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Northwest Oregon Works reports investments in Lincoln County workforce training, maritime programs and behavioral‑health apprenticeships
Summary
Northwest Oregon Works told the county May 7 it delivered roughly $46,000 in training dollars to Lincoln County since July 1 and received a major maritime allocation that put about $250,000 into local college programs; the board heard about youth grants, behavioral‑health apprenticeships and concerns about federal funding declines.
Heather Desark, executive for Northwest Oregon Works, briefed the Board of Commissioners May 7 on the regional workforce board’s programs and investments affecting Lincoln County.
Desark said Northwest Oregon Works (the local workforce board covering Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln and Benton counties) had spent about $46,006 in Lincoln County since July 1, 2024 on training and related activities. She described multiple youth funding streams — including OYEP and Future Ready Oregon grants — and said a statewide Future Ready Oregon award had enabled a larger round‑three workforce grant. Desark said Northwest Oregon Works received about $850,000 in maritime funds from state allocations tied to a maritime task force report; roughly $250,000 of that has been distributed to Lincoln County through Oregon Coast Community College for welding and aquarium‑science capacity, plus smaller business development and safety awards to local maritime businesses.
Desark highlighted a state‑first registered apprenticeship for behavioral health (certified alcohol and drug counselor, and expansion to Qualified Mental Health Associate), noting apprentices work at Lincoln County Mental Health and Reconnections Counseling and that Samaritan Health CCO (IHN) has supported programming. She warned federal workforce dollars have declined over decades and that future funding is uncertain, and she requested ongoing local advocacy to preserve funds and support dislocated‑worker programs.
Commissioners thanked Desark and emphasized the board’s willingness to advocate for state funding. Desark said Northwest Oregon Works also leverages philanthropic and private funds and coordinates services through local WorkSource centers in Lincoln City and Newport.
