We are pleased to announce that as of July 1, 2024, Skookum has officially merged with Skils’kin. This merge represents a significant milestone in our growth and mission, enabling us to extend our reach into new regions, including Eastern Washington, Montana, and Wyoming.

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Strengthening Our Mission

Over the past six months, our teams have worked diligently to integrate the unique strengths of both organizations. This merge enhances our ability to create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities, a core value that drives both Skookum and Skils’kin. Combining our resources and expertise equips us to serve a broader community and make a lasting impact. Expanding into Eastern Washington, Montana, and Wyoming allows us to reach new areas and offer more individuals the chance to thrive in inclusive workplaces. This growth not only amplifies our mission, but also strengthens our ability to support diverse communities.

Commitment to Positive Impact

Having Skils’kin join our team is not just about expanding our business; it is a key step in our commitment to making a positive impact. By integrating Skils’kin into Skookum, we can implement best practices, share innovative solutions, and provide better support to those we serve. This new addition to the Skookum team will enable us to create more meaningful opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on this new chapter, we remain dedicated to our core values and mission. By integrating Skils’kin into Skookum, we will continue to champion inclusivity, empowerment, and opportunity for all. Our shared vision and combined strengths will enable us to build a brighter future for everyone involved. We are excited to welcome the Skils’kin workers to the Skookum family. Their expertise and dedication will be invaluable as we move forward together. We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. Integrating our teams will strengthen our communities and enhance our ability to deliver high-quality services.

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At Skookum, we dedicate ourselves to innovation, sustainability, and serving our communities. Our Home Office in Bremerton, Washington, is currently undergoing a transformative change that embodies Skookum's commitment to these values. This month, we launched our Clean Energy & Resiliency Project.

Project Overview

The project involves installing solar panels, a battery storage system, and electric vehicle chargers. These installations will be carried out over several months, ensuring a thorough and efficient implementation process.

The solar panels will harness solar energy, providing a sustainable power source for our Home Office and the Kitsap community. This energy will be stored in the battery storage system, allowing for a steady supply of clean energy. By doing so, we will significantly reduce our reliance on traditional, non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas. This shift will be critical in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to a cleaner environment.

Additionally, installing electric vehicle chargers will support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. These chargers will provide convenient and accessible charging options for locals, encouraging the use of electric vehicles.

The transition to renewable energy sources through this project aligns with our commitment to sustainable development at our facilities. It will create a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy infrastructure, paving the way for a cleaner future.

Community Impact

With these systems in place, our home office will become a resiliency hub for the local community in the event of power outages or natural disasters. The combination of solar panels and battery storage ensures that we can provide a reliable power supply even during emergencies, offering local businesses the resources they need to continue operations. This includes maintaining essential services such as power and Wi-Fi at our home office, allowing businesses to stay connected and functional when it matters most.

By integrating renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to lead by example in our industry and inspire others to adopt similar initiatives. Skookum is excited about the Clean Energy & Resiliency Project and its significance for our communities and the future of our company.

Please stay tuned to our blog for updates on the project!

Photos capture the lifting of solar panels onto the Home Office roof.

We are thrilled to share the exciting news of Skookum and Skils'kin's intention to merge, with the effective date set for July 1, 2024. This strategic decision is rooted in our shared vision to empower individuals with disabilities by creating enhanced job opportunities.

Skils'kin is a leading organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities. For over five decades, they have been at the forefront of advocating for inclusivity and independence in the workplace. Based in Spokane, Washington, Skils'kin has earned a stellar reputation by fostering a sense of belonging in their community by enriching lives through employment.

Jeff Dolven, CEO of Skookum, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This merger signifies our joint dedication to amplifying our impact within the community. By pooling our resources, we can better tackle the evolving challenges in disability employment and deliver our services more comprehensively, all while staying true to our core values and missions."

As we know, Skookum has long been recognized as a leader in the AbilityOne program, renowned for its expertise in cultivating a diverse workforce and its unwavering commitment to innovation, quality assurance, and customer service. Through this merger, we are poised to enhance our workforce and expand our reach geographically. Additionally, by joining forces with Skils'kin, a highly regarded organization in Spokane, we are committed to continuing our legacy of positively impacting the communities we serve.

Brian Behler, CEO of Skils'kin, shared in the excitement, saying, "We are enthusiastic about the potential of this merger to drive positive change in Spokane and beyond." Both CEOs affirmed their commitment to transparency throughout every step of this process.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!