job coaching, assist in developing natural workplace supports, provide necessary accommodations, and maintain follow-up services to address any arising needs, ensuring long-term employment success.
Chinook Enterprises offers various programs, including:
- Individual Employment Program: Assists in finding and maintaining paid employment.
- Community Inclusion Program: Promotes participation in community activities for those not pursuing employment.
- Community Engagement: Enhances connections to community resources.
- Independent Living: Addresses life skills that support employment readiness.
- Pre-Employment Transition Services: Provides work-based learning for youth.
- Specialized Habilitation: Focuses on developing adaptive skills for community inclusion.
Yes, transitions between programs are possible, based on your evolving goals and needs. For instance, after participating in the Individual Employment Program, you may choose to engage in the Community Inclusion Program, and vice versa, depending on your preferences and eligibility.
Each individual receives a tailored plan developed through collaborative discussions, assessments, and regular reviews. Our staff is dedicated to understanding and supporting your unique employment journey.
To begin, visit our Community Employment Services page and complete the Contact form , or call us at (360) 428-0140. Our team will guide you through the next steps.
For more detailed information, please refer to our Customer Handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Employers
Chinook Enterprises provides no-cost employment services to businesses, assisting in finding dedicated employees who align with your company’s needs. Our offerings include job carving, applicant screening, job coaching, and ongoing support to ensure successful employment outcomes.
Job carving involves identifying tasks within existing roles that can be reassigned to create new, entry-level positions. This approach allows current employees to focus on core responsibilities, enhancing overall efficiency.
No, all employment services provided by Chinook Enterprises are free of charge to employers. However, Employers can sponsor Chinook’s mission services by contracting consultation services and diversity education training or by making a donation on our website here.
Our Employment Services Staff conduct thorough jobsite analyses, including consultations, worksite observations, and task analyses. We then match the skills of appropriate candidates to the job requirements, ensuring a good fit for both employer and employee.
We assist in filling a variety of roles across industries such as office/clerical, data entry, retail, hospitality, food service, childcare, aerospace, industrial assembly, and landscaping, plus much more.
Yes, we offer one-on-one job coaching, development of natural support within the workplace, assistance with accommodations, and follow-up services to address any ongoing needs or concerns.
Employers benefit from increased efficiency through task analysis, long-term employee retention (averaging 6 years), enhanced customer loyalty, and improved corporate culture by promoting diversity and inclusion.
Yes, a national consumer survey indicates that 87% of the public prefers to support companies that hire individuals with disabilities, potentially boosting customer loyalty.
To start, visit our Employers page and complete the contact form, or call us directly at (360) 428-0140. Our team will reach out to discuss your staffing needs and how we can assist.
Be ready to discuss your business’s staffing requirements, job descriptions, work environment, and any specific skills or qualifications needed for the roles you wish to fill.
For more information or to explore how Chinook Enterprises can support your hiring needs, please visit our Employers page and complete the Contact form, or contact us at (360) 428-0140.
