When I first connected with the Portland Economic Opportunity Program (EOP), I was living at the Our Just Future (OJF) Lilac Meadows Shelter, and I was struggling to get my foot in the door for the right job. I saw the success of other participants, and I knew it would be the right place to seek help finding work and building a better future for myself and my family. I struggled with professionalism and wasn’t sure how to present myself to employers. I needed support to move forward.

Working with my OJF Career Coach, David Rodriguez, has been an amazing experience. He taught me more than I thought I could do and made me feel comfortable throughout the process.

David helped me improve my résumé to highlight the most important and impressive parts of my work history and helped me access professional training that encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and go for opportunities that I might have passed up before. All of this, paired with support to get new work clothes, boosted my confidence level tremendously. I feel much more prepared and professional when applying for jobs.

Now, I’ve been hired for a job at the airport, somewhere I have always wanted to work. My career outlook has improved tremendously because I have the confidence and skills to pursue opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

This program is one of the best ways to help people with many different struggles. It pushes us to achieve success and become the best version of ourselves.

— C. Satauo