A new training center in Washington is providing people with disabilities an opportunity to learn skills for service industry jobs.
The program is run by Developmental Services, Inc., a non-profit that provides employment training and other support services.
DSI recently held an open house and ribbon cutting for the facility after working on the project over the past two years. Funding support came from Daviess County United Way, local economic development groups, and the Eileen and Andrews Foundation. DSI also contributed to the project.
The center is open to the public and offers hands-on training in areas including housekeeping, laundry, food service, and customer interaction. The facility also includes a coffee shop setup and a teaching kitchen where participants can learn basic food safety and preparation skills.
Development Director Sheri Treadway said the program was developed after identifying a need for workers in service-related jobs across the region.
“We saw openings in restaurants, hotels, and across the service industry,” Treadway said. “We felt it was a big need and saw from economic development studies that those jobs made up a large percentage of openings.”
Treadway said participants can choose specific training areas or complete the full program, depending on their interests. She said those interested in enrolling can contact the DSI office in Washington for more information.
