AtWork

What AtWork does

AtWork! is a Bellevue, Washington-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported employment agency founded in 1962 (formally incorporated in 1998 from the merger of Custom Industries and Community Enterprises of Issaquah). The organization delivers three core service lines to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD): Transition and School-to-Work Services for students approaching graduation, Employment Services covering skills assessment, job matching, resume/interview prep, workplace accommodations, and ongoing job coaching, and Community Inclusion Services that promote independence and social engagement. In 2025, AtWork! served 401 individuals (including 46 new job starts) and maintained 207 employer partnerships across four Washington counties — King (Bellevue headquarters), Snohomish (since 2014), Spokane (since 2017), and Kittitas (since 2023) — plus Vashon Island (since 2022).

At the technology layer, AtWork! is a service-delivery organization with no proprietary software platforms, AI/ML systems, or patents. It uses assistive technology to support participants, maintains a WCAG 2.1 Level AA-compliant website, and employs the Accessibly App for accessibility adjustments. Service delivery is anchored in Person-Centered Planning — a methodology bringing together the individual, family, job coaches, teachers, and employers to build individualized career paths.

The business model blends four revenue streams: (1) state-funded reimbursements via Washington Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), which determine eligibility and fund individualized employment and community support; (2) AbilityOne federal contracts routed through the wholly-owned BPAW (Businesses Powered By AtWork!) social enterprise for landscaping (NOAA Seattle, VA Puget Sound), food services (U.S. Coast Guard), and document scanning/secure destruction; (3) charitable donations including recurring monthly gifts through The Randall Club; and (4) negotiated private-pay contracts for individuals not connected to state funding. Employer-facing services are free; individual services are free to eligible participants. Distribution is relationship-driven — direct employer outreach, school-district embedding, multi-county chamber memberships, and referral through state agencies. AtWork! holds CARF Three-Year Accreditation, a Charity Navigator 3-Star Rating, and the GuideStar Transparency Seal, and is nationally recognized for closing its last sheltered workshop in 2014.

Name

AtWork

Legal name

AtWork!

Website

https://atworkwa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

AtWork! is a Bellevue, Washington-based nonprofit supported employment agency serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across King, Snohomish, Spokane, and Kittitas counties through employment, transition, and community inclusion services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Employment Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Employment Services (5613), Employment Placement Agencies (561311)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Development & Inclusive Employment (Job Training, Placement) (BPAGALAB)

Keywords

• Supported employment services
• Disability employment programs
• Community inclusion services
• Vocational rehabilitation
• School-to-work transition

Headquarters

HQ city

Bellevue

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Employment Services (DDCS/DVR): Most AtWork! services are funded through Washington State programs including Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). These state agencies determine eligibility, provide funding, and enable AtWork! to offer individualized employment and community support to individuals with disabilities at no direct cost to participants.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: AtWork! accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Donations support general operating needs, specific programs, and equipment. The organization operates The Randall Club, a monthly giving program for recurring donor support. Donations are processed through PayPal and the organization's website, with EIN 91-0996632 for tax purposes.
3. AbilityOne Federal Contracts (BPAW): AtWork!'s Businesses Powered By AtWork! (BPAW) division operates AbilityOne federal contracts — government contracts requiring 75% of labor hours be performed by people with disabilities. BPAW includes landscaping (NOAA Seattle, VA Puget Sound), food services (US Coast Guard), and production/document scanning services. These contracts generate revenue through SourceAmerica, providing stable jobs for employees with disabilities.
4. Private Pay Services: AtWork! offers private pay services in some cases where public funding (DDCS/DVR) is not available. A contract is drafted outlining services, monthly hours, and cost. Most families pursue public funding first due to the cost of supported employment services without state support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

AtWork! is a nonprofit supported employment agency that connects individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to inclusive employment, training programs, and community engagement. Its core offerings include Transition & School-to-Work Services for students aging out of high school, Employment Services for job placement and retention, and Community Inclusion Services for social and independent living support, supplemented by an advocacy program and a federal-contract social enterprise (BPAW) spanning landscaping, food services, and document production.

