Grantee Spotlight

Before meeting Augustine Cita, Program Manager of Career Bridge, 24 year-old Cary Carver lacked direction and was distracted by his affiliations with gang members in Seattle’s Central District. Through Career Bridge Cary found the hope, inspiration and resources he needed to build a better life for himself and his young son. After graduating from the program in 2014 Cary enrolled in Youth Build, and later applied for an apprenticeship with Ironworkers Local 86. Career Bridge has helped Carey celebrate all of his hard-earned achievements - from paying his union initiation fees, to purchasing work boots, to bringing home his first living wage paycheck.

Career Bridge’s mission is straight forward: It creates lasting change by providing people access to education, job training and the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. It works, in part, because participants enter the program as a group, encouraging and motivating each other every step of the way. Ultimately, Career Bridge offers the most important thing we all need to succeed: Hope.