We are thrilled to express our gratitude to The Norcliffe Foundation for their generous support of our efforts for their $10,000 donation through their Impact Washington grant. This funding will greatly enhance our ability to provide critical services to our community , and we are excited to share more about the impact of this support.
The Norcliffe Foundation: A Legacy of Community Support
Founded in 1952 by Paul Pigott, The Norcliffe Foundation has long been a pillar of philanthropy in the Pacific Northwest. Paul Pigott’s vision was to improve the quality of life for all people in our community, a mission that has been upheld for decades by his wife, Theiline Pigott McCone, and the succeeding generations of the Pigott family. The foundation’s dedication to this cause resonates deeply with our work at Bridgeways, and we are honored to have their backing as we continue to expand our impact in Everett and beyond.
Bridgeways’ Mission and the Power of Collaboration
Bridgeways received a $10,000 grant from The Norcliffe Foundation to support our participation in Impact WA’s Job Skills Program (JSP). This program is a vital pathway for us to become compliant with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Achieving this will open up new avenues for our manufacturing division, allowing us to bid on government contracts.
Our manufacturing operations are not just a business endeavor; they are an integral part of our mission. Approximately 50% of our manufacturing employees come to us through our mission. This unique model allows us to provide meaningful employment opportunities to individuals who have faced significant life challenges, helping them to rebuild their lives while contributing to the success of our manufacturing division.
The Impact of The Norcliffe Foundation’s Support
In 2023, Bridgeways was proud to serve over 900 individuals through our programs, which include mental health services, housing support, and employment opportunities. With the support of The Norcliffe Foundation, we are confident that we can expand our reach to serve over 1,000 individuals in 2024. The funding will facilitate our participation in the JSP, which is offered by Impact WA, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Washington manufacturers thrive. Since 1997, Impact WA has provided over 3,000 value-driven improvement solutions to more than 1,500 of Washington’s small and medium-sized businesses.
The Job Skills Program is designed to develop the skills of new and existing workers, retain and grow living-wage jobs, and help companies improve their competitiveness. For Bridgeways, this means providing our staff with the opportunity to gain valuable, transferable skills while getting paid. Additionally, it positions our organization to tap into a market with reduced competition and higher profitability, ultimately increasing our capacity to serve our mission.
Why This Grant Matters
The significance of The Norcliffe Foundation’s grant cannot be overstated. The financial support will not only enable us to pursue these critical certifications but will also strengthen the relationship between our social services and manufacturing operations. By expanding our manufacturing capabilities and securing government contracts, we can generate more revenue, which in turn supports our mission to provide essential services to those in need.
We believe that this project will not only benefit Bridgeways but will also contribute to the broader Snohomish County community by creating more living-wage jobs and strengthening the local economy. The Norcliffe Foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all people aligns perfectly with our goals, and we are immensely grateful for their partnership.
Looking Forward: A Brighter Future for Our Community
As we move forward with this initiative, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The training and certifications we will pursue through the Job Skills Program represent growth opportunities for our employees and our organization. With the support of The Norcliffe Foundation, we are poised to make a significant impact on the Snohomish County community, empowering more individuals to overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential.
We extend our deepest thanks to The Norcliffe Foundation and Impact WA for their unwavering support. Their investment in Bridgeways is an investment in the future of our community, and we are honored to partner with them in this important work.