Product overview

AtWork! is a nonprofit supported employment agency offering three core service lines: Transition & School-to-Work Services (empowering students with disabilities to transition from high school to employment), Employment Services (supported employment including job matching, training, and retention support), and Community Inclusion Services (promoting social engagement and independence). The organization also operates Businesses Powered By AtWork! (BPAW), a social enterprise division with three units—Landscaping, Food Services, and Production—that hold federal AbilityOne contracts while employing individuals with disabilities. Advocacy Services complement the mission by engaging in legislative efforts at local, state, and federal levels. Services are provided across four Washington State counties: King, Snohomish, Kittitas, and Spokane.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Transition & School-to-Work Services Empowers young adults with disabilities to transition from high school to the workforce through personalized support, skill-building, career exploration, job matching, placement support, and collaborative partnerships with schools and businesses across Washington State.
• Employment Services Supported employment service that assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment through Discovery (skills assessment), job development, job matching, training, resume building, interview preparation, workplace accommodations, and ongoing job retention support delivered by Employment Consultants.
• Community Inclusion Services Promotes social connectedness, independence, and meaningful community engagement for individuals with disabilities through Person-Centered Planning, local community activities, and relationship-building support across Washington State.
• Businesses Powered By AtWork! (BPAW) social enterprise Social enterprise division comprising three units — Landscaping, Food Services, and Production — delivering AbilityOne federal contract services (NOAA Seattle, VA Puget Sound, U.S. Coast Guard) while employing individuals with disabilities.
• BPAW Landscaping Landscaping division maintaining two federal AbilityOne contracts for year-round grounds maintenance, providing stable employment for individuals with disabilities.
• BPAW Food Services Food services division operating an AbilityOne contract with the U.S. Coast Guard where employees with disabilities prepare and serve meals, maintain kitchen operations, and ensure food safety and quality.
• BPAW Production Production team specializing in high-volume document scanning and secure document destruction, providing digital conversion services including pick-up and delivery, searchable digital files, and quality error logs.
• Advocacy Services Advocacy at local, state, and federal levels to ensure disability services continue, improve in quality, and expand, including training and consulting, public speaking, grassroots advocacy, and legislative engagement.

