2023 2024
IMPACT}REPORT
Empowering Individuals, Enriching Our Community
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Dear Valued Stakeholders,
I am pleased to share Columbia Ability Alliance's 2023/2024 Impact Report highlighting our accomplishments and progress over the past year. Our commitment to empowering individuals with unique abilities to overcome barriers has never been stronger. Every day, we celebrate the unique abilities of our clients. And, every day, we are enriching our community. We have been doing this through client, caregiver, and community partnerships, an alliance, if you will, since 1963.
We have continued to expand our programs, including Employment Services, Opportunity Kitchen vocational training, mobile janitorial services, and the vibrant Community Center, impacting hundreds of lives, households, and businesses in the Tri-Cities region. As you will read on the following pages, our team has provided thousands of hours of direct client support. Additionally, 60% of our workforce, including those employed through federal contracts, are individuals with disabilities.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters like you. Together, we are creating a more inclusive and accessible community for all to enjoy. Everything we do is in partnership with others, just like our partnership with you. Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. Together, we are Columbia Ability Alliance.
With greatest appreciation,
Michael Novakovich President & CEO
SUCCESS STORIES
MEET KEVIN!
Kevin's journey with Columbia Ability Alliance is a testament to the power of empowerment and inclusivity. When Kevin first came to us, he was seeking help to find a job. We connected him with one of our dedicated Employment Specialists, who worked closely with him to navigate the job market and overcome employment barriers.
Kevin's hard work and determination paid off when he secured a position as a gameday greeter with the TriCity Dust Devils! This role allows Kevin to interact with fans and welcome them to the stadium, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone.
The Tri-City Dust Devils have been exceptional in making Kevin feel included and valued as part of their team. This sense of belonging has been transformative for Kevin, enhancing his confidence and social skills. Kevin continues to receive ongoing support from his Employment Specialist at Columbia Ability Alliance.
Together, with the Tri-City Dust Devils, they ensure that he feels supported and equipped to thrive in his role. Kevin’s story highlights the remarkable outcomes that are possible when barriers are broken, and opportunities are created. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and are excited to see what the future holds for him.
Cameron's radiant smile and infectious positivity have been lighting up our Community Center for the past couple of years. As a consistent and beloved member of our Center, Cameron enjoys socializing, playing games, and engaging in arts and crafts. His participation in our Friday and weekend outings has made him a familiar and cherished face among his peers. At our Community Center, Cameron has found a second family. His connections extend beyond the physical space, as he actively engages with others through our Community Center Facebook group, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Recently, Cameron expanded his involvement with Columbia Ability Alliance by utilizing our Employment Services. Through the dedicated efforts of his Employment Specialist, Cameron navigated the hiring process and secured a position with our Solutions Department.
Cameron has excelled in his new role, impressing everyone with his dedication and work ethic. We are thrilled to see Cameron thrive, gaining confidence and independence through his employment. His journey is a shining example of how our comprehensive support services can empower individuals to achieve their full potential.
At Columbia Ability Alliance, our volunteers are the heart of our mission, making a profound impact in the lives of those we serve. During the International Credit Union Day, five local credit unions generously donated $10,000 and provided us with $10,000 worth of hygiene products , allowing us to provide essential hygiene kits and winter supplies. Our annual Christmas Party was filled with joy thanks to volunteers who brought Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch to life, and provided food and gifts for every client, making the event unforgettable.
Our Community Center renovations and 10th Anniversary BBQ were also remarkable, with volunteers serving lunch, assisting with activities, and upgrading our lighting system to create a brighter, more welcoming space.
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS
Special thanks to ongoing supporters like Ted Brown Music, Paul Mitchell the School, Victoria's Academy, and Mid-Columbia Libraries, whose dedication and talent continually enhance our services and provide invaluable support.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every volunteer. Your selfless contributions enrich the lives of our clients, strengthen our community, and help us achieve our mission. Thank you for making a difference!
MISSION
MISSION
Columbia Ability Alliance is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with unique abilities and life barriers, in order to foster their independence and help them achieve personal success.
VISION
Create a more accessible and equitable community by providing exceptional service to an increasing number of individuals with disabilities and other life barriers. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we aspire to enhance the quality of life for all residents in our region and establish a thriving, universally accessible community for all to enjoy.
TEAM VALUES
COMMUNICATION
We practice active listening, communicate with respect, convey expectations clearly, share both good and challenging news, and we assume positive intent while providing constructive feedback.
