| Worksystems helps people access training, career pathways, and supportive employment services based on regional employer needs. Our partnership with the City of Portland is critical to this work—especially for residents facing the greatest barriers to employment.
Current funding from the City via Prosper Portland supports programs designed for people who face systemic obstacles to employment, including low‑income residents, people experiencing housing instability, justice‑involved individuals, immigrants and refugees, and disconnected youth.
Two Programs, One Shared Goal: Stability Through Work
Prosper Portland currently helps to fund two core Worksystems programs:
Portland Economic Opportunity Program (EOP) combines long‑term, relationship‑based career coaching with employment resources to raise wages and increase economic stability for adults facing barriers to work. Last program year, Portland EOP served 620 participants, all of whom started at low income. 85% exited the program with a job, earning an averages wage of nearly $22 per hour.
NextGen is a community‑based career coaching program for disconnected youth ages 16–24, including young people navigating homelessness, foster care, the justice system, or disabilities. Last program year, 496 Portland youth were served through NextGen, supported by eight career coaches across multiple community providers.
For the current program year, Worksystems is on track to meet or exceed these results.
Turning Local Investment into Greater Impact
Partnering with Worksystems unlocks federal, state, and additional local funding, increasing resources and impact.
One of the most powerful aspects of this partnership is how local dollars are leveraged. Prosper–funded programs generate SNAP employment and training earnings that Worksystems reinvests to help more people. Last program year, Portland EOP and NextGen generated nearly $500,000 dollars in SNAP earnings, expanding impact without increasing local costs.
How SNAP Reinvestment Works
 Building Economic Stability
Helping people secure stable employment reduces long‑term reliance on public assistance and emergency services. As more people work, local spending increases, further strengthening Portland’s economy.
Participants across Portland EOP and NextGen earned $19.6M in wages, generating $1.7M in state income taxes.
Sustained investment from the City of Portland and Prosper Portland is essential to maintaining this momentum. Together, we are building pathways to quality jobs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our communities.
Program Results
|
