A Century of Service
Back in 1921, Martin Johanson found himself in Seattle's Pioneer Square, witnessing long lines at a soup kitchen. Rather than accept the status quo, he envisioned a different approach to help those in need. Johanson believed in the power of work and sustenance to restore dignity and purpose. He pioneered a unique program where individuals could earn their meals by working in the kitchen. This innovative concept laid the foundation for what would later become known as the Millionair Club Charity.
Today, under the name Uplift Northwest, this legacy lives on. Since its relocation to Belltown in 1941, Uplift Northwest has remained one of Seattle's oldest and most impactful nonprofit organizations. It continues to honor Johanson's vision by providing vital support and employment opportunities for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. Through its steadfast commitment to empowerment and economic mobility, Uplift Northwest stands as a beacon of hope in the community.
A Century of Service
Back in 1921, Martin Johanson found himself in Seattle's Pioneer Square, witnessing long lines at a soup kitchen. Rather than accept the status quo, he envisioned a different approach to help those in need. Johanson believed in the power of work and sustenance to restore dignity and purpose. He pioneered a unique program where individuals could earn their meals by working in the kitchen. This innovative concept laid the foundation for what would later become known as the Millionair Club Charity.
Today, under the name Uplift Northwest, this legacy lives on. Since its relocation to Belltown in 1941, Uplift Northwest has remained one of Seattle's oldest and most impactful nonprofit organizations. It continues to honor Johanson's vision by providing vital support and employment opportunities for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. Through its steadfast commitment to empowerment and economic mobility, Uplift Northwest stands as a beacon of hope in the community.
In 100 years…
We owe our accomplishments to the unwavering support of our community. Thanks to your generosity, Uplift Northwest has empowered thousands of individuals by offering job opportunities and support services over the past century.
From its modest origins, Uplift Northwest has evolved into a key workforce provider for prominent employers in the region. Through partnerships with local entities such as CenturyLink Field, Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Seattle Public Utilities, King County, and Tom Douglas Restaurant, countless individuals have gained access to thousands of job opportunities.
The impact of our work is profound. Behind each statistic lies a life transformed and empowered.
The next 100 years…
With a century of experience in providing jobs and job readiness services to individuals in need of opportunities, Uplift Northwest is poised to lead our community towards a more prosperous future.
As part of our mission, we are committed to offering essential training and job placement opportunities for vital roles. We will scale our efforts to meet the growing demand and adapt to the evolving job market, ensuring access to lucrative job prospects and responsive services that address significant community needs.
As a leader in our community, we prioritize building an inclusive employment service model that values diverse experiences and perspectives, centering the voices of the marginalized. By fostering partnerships with both public and private sector entities, we aim to deliver the most effective and comprehensive life-stabilization services for all individuals.
Uplift Northwest has been an integral part of Seattle's nonprofit landscape for a century, and with your support, we are poised to continue serving our city for another hundred years.
How housing and employment support build pathways out of poverty
Josh was thrown out of his home at age 17, with no place to go and no family or friends for support. He wound up living on the streets, using drugs and committing petty crimes for nearly three decades. “I was bouncing around the country, lost,” Josh says. “Just surviving on the streets is a job in itself.”
A holistic approach to job training helps rebuild lives
“Programs that neglect emotional intelligence or collaboration skills, for instance, often leave participants unprepared for workplace dynamics,” says Lisa Sato, employment case manager at Uplift Northwest. (Uplift Northwest)
Graffiti Abatement Program Launch
Uplift Northwest has been working in partnership with Belltown United, Enactus City University of Seattle, and MID on a three-month pilot program to train Uplift Northwest workers on graffiti removal and safety. Our workers are then deployed 40 hours a week to over 10 buildings in the Belltown area to keep our city clean. Watch
Uplift Northwest Artist In Residence: Tia Nache'
Uplift Northwest has been working in partnership with Belltown United, Enactus City University of Seattle, and MID on a three-month pilot program to train Uplift Northwest workers on graffiti removal and safety. Our workers are then deployed 40 hours a week to over 10 buildings in the Belltown area to keep our city clean. Watch
New Pilot Program: Graffiti Abatement
Mayor Harrell & Uplift Northwest Relaunch Graffiti Program
Uplift Northwest has been working in partnership with Belltown United, Enactus City University of Seattle, and MID on a three-month pilot program to train Uplift Northwest workers on graffiti removal and safety. Our workers are then deployed 40 hours a week to over 10 buildings in the Belltown area to keep our city clean. Watch