$10,000 in Grant Funding Secured to Accelerate Planning Phase of Workforce Development Hub and Childcare Facility in Tacoma’s East Side

The Pierce County Labor Community Services Agency is thrilled to be awarded $10,000 in U.S. Conference of Mayors Dollarwise Grant funding. This grant supports planning the transformation of the former Willard Elementary School in Tacoma’s east side to serve as an innovative hub for workforce development and a sustainable provider of childcare services for Tacoma’s working families.

"This project is a game-changer for Tacoma and Pierce County," said Mayor Victoria Woodards. "By investing in our community and providing critical resources like childcare and training, we are creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. This funding will help us meet our commitment to workforce development and equitable access to resources."

The grant funding will enable us to develop a comprehensive business plan, conduct baseline data collection, and design the facility's layout and staffing structure. The plan will also include strategies for long-term sustainability and community engagement.

“Our initiative is more than a renovation; it’s a revolution in how we address childcare and training pathways in our community.” – PCLCSA President Nathe Lawver

The facility will house classroom learning spaces for registered apprenticeship readiness programs and offer flexible childcare options, creating new opportunities for workers- beginning with construction, and moving into other job sectors such as first responders, health care, hospitality, and retail.

This project is a response to current challenges and an investment in the future. By fostering education, career growth, and community, our initiative is bringing hope and opportunity to Pierce County and beyond.

Thanks to this grant and our community partners, we are accelerating meaningful, lasting impacts in our community.

The Pierce County Labor Community Services Agency is the 501(c)(3) arm of the Pierce County Central Labor Council whose purpose is to serve the community in providing assistance to families, individuals, seniors, and the disabled, and those under-served populations within our community. PCLCSA provides service needs in food, clothing, and fundamental resources that provide access to individual self-sufficiency, self-confidence, independent living, and to enhance the quality of life.