How Clackamas Workforce Partnership’s Prosperity 10,000 funding helped one Oregon woman overcome employment barriers and build a more stable future for her family.
After two years of searching for work, Laura was determined to find a job that would provide greater stability for herself and her family. She was motivated to improve her skills and continue her education, but needed support navigating the job market.
Together, Laura and Abby submitted approximately 11 job applications and prepared for three interviews before Laura secured a permanent position as a cook with a local county Head Start program.
The job provided benefits for Laura and her family, along with the employment verification she needed to maintain her housing voucher.
And the support didn’t stop once she was hired.
The Career Goals Program helped Laura obtain non-slip work shoes, renew her food handler’s card, and cover transportation costs during her first month of employment, helping her transition successfully into her new role.
One Success Among Hundreds
Laura’s experience reflects the broader impact of the Career Goals Program. During the grant period, Abby supported or referred approximately 344 Oregonians, including 281 active participants on her caseload.
Of those participants, 190 gained employment and increased their income, while 112 completed workforce training programs to develop new skills and expand their career opportunities.
The program also helped participants address everyday barriers through assistance with transportation, work clothing, tools, school supplies, and basic needs.
For Laura, that combination of education, personalized guidance, and practical assistance helped turn years of job searching into stable employment.
Her story demonstrates how workforce investments can make a lasting difference by helping people not only find jobs, but also overcome the barriers that make it difficult to get started and stay employed.
