Colorado’s Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Receives NASWA Award for Exceptional Veteran Services

WASHINGTON – Colorado’s Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center was presented with the prestigious Mark Sanders Award at the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) 2022 Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C.

NASWA’s Mark Sanders Award is bestowed each year upon one individual or group in the U.S. that provides exceptional workforce and/or job market assistance to Veterans, especially those with significant barriers to obtaining and retaining employment.

“The work being done by Arapahoe/Douglas Works! in assisting with the transition to civilian life for our nation’s heroes is outstanding,” said Scott B. Sanders, NASWA President and CEO. “Arapahoe/Douglas Works! has provided exemplary service to the men and women protecting our freedom and is rightfully recognized with this Mark Sanders Award.”

Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, nominated by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, quickly and successfully adjusted to utilizing virtual platforms to better serve their veterans throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The ADW! Workforce Center organized 13 virtual events for veterans to learn and obtain specific industry information, talk with potential employers, and share resumes. ADW! also partnered with leading aerospace industry companies, chambers of commerce and military bases in launching apprenticeship programs to help veterans secure the talent, skills and experience needed to enter the workforce.

“The outstanding work being executed at Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is truly making a difference in our communities, and we are beyond proud to see the workforce center recognized with the Mark Sanders Award,” said Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Executive Director Joe Barela. “Providing exceptional service and support to those who have served our country is a critical piece in elevating our workforce and making our state stronger for all who live and work here. The way the staff at Arapahoe/Douglas Works! has gone above and beyond for our veterans deserves every bit of this national praise.”

From implementing new technology and leveraging external partners to securing additional resources and training for their team, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! has served its veterans through exceptional programs and services.

“Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is honored to receive the prestigious Mark Sanders Award,” said Sasha Easton, Division Manager of Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center. “We share this recognition with not only our staff, but also community partners, employers in the Denver Metro region and both State and local leadership who support our ability to blend and braid funding and provide these services so that we can help any Veteran that walks through our doors.”

Awarded annually at the NASWA Veterans Conference, the Mark Sanders Award recognizes the efforts of an entire one-stop career center whose efforts to serve Veterans go above and beyond the scope of mandatory service provision, and with a special emphasis on veterans with significant barriers to employment.

The prestigious award is named in honor of Mark Sanders who, during his career with the California Employment Development Department and in leadership positions with NASWA, was untiring in his efforts to promote excellence in services to disabled veterans.

About the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (www.naswa.org): NASWA is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C. and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, and business services, in addition to administering the unemployment insurance, veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.