Prosperity Programs Work
For every $1 invested Oregon, gets $2.98 back.
This Investment Creates New Tax Dollars and Reduces Spending on Social Programs.
Please Support SB 1512
Prosperity Programs
Prosperity Programs is not designed for a quick placement, but for lasting employment. By investing in both people and employers – supporting training aligned to real business needs and connecting workers to quality jobs with family-supporting wages, benefits, and clear pathways for advancement – the program produces sustained employment outcomes that benefit Oregon’s economy.
Approximately 25% of our resources pay for wrap-around supports to remove barriers to employment.
Individuals who successfully complete our services make over $6 per hour MORE on average in a career rather than simply gaining a minimum wage job.
Wraparound supports are:
- Not standalone services
- Complementary to other resources
- Unavailable through other sources.
- Oregon City Chamber of Commerce
- City of Bend
- AntFarm Youth & Family Services
- Clackamas Community College
- Chemeketa Community College
- City of Estacada
- Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln City
- Clackamas Education Service District
- Northwest Family Services
- Timberlake Job Corps
- COIC
- A.R.E Manufacturing, Inc.
- Todos Juntos
- Economic Development for Central Oregon
Prosperity Programs Work. Here’s the Proof.
Success Stories
I started working with WorkSource Portland Metro at a time when I was struggling with my mental health. I wanted to help my community and figure out how I “fit in” at work while also healing, parenting, and surviving. A scholarship funded through Prosperity 10,000 made it possible for me to complete peer support training through the Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO).
I didn’t land a position right away. But the education and experience I received were true stepping stones. With the confidence and skills I gained from the training—and the encouragement of my instructors—I opened my own business to support people in my community.
Funding for Prosperity Programs needs to continue and grow. If you’re unsure about the benefits to our community, I encourage you to learn about the materials covered in the peer support classes. Meet the people. See the knowledge and power that they gain. Watch what we can do!
After breaking my humerus in three places, I found myself in uncharted territory. I couldn’t work for several months. During my recovery I decided to switch careers—a difficult decision, but I was ready for a new challenge.
I took a career workshop through WorkSource Portland Metro to fine‑tune my interests and learn more about my options. I chose the Sterile Processing Technician program at Portland Community College. WorkSource also helped me learn about available scholarships, and I received one that covered my tuition and books—a blessing at a time when I couldn’t work. All of this is thanks in part to funding from Prosperity 10,000 (P10K).
My career coach, Eduardo Garnica, helped every step of the way—from sending scholarship information to checking job listings. He checked in every month to see how school was going and how my family was doing when my mom became ill. I’m grateful for a coach who is still involved in my journey. Thank you, Eduardo!
It’s imperative that funding for Prosperity Programs continues. This program helped me during a time of uncertainty. Many people are struggling to find a career, and the option to reskill is invaluable. It gave me hope, and I want that for others. I’m excited for this next chapter of my life!
The support I received through Prosperity 10,000 (P10K) funding made it possible for me to gain employment as a welder.
I learned about this workforce program from friends who had participated in previous years. I started by completing the ESL course at Mt. Hood Community College. The program coordinator, Angelique Kauffman, offered me the opportunity to continue my journey from there. Angelique helped me navigate the resources I needed to reach my career goals. The work that she and other career coaches do makes it possible for non‑native speakers to have this opportunity in Oregon. I will always be grateful to her.
Thanks to this program, I earned my Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) welding license, and my English has improved so much. It’s an excellent program, and I am very grateful to the entire team that helped me.
Funding for Prosperity Programs should absolutely continue. These programs are incredibly beneficial for the City of Portland and the State of Oregon. There is a high demand for welders in Portland — I receive two to three job notifications every day. Without this program, it would be very difficult for non‑native speakers to obtain a welding license and fill the jobs that local businesses need.
I got connected with the Employment Access Center (EAC) through the Central City Concern Richard Harris Recovery Program. My counselors at Central City Concern inspired me to get involved, and that encouragement changed the course of my life.
I started with the Community Volunteer Corps program, where I began to regain my sense of self‑worth and remembered that I was capable of working again. As I continued meeting with my career coaches, I realized I had the potential not just to get a job, but to find a career I could excel in and enjoy. I relearned the basics—how to fill out a resume, how to talk about my strengths, and how to believe in myself again.
I had always wanted to become an electrical lineman, and earning my Class A license was the first step. I received a scholarship to make that possible. I never thought I could pass the tests, but my career coaches supported me every step of the way. I then tested for the electrical apprenticeship, passed, and am now waiting for a panel interview.
