The first meeting to discuss the idea of a Youth One-Stop Center was March 2, 2009.  Below are ideas that were discussed. Stay tuned for more information.

What would the ideal Youth One-Stop offer? What do we need to keep in mind? (We welcome your ideas/suggestions. Please post comments below.)

• Comprehensive, wrap-around services
• More than WIA
• Children are valued on premise large numbers
• Accommodating hours – not just M-F from 8-5
• Mental Health Services
• Alcohol Assessment
• Access to food stamps/medical
• Feed them
• Housing, child care resources
• Variety of educational options: reentry, GED, college admission reps and classroom on site, apprenticeship
• Emphasis on next steps, plan when leave, connect them to their future
• Interventions
• More comprehensive core services
• Services available that don’t follow traditional school calendar
• Career fairs and career information
• Transportation to get there
• Outreach to the school system regarding one-stop services, resources, etc. = better referrals
• Broker/advocate for kids
• Mentors
• Don’t see kids as less than
• Services for people of disability
• ESL services available
• Juvenile justice presence
• Notary Public services available
• Discretionary funds available
• Transportation resources
• Location? Downtown, close to STA, accessible to all bus routes, plenty of parking
• Parking an issue
• Issue: How to sustain?
• Make this an economic development issue
• Keep business involved rather than social service
• Marketing/message/keep out there
• Employers present
• Internships through local colleges/universities
• Leadership from Mayor (sustainability)
• MOUs with partners (sustainability)
• Case management
• Life skills program

April 10, 2009

The Spokane Area Workforce Development Council's Youth Council has agreed to form a subcommittee to further discuss the ideas from the Youth One-Stop brainstorming session. Updates will be posted to this page. 

May 12, 2009

Youth One-Stop meetings begin again next week.  Please contact Dawn Karber for more information.

May 18, 2009

The Youth Council's subcommittee responsible for evaluating the pros and cons of moving out of the WorkSource Center met today. The committee is charged with analyzing the cost vs. benefit and ROI of moving from the Center.  This group will solicit feeback from a variety of community members, businesses and agencies as the conversation moves forward.

June 1, 2009

The subcommittee met again today to discuss the possible NGZ move out of the WorkSource building as well as the idea of a Youth One-Stop Center. Agenda topics included a review of the following: a space survey completed by the Next Generation Zone, Youth Customer Home ZIP Code Report, leaseholder requirements, current WorkSource rental costs, and how to involve outside stakeholders and business. Upon review, the committee feels that there are probably only two options they could recommend to the SAWDC: (1) remain in WorkSource Center and add a second NGZ location, or (2) move the NGZ out of WorkSource building completely.  The committee has not decided on their recommendation regarding the creation a Youth One-Stop versus renting a space only for the NGZ. Meeting notes: Youth One Stop_June 2.doc

June 15, 2009

Youth One-Stop Subcommittee meeting notes: June 15 2009 Meeting Notes.doc

June 29, 2009

Youth One-Stop Subcommittee meeting notes: June 29 Meeting Notes.doc

July 27, 2009 

Youth One-Stop Subcommittee meeting notes: July 27 Meeting Notes.doc