INNOVATION
We pursue bold initiatives, seek strategic solutions to achieve multiple wins, address community needs while honoring our mission, embrace diverse ideas, and develop creative ways to advance our mission and achieve our vision.
TEAMWORK
We embrace collaboration, practice personal accountability, celebrate individual wins and contributions, invest in continual education, and offer support and expertise in areas we have knowledge.
TRUST
We lead with trust, honor confidentiality, believe in each other’s unique abilities, embrace vulnerability, and foster a safe workplace while creating understanding and valuing buy-in from our team.
HONESTY & INTEGRITY
We do the right things right, ask tough questions, honor commitments, embrace truth and transparency, lead by example, and take responsibility for our actions.
OUR REBRAND
In 2023, as we celebrated our 60th anniversary, Columbia Industries undertook a significant rebranding initiative to better reflect our mission and vision. This milestone prompted a deep reflection on our history and a strategic planning process that revealed the need for a new identity that truly embodies our values and goals. Hence, Columbia Ability Alliance was born, signifying our commitment to empowerment and inclusivity as we move forward into the next 60 years and beyond. Our rebranding process was comprehensive and community-focused. Partnering with Focal Point Marketing and Sonar Insights, we engaged in extensive research to understand how our existing brand was perceived. Feedback indicated that our old brand felt cold and corporate, failing to capture the warmth and impact of our mission. Through collaborative brainstorming sessions with key stakeholders and iterative focus group testing, we developed a refreshed brand identity, including a new name, logo, and color palette that resonate more deeply with our community and mission. This rebrand not only updates our visual identity, but also reaffirms our dedication to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
TIMELINE
Team retreat to develop organization values
Celebrated our 60th Birthday!
12th Graduating Class of Opportunity Kitchen
Received a donation of $8,374 for Dutch Bros Day of Giving
Montee hired as Director of Human Resources
recipients
Libby Blashill promoted to newly created position, Director of Advancement
Raised $148k at our annual Evening of Miracles Gala
International Credit Union Day
Hosted our annual Christmas Party at our Community Center
Benton Franklin Fair Big Give
Cheri
Hired Kyle Mattox, our new Chief Operating Officer
Launched mobile janitorial services
Rebranded to Columbia Ability Alliance Made interior renovations to our Community Center
13th Graduating Class of Opportunity Kitchen
Attended March for Respect Achieved 3-Year CARF Accreditation
Kicked off Dust Devils partnership
Hosted TC Regional Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours
Raised over $4k for the Special Olympics at the 2024 Polar Plunge
Launched our YouTube series, Beyond Barriers Broadcast
IMPACT
EMPLOYMENT}SERVICES
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we are committed to helping individuals with disabilities develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to succeed in the workforce. This year, we welcomed David Haldeman as our new Divisional Programs Manager to lead our Employment Services program. Since his arrival, along with our recent rebrand, we’ve seen remarkable growth in business partnerships and brand awareness. Our team’s outreach efforts have led to increased community engagement, opening up new possibilities for the individuals we support.
In the past year, we proudly served 73 clients, providing over 2,650 hours of job coaching and placing 33 clients into meaningful employment. We also expanded our network of employer partners to 35 businesses across the Tri-Cities, creating opportunities for our clients in inclusive workplaces. Thanks to strong relationships with referral agencies like the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Developmental Disabilities Administration, our services remain accessible at no cost to eligible individuals. Through specialized programs like Job Seeker Services and Benefits Planning, we ensure that our clients have the resources and support they need to thrive in their careers and beyond.
OPPORTUNITY KITCHEN
At Columbia Ability Alliance, Opportunity Kitchen is dedicated to empowering individuals with vocational training in the food service industry, equipping them with the skills and experience needed for career success. Our 12-week vocational training program is designed to provide hands-on learning and life skills development, preparing students for meaningful employment in food service, catering, and hospitality. This year, we are proud to have celebrated the graduation of 15 students across three cohorts, each demonstrating remarkable growth and readiness for the workforce.
In addition to our educational achievements, Opportunity Kitchen operates a fully-equipped cafeteria within the Richland Federal Building, serving employees and visitors with high-quality food and service. Our program has also expanded its impact through catering and contract work, broadening our reach and offering practical experience to our students. With 774 hours of hands-on training and 116 hours dedicated to life skills education, we continue to provide valuable opportunities for our graduates, supporting their transition into the workforce and contributing to their long-term success.
