Empowering Washington: Enhancing Employment and Housing Programs
Since 2009, AHP has been providing Washington State with comprehensive training and technical assistance services in supported employment (SE) and supportive housing (SH). Over the years, our initiatives have expanded to include Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Fidelity Reviewer Training, and SE focus groups—all aimed at enhancing the state’s SE and SH programs.
For over 35 years, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has been improving health and human services systems of care and business operations to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential.
CHALLENGE
The primary challenge faced by our client was the need to train community members on the significance of SE and SH. They sought to establish a cadre of trainers for PSH Fidelity reviews and bolster their SE programs across the state. Additionally, there was a need to foster a deeper understanding of DEI within SE and SH services and ensure that community feedback and lived experiences were integrated into program improvements.
SOLUTION
AHP addressed these challenges through a multifaceted approach:
- PSH Fidelity Reviewer Training: AHP developed a comprehensive curriculum, manual, and training materials for PSH Fidelity reviewers. The inaugural training in 2023 successfully certified 23 PSH Fidelity reviewers in Washington State.
- Monthly learning continuum: AHP established a monthly forum for PSH providers to discuss PSH Fidelity, troubleshoot issues related to SH, and share insights with colleagues and subject matter experts.
- Topical sessions: Monthly sessions were conducted for SE and SH providers, covering crucial topics such as DEI, SE, and PSH.
- SE focus groups and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis: AHP conducted focus groups and SWOT analyses involving SE service organizations and individuals with lived experience. These listening sessions, held both in person and online, provided valuable feedback and insights.
RESULTS
AHP’s comprehensive approach has significantly strengthened Washington State’s SE and SH programs, providing ongoing support and fostering a community of knowledgeable and skilled trainers, as demonstrated by the following:
- Increased training requests: Due to the success of the trainings, providers across the state have requested additional sessions. AHP staff were invited to present at the annual Family & Consumer Sciences , with one staff member serving as the keynote speaker. Washington State has also requested AHP’s attendance at the 2025 conference.
- Supportive forums: AHP created forums for SE and SH providers, offering a safe space for discussing emerging issues and providing continuous support through trainings and monthly calls.
“I attended yesterday’s DEI training, and it has to be one of the best and most useful trainings I have attended in a long time. I wanted to see if that meeting was recorded. I really feel this is important for all of our staff to see.”
— DEI training attendee
About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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