People supported with barrier mitigation, job development or job placement
Average wage of WISH placements
Of people receiving training and upskilling*
*FY2024 Figures
Residency requirements
Funding
Referrals accepted?
Miracle is a 17-year-old who initially found herself uncertain about how to use her free time. Her curiosity sparked an interest in welding after watching YouTube videos, which she found both fascinating and a bit intimidating.
Through her research, she discovered the WISH Center from her school advisor and soon started taking classes. WISH is a Fairfax County Workforce Development Center, and offers free services like job search and placement assistance, and wraparound services to address barriers to employment to Fairfax County residents.
Since Miracle started going to WISH in February 2023, she’s learned basic welding, how to use an angle grinder, a chop saw, and a 3D printer. “I also learned patience. I learned how to be more precise,” Miracle said, as her mother nodded.
“I’m so happy to come here and learn even though I’m a student with rigorous classes. I walk here and anytime I walk through those doors, I know the people who work here want to see me succeed,” she said.
“Here at The WISH it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned professional or just coming out of high school. We’ll meet you where you are and help you achieve your goals,” said Cesar Almonte-Alvarez Jr.
That belief in people is at the heart of Cesar’s work as a Professional Development Instructor at The WISH, a workforce development center in Hybla Valley that connects Fairfax County residents with training, professional development and resources to help them move toward employment and greater independence.
Some days, Cesar teaches resume writing, interview skills and emotional intelligence as part of the WISH program’s soft skills curriculum. Other days, he works with people in the community who are looking for work, helping them with applications, resumes, or whatever barrier they are trying to overcome.
Every day, he helps people take the next step toward a future they may not yet be able to see for themselves.
“I like helping people untap their potential and understand that their dreams are possible. Yes, you can be a manager. You can be a supervisor. You can work in a hospital or be an entrepreneur,” he said.