Quantifiable outcome

• 62% employment rate among people served
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers71 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SourceAmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSourceAmerica is the central nonprofit intermediary for the AbilityOne Program, connecting AtWork!'s BPAW division to federal government contracts. AtWork! hosted a visit from SourceAmerica leadership alongside Chris Brandt (former AtWork! CEO and now AbilityOne Commissioner), deepening the collaboration. SourceAmerica enables BPAW to operate AbilityOne contracts requiring 75% of labor hours by people with disabilities.
• U.S. AbilityOne CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe U.S. AbilityOne Commission oversees the AbilityOne Program that governs BPAW's federal contracts. Chris Brandt, former AtWork! CEO, was appointed as an AbilityOne Commissioner, creating a direct leadership connection between AtWork! and the program regulator.
• Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDDCS (formerly the Developmental Disabilities Administration) is the Washington State agency that determines eligibility for long-term services and funds ongoing employment support through providers like AtWork!. DDCS provides Case Resource Managers who connect individuals to AtWork! services. AtWork! actively guides individuals through the DDCS eligibility and enrollment process.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDVR is a Washington State agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. DVR is typically the first step for adults seeking employment services, providing short-term funding for job placement and initial support. AtWork! works closely with DVR to support individuals entering and sustaining employment, with DDCS often taking over long-term support once employment is secured.
• Arc of WashingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Arc of Washington is a nonprofit advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AtWork! co-participates with Arc of Washington in advocacy events including Advocacy Day/Employment for All Day in Olympia. Arc of Washington organizes annual Advocacy Days that AtWork! staff, individuals served, and families attend.
• Community Employment Alliance (CEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA is a network of non-profit employment service providers for people with disabilities in Washington State, advocating since 1974. CEA partners with AtWork! on advocacy, education, and promotion of employment opportunities. CEA co-organizes the annual Advocacy Day/Employment for All Day with the Arc of Washington.
• APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPSE is the only national membership organization focused exclusively on Employment First — the principle that employment in the general workforce should be the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities. AtWork!'s Advocacy Manager John Lemus attended the APSE national conference and cited APSE's framework in advocacy materials. AtWork! aligns its supported employment model with APSE's Employment First principles.
• Open Doors for Multicultural FamiliesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAtWork! partners with Open Doors for Multicultural Families, a resource organization providing translation services and support for multicultural individuals with I/DD and their families spanning the entire lifespan. AtWork! references Open Doors as a resource on its Start Here page for families new to disability services.
• Northwest Access Fund (NWAF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNWAF offers financial products and services for people with disabilities and seniors in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. AtWork! lists NWAF as a resource on its Start Here page for families navigating disability services and financial support options.
• BenefitUminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBenefitU is a service offered by Wise and funded by Washington Developmental Disabilities Community Services, providing information, tools, and coaching to help individuals navigate benefits (SSI/SSDI) with confidence. AtWork! lists BenefitU as a resource to help individuals understand how employment affects their benefits.
• The Arc (National)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with I/DD and supports their full inclusion in communities. AtWork! references The Arc's resources on its Start Here page and has board member Becky Bisbee who also serves on The Arc of King County board.
• Vashon Island Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAtWork! is a member of the Vashon Island Chamber of Commerce, leveraging the chamber's network to connect with local businesses for potential employer partnerships and community visibility on Vashon Island, where AtWork! has been serving since 2022.
• Chamber MembershipsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAtWork! is a member of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce, Greater Spokane Inc., and Kittitas Chamber of Commerce. These memberships provide networking opportunities with local businesses and community visibility across all four served counties.
• Roots2Wings Family GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoots2Wings connects and nurtures a community of families and partners to assist neurodiverse members in navigating the journey from high school to post-secondary education and beyond. AtWork! lists Roots2Wings as a resource on its Start Here page.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Best Buddies International: National nonprofit focused on creating employment opportunities and friendships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable target population and employment-placement focus, with a stronger national brand and volunteer-driven model.
• AHRC New York City: Large New York-based nonprofit providing employment, day services, and community-based supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable mission and service mix, operating at significantly larger scale in a single metro.
• The Arc of the United States: National advocacy and direct-service organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Directly comparable in I/DD focus, advocacy posture, and supported employment offerings; AtWork! already partners with The Arc of Washington and The Arc of King County.
• Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit network that operates employment and training programs for people with disabilities and other barriers to work. Directly comparable mission and operating model to AtWork!, though at vastly greater scale and with a retail-driven revenue base.
• SourceAmerica: Central AbilityOne nonprofit intermediary that connects agencies like AtWork!'s BPAW to federal contracts. Directly comparable through the AbilityOne program ecosystem, though SourceAmerica operates at the national network level rather than as a single local provider.
• Melwood: Large Mid-Atlantic nonprofit providing vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and AbilityOne-style social enterprises (landscaping, document shredding, food service) for people with disabilities. Closely mirrors AtWork!'s integrated supported-employment-plus-BPAW operating model.
• Opportunity Partners: Minnesota-based nonprofit providing vocational training, supported employment, and AbilityOne-style contracts for people with disabilities. Closely comparable integrated service-plus-social-enterprise model, though operating in a different regional market.
• Easterseals: National nonprofit providing employment, vocational rehabilitation, and community-based services for individuals with disabilities. Comparable in mission and supported-employment focus; broader portfolio of disability services across many states.

Regional players

• Vadis: Pacific Northwest nonprofit providing supported employment, job coaching, and AbilityOne contracts for people with disabilities in Washington. Closest regional peer to AtWork!, serving overlapping Washington State markets and similar I/DD population.

Others

• Community Employment Alliance (CEA): Washington State association of nonprofit employment service providers for people with disabilities, founded in 1974. AtWork! is a CEA member and co-organizer of Employment for All Day. Functions as a peer association and advocacy partner rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@AtWorkWA
• Facebookfacebook.com/AtWorkWa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/atworkwa
• Instagraminstagram.com/atworkwa
• Xx.com/AtWorkWA

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AtWork