Chuck Doland, a proud West Bellevue resident, has dedicated much of his life to making a difference in his community. A longtime resident (BHS class of ’61!), he, along with his wife Joyce, raised two children, Greg and Tara, in West Bellevue. Now, as doting grandparents to Annika and Reece, Chuck and Joyce cherish family time while continuing to be vibrant and productive members of their Bellevue neighborhood.

Chuck’s professional journey began after earning a degree from Washington State University. He joined Boeing, where he cultivated a passion for the aerospace industry. Later, he transitioned into aircraft equipment sales and manufacturing where he built a successful career, thriving in the innovation and excitement of flight. In addition to his career, Chuck’s service through Bellevue Rotary Club is truly exemplary; this meaningful work, with other professionals across the area, has connected him to transformative initiatives across the Eastside.

One cause particularly close to Chuck’s heart is the Partners for Work (PFW) program, a Rotary/Bellevue Schools initiative that creates employment opportunities for individuals who are living with developmental disabilities. By leveraging Rotarian business leadership, the program serves as a vital bridge between job candidates and meaningful, paid employment for employees of all capabilities. The PFW program began as a small project within a few local Rotary clubs, but its impact has grown substantially.

What started with just four Rotary clubs has now spread to nearly half the clubs in King County, encompassing approximately 25 chapters. To date, the program has facilitated the creation of over 200 competitive jobs in King County, many directly linked to Rotary Club members. Although its roots are firmly planted in King County, Partners for Work is expanding its reach nationally. The program’s footprint has grown thanks to its proven success in connecting communities and businesses to the untapped potential of individuals with developmental disabilities. For Chuck, this growth underscores the power of Rotary to catalyze change and foster inclusivity.

As an active member of the BRC since 1974, Chuck has seen firsthand how Partners for Work transforms lives—not just for job seekers but for the broader community. Much of the program’s focus is on students transitioning out of the public school system. Rotary clubs provide mock interview experiences, helping students practice self-advocacy and hone interview techniques in a supportive environment. Clubs also invite students to present their resumes at meetings, arrange job tours, and organize community volunteer activities—all of which help students build skills and confidence while connecting them with potential employers.

The Evergreen initiative at Bellevue Schools recently opened a new facility that is a community-based instructional program providing experiential learning opportunities for young adults with disabilities ages 18-22, to foster independence in the areas of employment, education/training, and life skills. In accordance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA), the Bellevue Evergreen Transition Program strives to prepare young adults with disabilities who have not yet graduated from high school to lead a fulfilling future with positive post-secondary outcomes.

Chuck is a strong advocate for the program’s mission, which emphasizes inclusivity and the belief that everyone deserves a meaningful quality of life. He appreciates how PFW aligns with the Rotary ethos of “Service Above Self” by creating tangible, lasting opportunities for individuals who might otherwise face barriers to employment. Chuck sees his work with Partners for Work as a natural extension of his lifelong commitment to service. “Communities thrive when they’re inclusive,” he says. “Rotary provides the perfect platform to bridge gaps and bring people together, and Partners for Work exemplifies that spirit.”

The initiative’s success is due in part to its holistic approach. By focusing on employer awareness, generating job opportunities, and supporting internships for transition students, PFW has created a replicable model for other communities to follow. The involvement of programs like WISe training initiatives ensures that job seekers receive ongoing support, from preparing for interviews to thriving in the workplace.

For Chuck, the real reward comes from witnessing the confidence and sense of purpose that meaningful employment provides to PFW participants. He recalls stories of job seekers who, after securing positions, have found not just financial independence but also a deep sense of belonging. “Every single partner that has worked for us at Rotary has been incredible. Not only are they inspiring, they make a complicated meeting run smoothly,” he says. After their time at Rotary they are anxious to demonstrate their skill in the workforce and go on to be wonderful contributors to local employers.  

Chuck Doland’s long tenure with the Bellevue Rotary Club reflects a life devoted to the community. Over nearly five decades, he has witnessed the power of Rotarians working together to affect change—from supporting education to leading the creation of the Bellevue Downtown Park and employment opportunities for those with developmental disabilities. Through his work with Partners for Work and other Rotary initiatives, Chuck continues to leave a lasting impact on the Eastside.

Partners for Work has a quality pool of talent that can help your organization. For more information, visit Bellevue School District: bsd405.org/programs-and-services/evergreen-transition-program