COMMUNITY CENTER
The Community Center made significant strides this year in enhancing social integration and community engagement for our clients. We organized a variety of social activities, including regular Friday events and 15 weekend outings, to foster a stronger sense of community and connection among participants. Our efforts to build meaningful relationships with local organizations paid off, as we forged valuable partnerships with First Interstate Bank, Battelle, Ted Brown Music, Paul Mitchell the School Richland, Northwest Esthetics Academy, Victoria’s Academy of Cosmetology, Master Gardeners, Mid-Columbia Libraries, Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED), Porter Electric, and RAB Lighting. These collaborations have enriched our programs and expanded the opportunities available to our clients.
In addition to these community-building initiatives, we are grateful to our generous donors for supporting significant interior renovations at the Community Center. With the addition of new furniture and updated lighting, we have created a more welcoming and functional space that better serves the needs of our clients. This year’s improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a vibrant and supportive environment where individuals can thrive, connect, and enrich their lives.
FEDERAL BUILDING
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we are proud to provide janitorial and grounds maintenance services to the Federal Building under the AbilityOne contract. This year, we celebrated a significant milestone as one of our dedicated janitors marked his 19th work anniversary. This achievement highlights the vital role the AbilityOne program plays in supporting individuals with disabilities in leading more independent lives and building successful careers.
In addition to this milestone, we expanded our services with the launch of our Mobile Janitorial initiative. This new venture allowed us to partner with Meier Architecture, Grace Clinic, First Lutheran Church of Kennewick, and Columbia River Home Health, broadening our reach and impact within the community. By extending our services beyond the Federal Building, we are bringing our commitment to quality and inclusivity to new environments, further advancing our mission and supporting more individuals in their professional journeys.
SOLUTIONS
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we believe in personalized success and the power of meaningful work. Our Solutions department is dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to engage in contract fulfillment projects, allowing them to develop technical skills while earning a paycheck. Solutions is not just a production facility; it’s a platform where individuals can achieve their unique goals and gain personal independence.
This year, Solutions has successfully maintained a steady stream of welding hood orders from the US Navy, and our newly designed brochures have effectively expanded our outreach. Our team, which includes experienced workers who mentor new employees, exemplifies a spirit of unity and support. We welcomed one student for job training and hired two new staff members, all committed to meeting demand and excelling in their roles. Their dedication has resulted in the completion of 125,000 hoods through 6 contracts, with 5 jobs provided. The continued hard work and collaboration of our team drive our ongoing success and impact.
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4,608
THANK YOU, DONORS!
APEX ADVOCATE
$25,000+
Cornerstone Wealth Strategies
Women Helping Women CHAMPION FOR CHANGE
Battelle
IMPACT IMAGINEER (CONT.)
Carrie & Dave Tuthill
Union Pacific Foundation
John & Susan Wilkerson
$10K-$24,999
IMPACT IMAGINEER
$2,500-$9,999
A-One Refrigeration
Apollo Mechanical Contractors
Central Plateau Cleanup Company
George Cicotte
Dutch Bros of Kennewick
Dutch Bros of Pasco/Richland
First Interstate Bank Foundation
Kyle Hagen
John & Jane Hunt
Kadlec
Dawn King
Asa Lamusga
Marsh McLennan Agency
McCurley Dealerships
Rick Millikin
Michael & Shannon Novakovich
Offutt Family Foundation/RDO
Kayla Safford
Stevens Center Management
Wingstop Pasco
EMPOWERER OF EQUALITY
$1,000-$2,499
3 Rivers Community Foundation
Banner Bank
Theresa Buckendorf
Charter Spectrum
Columbia Basin College
Community First Bank / HFG Trust
Consolidated Electrical Distributors
Gregg Crockett
David Curran
Devfuzion
High Street Insurance
Kedrich Jackson
Marie & Don Lathim
Devin Lockard
Priscilla Martinez
Eric & Laurie Martuscelli
Meier Architecture & Engineering
Larry & Margaret Nielsen
Numerica Credit Union
Nutrien Paintmaster
EMPOWERER OF EQUALITY (CONT.)