The help didn’t stop there. With support from the Urban League of Portland, Portland Community College, and WorkSource Portland Metro, I secured a job with Union Pacific Railroad as a conductor. My EAC career specialist, Andy Seeley, helped me get everything I needed—tools, work clothes, and guidance. I had no excuse not to succeed when I finally had full support behind me, something I’d never experienced in my entire life.
Funding for Prosperity Programs must continue, because these programs change lives. I was lost, and I no longer saw myself as a contributing member of society. Without these programs, I would still be struggling. Now, I’m an active participant in my community—doing volunteer work, supporting others in recovery, paying taxes, and no longer relying on the state for medical bills or food assistance.
Mitch came to us one day after completing an eight-year incarceration, with no ID, transportation, phone, clothing, or stable housing. His immediate goal was securing a survival job; his long-term goal is obtaining a CDL and pursuing long-haul trucking.
We first addressed identification barriers by using homeless verification paperwork to secure a free state ID. With 20+ years of welding experience—though last used in 2014—we contacted Convey, who agreed to bring him on through an OJT placement to refresh and update his welding skills.
P10K funds supported On-the-Job Training (OJT) reimbursement and essential work gear, including tools, clothing, and safety boots. After securing employment, we helped Mitch apply to the Oxford House, where he was ultimately accepted and invited to serve on the house board.
Mitch excelled during OJT, earning a $0.73 raise and consistent positive feedback from management. Using his early paychecks, he purchased a phone, food for the month, and studied for and then passed his driver’s license test. He has since opened a savings account to work toward buying a vehicle.
Convey retained him full-time and promoted him to trainer. Mitch continues to progress toward long-term goals and credits the program with helping him rebuild his life.
Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP), in collaboration with Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) Reentry Services and Chemeketa Community College, is proud to support the Emerging Welders Program, which offers manufacturing education and workforce training to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals who live in Marion, Polk, Yamhill or Linn counties. MWVCAA Reentry Services combines hands-on training and trauma-informed support, with employment navigation to support individuals as they guide them on a second-chance path toward meaningful, well-paying jobs. Once these individuals are “classroom ready” Chemeketa takes the reigns and provides the 22-week credential-based training tailored for adult learners.
Chemeketa already operated a structured, successful welding program with reporting, compliance, and tracking to support this new program. Participants are also connected to additional resources through WorkSource Oregon, ensuring continued access to career services and upskilling. With an emphasis on job placement, wage outcomes, and long-term retention, it’s a second chance strategy that advances workforce development in our region and contributes to the region’s economic prosperity.
Jonathan recently completed the training this summer and is working full-time with a manufacturing company in Woodburn, specializing in horizontal welding. The birth of his son pushed Jonathan to want to better himself. Seven out of the eight folks in Jonathan’s cohort passed their certification tests. Manufacturing trades, and specifically welding, offer a clear pathway to economic mobility and long-term stability.
Willamette Workforce Partnership Listens to Businesses…(WWP) recently spoke with employers across our region, and the message was clear: businesses need support in preparing the next generation of leaders and supervisors. Strong leadership sets the tone, builds team momentum, and helps organizations achieve their goals. To meet this need, WWP used Future Ready Oregon – Prosperity 10,000 funds to invest directly in leadership and supervisory training through three local providers. One of our training providers, Knife River Training Center, created a two-day immersive workshop called “Supervising 4 Success,” where 43 students cultivated skills to enhance their leadership effectiveness and create more productive teams. One participant stated they plan to put all their foremen through the training in the near future.
Prosperity 10,000 success story from Clackamas Community College Workforce Development Services: When I first came to Clackamas Community College (CCC), I wasn’t sure if I was making the right choice. I wasn’t in a good place mentally or physically; I knew I needed to make a change in my life or things were not going to improve. So, I decided to go back to school. I knew I wanted to weld, so I chose the most challenging of all the welding disciplines. I was either going to be a success or something I’d walk away from if it wasn’t right for me.
On my first day at school, I sat in the back, avoiding everyone. I had my hood pulled over my head, and just took everything in. The welding was tough, but it was good for me. When the welding hood dropped, and the arc of the welder started up, nothing else in the world mattered. All the thoughts that ran through my mind throughout the day just stopped. My mind became calm and quiet. Welding brings me such mental peace; it’s my escape.
As I spent more time in the shop, I grew tremendously, not only as a student, but more importantly, as a person. I became more vocal and always willing to help or show someone something new, getting involved with whatever was going on in the shop. The shop is a second home for me, and I want to share it with anyone who is curious about welding.
