Puget Sound Opportunties Industrialization Center

The Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET Program) provides essential employment and training services to low-income individuals receiving food assistance. Funded by the state and federal government, the program aims to help participants find sustainable career opportunities, improve their employability through skill-building, and progress in their careers over time. In Fiscal Year 2025, the program served 98 individuals, offering support through job coaching, skill development, credentialing opportunities, and wage progression. Key Services Provided: 98 participants received job readiness training and employment support. Job Coaching: One-on-one sessions to help participants identify career goals and strategies. Credentialing Opportunities: Access to local training programs and certifications to increase employability. Wage Progression Assistance: Support in navigating wage increases and career advancement. Impact: Enabled low-income individuals to secure and retain employment while advancing in their careers through continued support and resources.

3) Food Assistance Program (FAP) The Food Assistance Program (FAP), funded by the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, helps newly arrived refugees and immigrants access career planning, job training, financial literacy, and long-term job retention support. In fiscal year 2025, the program provided vital services to help individuals transition from food assistance to sustainable employment. Key Services Provided: Career planning and culturally competent job placement services. 266 individuals received case management, cultural navigation, and financial literacy education. Impact: Empowered refugees and asylees to gain independence, develop life skills, and pursue sustainable careers. Focused on both immediate employment support and long-term educational and career pathways.

Refugee Youth Mentoring Program- Focuses on young refugees and asylees aged 18-24 who have been in the U.S. for five years or less. This program provides a combination of employment services, educational support, job training, and mentorship to help these young individuals successfully integrate into the workforce and society. The program helps participants overcome the challenges they face as they transition into adulthood and navigate life in a new country. In Fiscal Year 2025, the program served 29 youth, providing them with the resources and support to build a strong foundation.