Dan & Vickie Plung
Matt Purcell
David & Sharon Rathje
Jared Retter
Brett Spooner
STCU
Donald Stewart
Dana Storms
Tri-Cities Community Health
Tri-CU
Washington Federal Bank Foundation
Alane Wilkerson
PARTNER IN PROGRESS
UP TO $999
Patty Armstrong
Donald Bachand
Tana & Michael Bader Inglima
Turrell & Michelle Beck
TC Black
Libby Blashill
Matt Boehnke
Aaron Brown
Elizabeth Burtner
Molly Calhoun
Abbey Cameron
Rob Cantwell
April Castañeda
PARTNER IN PROGRESS
Diane Cato
Zac Clark
Brandi Coates
Adrianne Collin
Deborah Cox
Deb Curran
Lorraine Damon
Isreal Delamora
Jeannie Deno
Jeff & Lauren Dietz
Jonathan Duarte
Bryan Dunlap
Melissa Dunn
Bill & Tracy Engel
Jordan Evans
Randal Fox
Jay Freeman
James Geary
Nikki Geiszler
Randal Hale
Molly Calhoun
Abbey Cameron
Rob Cantwell
April Castañeda
Diane Cato
Zac Clark
Brandi Coates
Adrianne Collin
THANK YOU, DONORS!
PARTNER IN PROGRESS (CONTI.)
Deborah Cox
Deb Curran
Lorraine Damon
Isreal Delamora
Jeannie Deno
Jeff & Lauren Dietz
Jonathan Duarte
Bryan Dunlap
Melissa Dunn
Bill & Tracy Engel
Jordan Evans
Randal Fox
Jay Freeman
James Geary
Nikki Geiszler
Randal Hale
Sandra Haynes
Randy Hermann
Cara Hernandez
Abby Johnson
Candice Jones
Paul Kempf
Amanda Lang
Stephanie Lathim
Cynthia Lawrence
Douglas Lemke
Teresa Lemmon
PARTNER IN PROGRESS (CONT.)
Lisa Lovejoy
Megan Loy
Bob Lozier
Tiffany Lundstrom
Thomas Manley
Edgar Martinen
Brian McDermott
Becky McLaughlin
Brian Shaw & Jill McLaughlin
Richard Meadows
Rene Medina
Westin Mick
Mindy Miley
Angela Mohondro
Brian Moreno
Robert Nelson
Jennifer Ollero
Corey Osborn
Pasco Chamber of Commerce
Tyler Pearson
Kim Pierret
Kathy Piper
Lauren Rasmussen
Red Robin
Laurie Rivera
Bob & Nancy Rosselli
Justin Saltz
PARTNER IN PROGRESS (CONT.)
Dana Seigel
Shelby Simmelink
Melissa Slater
Derek Smith
Gayle Stack
Brent Stenson
Devon Streit
Judy & Dennis Sweeney
Matt Sweezea
Mary Thien
Justin Toner
Melissa Torres
Nikki Torres
Sonny & Sherrie Virakpanyou
Olivia Walker
Lauren Wanamaker
Lindsay Webster
Chase Wharton
Maureen Whisenand-Firns
Steven & Terri Widergren
Victoria Wink
Daryl Witherspoon
Carly Youseff
IN-KIND PARTNERS
AK's Mercado
Anthony's Homeport
CG Public House & Catering
Chaplaincy Health Care
Columbia Point Golf Course
Columbia Shores Regenerative Health
Eritage Resort
Frichette Winery
Greenies
Horn Rapids Golf Course
Lu Lu Craft Bar + Kitchen
Moniker Bar
Munden's Rising Son Adventures
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Purple Star Winery
Hank & Nancy Sauer
Saviah Cellars
Seattle Mariners
Solar Spirits
Sun Willows Golf Course
Swampy's BBQ Sauce & Eatery
The Bradley
The Lodge at Columbia Point
Three Rivers Convention Center
Twigs
Valdemar Estates
Washington State University Tri-Cities
Wheat Head Brewing
Wine Social
Zintel Creek Golf Club
LEADERSHIP
Michael Novakovich President & CEO
Pierret Chief Financial Officer
Cheri Montee Director of Human Resources
Mattox Chief Operating Officer
Libby Blashill Director of Advancement
Kim
Kyle
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Theresa Buckendorf Board Chair
Apollo Mechanical Contractors (Retired)
Eric Martuscelli Vice Chair
MDU Utilities Group
Joel Ockey Past Chair
Cornerstone Wealth Strategies
Kedrich Jackson Treasurer
American Tax Consultants
Sandra Gladstone Secretary
SIGN Fracture Care (Retired)
Karl Dye Board Member
Tridec
Senator Nikki Torres Board Member
Washington State Senator, 15th Legislative District
Debbie Cox Board Member
Kadlec
Dana Storms Board Member
Battelle /Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Robert Nelson Board Member
Providence