During my time at CCC, I’ve been awarded the Costanzo Welding Scholarship twice and two scholarships from the American Welding Society Foundation. I hold a certification for 3G stainless steel TIG welding, and I just finished the test for a 1G titanium certification. Additionally, I am the president of the CCC Welding Club, and next term, I’ll be returning to the school to serve as a teacher’s assistant for the welding department.
A lot of what I have achieved wouldn’t have been possible without the help and guidance from my Elena, my Workforce Advisor at CCC Workforce Development Services. When I first met Elena, I didn’t really have a plan, but she helped steer me in the right direction and assisted me in getting my certificate and degree. There was a point when I wasn’t even sure if I could continue school, but Elena helped me in obtaining funding and the supplies needed to keep going. She even helped me get gas cards so I could drive to school and assisted me in paying my rent one month when I was short.
Thank you for everything you have done for me on my journey to my degree while attending Clackamas. It means the world to know that there are people who care about others’ well-being and are willing to help those in need. You have truly changed my life for the better, and I appreciate everything that the workforce and Elena have done to support my success. Now, I’m looking ahead to the future and continuing my path of success.
Shelby’s story is one of perseverance, community support, and the power of second chances. Shelby’s life took a significant turn when he crossed paths with Deputy Chris O’Connor from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office over five years ago. Living in isolation, without utilities, and struggling with mental health challenges, Shelby faced an uphill battle. Yet, Deputy O’Connor and Glen Suchanek from Clackamas County LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) saw potential in him and dedicated themselves to helping him get back on track.
Through their mentorship and unwavering support, Shelby gradually regained control of his life. He got his utilities reconnected, secured medical insurance, started taking his medication, regained his driving privileges, and even enrolled in college. It was a tremendous breakthrough, but like many others affected by the pandemic, Shelby faced setbacks when COVID-19 disrupted his hands-on learning environment, causing his college experience to fizzle out.
Despite these challenges, Shelby’s commitment to rebuilding his life never waned, and Deputy O’Connor continued to stand by him. A significant hurdle remained: his criminal record from 2014, which Shelby believed had been cleared after participating in an expungement clinic. However, uncertainties about the status of his expungement and his eligibility for employment led to frustration and mental health spirals.
That’s when the power of collaboration took center stage. Deputy O’Connor reached out to various county partners to get Shelby’s record sorted out. With the assistance of the Amanda Wall and the Clean Slate Clackamas clinic, referrals were made to Clackamas Community College (CCC), and Children Family Community Connections (CFCC). Gabby and her team of advisors were able to get Shelby connected with proper services within CCC and re-engaged in school. Kelben Graf at CFCC was able to connect Shelby with training opportunities and certificate programs for computer learning and employment support. Clean Slate Clackamas was able to support the application process for expungement and Shelby’s record is in the process of being cleared, providing him with the fresh start he desperately needed.
Shelby is now on cloud nine, filled with hope and eagerness to contribute to society. He’s working with employment services provided by Clackamas Community College and Children Family Community Connections (CFCC), exploring training opportunities, and preparing for the next chapter in his life. Deputy O’Connor’s continued mentorship ensures that Shelby stays on track toward fulfilling his potential.
Shelby’s success is a testament to the strength of community partnerships and how collective efforts from law enforcement, service providers, and educational institutions can help individuals like Shelby reclaim their lives. As Deputy O’Connor reflects, “This is one of those success stories that don’t often happen, I want to take a minute to truly thank all of you!!!! I have been with the Sheriff’s Office for almost 17 years and have been involved in a few projects (NLP, LEAD) that utilize the team aspect and pull different county/organizations together to collaborate to find a solution…….. This example of what happened with Shelby, by that I mean ALL your responses to help, was unprecedented. I love to see different teams come together and solve something…. ACTUALLY SOLVE SOMETHING”.
Shelby’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with the right support, anyone can turn their life around.
At 64, Thomas faxed an uncertain future while living at Sponsors, worried about homelessness. Everything changed when he discovered WorkSource Oregon Lane’s Driving Prosperity Program. With the program’s scholarship and training at Aisling Truck Academy, he earned his CDL and joined Reed’s Fuel and Trucking as a wood chip truck driver.
“Reed’s has been awesome and so supportive,” Thomas shares. His work involves long hours, often driving through challenging conditions at night. “Nights pay more, and there’s less competition at the mills, but it’s tougher – those trucks are long!” Despite the hard work, he appreciates having a stable, local job close to Eugene.
“I’m grateful I went into WorkSource when I did. Without the Driving Prosperity Program and my career advisor’s support, I don’t know where I’d be.”
This story highlights how programs like Driving Prosperity are transforming lives, offering training, stability, and brighter futures in Lane County.
