Worksystems is the Portland metro workforce development board responsible for helping people access training, career pathways, and supportive employment services based on regional employer needs.

Our Economic Opportunity Programs (EOP) are designed specifically for people facing the highest barriers, including housing insecurity, justice involvement, language barriers, and recovery challenges. Most people enter the program relying on public assistance. By pairing short‑term supports with career coaching and connections to employment, EOP helps people move toward jobs that pay living wages. This creates a strong foundation for long‑term self‑sufficiency without reliance on public aid.

None of this work happens in isolation. These outcomes are made possible through strong partnerships with trusted community‑based organizations that meet people where they are and bring deep expertise to this work. Twenty-one career coaches across seven provides (Central City Concern, IRCO, Latino Network, Our Just Future, POIC, SE Works, and Trash for Peace) currently support this work. Career coaches play a critical role in helping participants navigate barriers, map career goals, and access training and resources they need to move into stable employment.

By partnering with Worksystems, local governments are also able to leverage federal matching dollars, state funding, and additional local resources—maximizing impact without duplicating efforts. This approach allows limited public funds to go further while delivering strong, measurable outcomes. As local leaders face difficult budget decisions, now is the time to prioritize solutions with proven, lasting results.