Washington Works is a nonprofit organization founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1992 to help low-income women improve their lives and the lives of their children by teaching them to think differently about themselves. The program offered courses in personal effectiveness training, basic skills training, office skills development, and job search strategies. By building strong relationships with local employers, Washington Works placed welfare recipients in jobs with above-average entry-level earnings. To help women make a successful transition from welfare to work, Washington Works provided continuing support services for its graduates. The following aspects of Washington Works's experience were examined to clarify how nonprofit organizations can facilitate welfare reform: training program development; relationship with local employers; client recruitment; staff development; program funding; and administrative fluctuation and restabilization. The case study confirmed the importance of the following: establishing and preserving a core mission; cultivating and sustaining positive relationships with employers, public agencies, and the larger community; continuously assessing and gaining feedback on the program; understanding and managing tensions between visionary and strategic thinkers; and preparing for expansion and success. (Appended is a list of 56 Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation publications.)(MN)