Ashley’s story is a testament to how WorkSource Oregon Lane helps individuals gain the skills needed for meaningful employment. Inspired by ride-alongs in a log truck, she pursued her CDL through the Driving Prosperity Program and quickly secured a job driving a fuel truck.
Her ultimate goal was to drive a log truck, and Nelson Bros. Trucking saw her potential, hiring her despite her lack of experience. With support from an On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, Ashley gained the hands-on experience needed to succeed. Her success showcases the power of training, determination, and employer partnerships.
She described the program as a stepping stone that allowed her to move forward in a field she is passionate about. She noted that without P10K support, she would not have been able to pursue the training due to financial barriers. Today, she has earned her CNA credential and is launched onto her desired healthcare career pathway, a direct return on investment for Oregon’s healthcare workforce.
Andy Anguino entered a Prosperity 10,000 supported work experience program at a critical transition point. At just 18 years old, he had recently moved to Oregon, had no prior work experience, and was unemployed. Like many young people, he was motivated to work but lacked the training or experience employers require to get a foot in the door in the construction sector.
Through hands-on, pre-trades training supported by P10K, Andy gained foundational construction skills, learned how to safely use tools on a job site, and developed confidence working in a real-world environment. He shared that the program helped him “get experience under his belt” and stand out to employers in a competitive labor market. Most importantly, it gave him a pathway forward into the construction sector at a moment when he otherwise may have remained disconnected from work.
Andy emphasized that the hands-on learning and mentorship were what made the difference and encourages other young people to keep pushing forward, even when starting with limited experience. P10K served as a bridge between unemployment and meaningful entry into the workforce.
The Program Story: Southern Oregon BUILDS Program
Andy participated in a multi-craft pre-trade exploration program that was fully funded by Prosperity 10,000. That investment allowed Rogue Workforce Partnership to stand up a new regional training model in partnership with Crater Lake Electrical and the region’s electrician Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. The program created a structured, employer-connected entry point into the skilled trades, providing young people with real-world experience and foundational skills while helping employers develop a stronger local talent pipeline. Prosperity 10,000 made it possible to launch this partnership and expand access to high-quality, work-based learning in the construction sector.
Quick Facts & Stats About the Bill
Increase Local Service Capacity
Local Workforce Boards have a scalable, big-tent approach that connects the strengths of local community-based, education, business and other partners with services offered through the public workforce system. This broad and scalable approach is implemented through established networks of local partners that provide start-to-finish career coaching services including outreach, referral to skill development and training opportunities, and referral to wraparound support services that enable participation and success.
Earn and Learn Opportunities to Re-Career
A large share of low-income workers who have lost their jobs need support meeting their basic needs while going through training and placement to re-career. This means providing paid internships, paid community service work, stipends, and other income supports in conjunction with occupational training and placement into middle-income career opportunities. Services Include: Paid Internships, Cohort-Based Occupational Training, Training Stipends, Scholarships, Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Programs, On-the-Job Training, Current Worker Training, and Registered Apprenticeships.
Wrap Around Supports
Wrap-around supports, including childcare, housing, and behavioral health support, are needed to enable people navigating poverty to participate in programs that will help them re-engage in the workforce. We must provide childcare support for people navigating poverty with young children otherwise the high cost and limited access to childcare will prohibit them from going through a training program and starting a new job. We must provide housing placement and eviction prevention for people who no longer have an income to pay their rent, otherwise the impacts of homelessness will greatly reduce their ability to get back into a new job and career. And we must provide supports such as mental health and substance use treatment as we help people return to new careers after the traumatizing impacts of the pandemic. Services include: Rental Assistance, Childcare, Utilities payment support, Computer and Internet Access, Transportation, Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Treatment, Household Assistance Work, Related Clothing, and Tools. Local Workforce Boards coordination with the WSO system and distribute resources to community-based organizations, education entities, and other local partners with a requirement to serve BIPOC, women, young-workers, rural residents, and others most impacted by COVID -19. Services and outcomes are be tracked and reported using the existing statewide workforce data and reporting system (I-Trac). All data are disaggregated by race, gender, and geography.
Statewide Performance
Enrollment Goal – 10,000 people
| Measure | Current Status | Goals |
|
Enrollment to Date *At least 2928 individuals were served by removing a barrier to employment |
108%* | 100% |
| Participants who successfully complete the program. | 83% | 80% of all Exited Participants |
| Participants who obtain employment. | 70% | 75% Participants exited, employed, not employed at reg. |
| Participants who earn at least $17/hour. | 88% | 75% Participants exited, employed, not employed at reg. |
