People supported with barrier removal, 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.
For more than 60 years, Melwood has been building a bridge to a more supportive world. Today, we are one of the nation’s leading advocates, employers, and providers for people with disabilities and their caregivers.
