Creating Opportunity
Worksystems' goal is to ensure all job seekers are connected to the training and support necessary to enter quality jobs.
Why Creating Opportunity Is Important
Increasing resources for people who have struggled to engage in the workforce system – including people who are low income, in the housing and homeless continuum of care, disconnected youth, and those with prior justice involvement – is a focus for our organization and community. These populations were hit hardest by the pandemic's economic downturn and risk falling further behind in the post-pandemic economy.
Key Programs
By the Numbers
Worksystems partners and programs help people change livesrealize dreamsgain skillsconnect to quality jobs From July 2023 to June 2024, we:
Supported
17
partners
63
career coaches
across Multnomah and Washington Counties
Served
6,470
BIPOC participants
Served
2,160
participants with prior justice involvement
Served
1,666
participants experiencing homelessness
Served
1,023
participants receiving LEP assistance
Real-life Impact
Stories From Our Community
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
When I first connected with Our Just Future (OJF)—a Portland Economic Opportunity Program (EOP) partner—I had recently returned to Portland after spending five years in Texas. The last two years were spent on surviving a domestic violence situation. My son and I moved several times trying to stay safe, and when I finally came home, I was carrying about $13,000 in rental debt along with so many other things I had lost along the way.
I felt embarrassed because I had always seen myself as someone who was smarter, stronger, and more capable than the situation I was in. The advocates at OJF helped me understand that unfortunately, my situation was not unique. They reminded me that what mattered most was moving forward, rebuilding my stability, and regaining my sense of self.
OJF helped me find housing quickly and then introduced me to EOP Career Coach David Rodriguez. That connection has completely changed the way I see my future.
I already had my Class B CDL and experience driving school buses, but I needed a career that could provide greater financial stability for my son and me. With David’s support, I applied for school and scholarships to cover the cost. I honestly didn’t know these opportunities were available to me.
Today, I am preparing to begin CDL training and pursue a career in trucking. I feel like I am getting a part of myself back that I haven’t experienced since I was about 20 years old: the part of me that had dreams, hopes, and the belief that I could become whatever I wanted to become. At 41, I am changing the trajectory of my life and, more importantly, my son’s life.
The support I received from the people at OJF and the Portland EOP didn’t just help me find housing or a career path. They helped me see the light in myself again and encouraged me to let that light shine.
— DR
The participant enrolled in the Department of Community Justice Economic Opportunity Program in May 2023, while residing at the Men’s Residential Center (MRC). From the beginning, they made it clear that recovery was their top priority. Respecting this, their Career Coach provided space and consistent support, meeting monthly to check in and stay aligned with their treatment journey.
In April 2024, after successfully completing treatment, the participant transitioned into Bridges to Change housing. They proactively reached out to schedule an in-person meeting with their Career Coach to explore employment and long-term career goals. Their dream: to become a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) and use their own lived experience to support others on a similar path. To help them achieve that goal, the Career Coach guided the participant through the scholarship application process and they were awarded a $425 scholarship to cover the cost of CRM training.
Understanding the importance of immediate income while pursuing certification, the Career Coach also helped them secure a “survival job” at a local 7-Eleven. It was the participant’s first job in over 15 years—a major milestone. They were overjoyed to be employed and eager to attend CRM training on weekends while working during the week.
Once the CRM training is completed, the participant plans to register with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon and begin applying for Certified Recovery Mentor positions. This journey—from prioritizing recovery, to stable housing, to meaningful employment—reflects their strength, resilience, and commitment to giving back.
Their progress is a testament to what’s possible when recovery is honored, and support is personalized and consistent. With the right guidance and resources, they are not just rebuilding their life—they’re preparing to help others do the same.
KT came to AHFE struggling with rent and feeling stuck in her career. With the help of her AHFE Career Coach, she explored new opportunities while receiving three months of rental assistance, allowing her to maintain transitional employment and enroll in doula training.
AHFE covered training costs and provided gas assistance, ensuring KT could attend. She excelled, earning certification as a Traditional Healthcare Worker in Oregon and gaining approval to serve OHP and Medicare clients.
Now, KT has launched her own doula business and is a thriving, self-sufficient entrepreneur. AHFE’s vital services equipped KT with the tools and support she needed to change her life.
In 2024, DR joined AHFE while living in a NW Portland shelter. He was eager to rebuild his life, but struggling to find stable employment.
With his AHFE Career Coach’s guidance, he updated his resume, practiced interviews, and identified more sustainable job opportunities. However, missing his Social Security card was a roadblock. His coach helped him navigate the replacement process, and he soon secured a temp job near his shelter.
AHFE also provided essential support, including work attire and a phone for timekeeping. While at his temp job, DR began a welding program at PCC, a career path inspired by his passion for bike building. With the help of AHFE, he is now working to secure an apartment near his job and public transit to PCC.
DR acknowledges that without AHFE, he would not have made as much progress toward starting work and finding housing.
