ANNUAL REPORT 2004-2005 Dear Friends, The 2004-2005 program year was a year of signifi cant growth for SE Works. We became part of the City of Portland’s Economic Opportunities Initiative, began offering basic skills classes and GED preparation, focused more specifi cally on particular industries, pursued new areas of expertise, developed new partnerships, added staff, tapped into new customer bases by expanding partnerships, and we went international. In addition, we made signifi cant enhancements to our existing programs. The pages in this report illustrate how each of these achievements allow us to more fully realize the mission of SE Works. As we pursued new ventures and improved our existing services, a common theme was a stronger emphasis on advanced training and long-term career development for job seekers. We did this by increasing the budget for participant training and supportive services, lengthening the amount of time we work with customers, and fi nding ways to better leverage partner resources. It was an exciting and invigorating year. We are anticipating more growth and change in the coming program year. Major new initiatives include: ♦ Expanding our business services -- SE Works received a grant from the Paul G. Allen Foundation to fund our “social enterprise.” We will be offering customized recruitment and screening services to area employers. Revenue generated will be reinvested in SE Works’ programs. ♦ Community Learning Center -- This resource was so well received that it was at capacity almost immediately. Beginning with our annual auction, resource development efforts will be directed to increasing the educational resources available to residents. ♦ Re-entry services for Multnomah County -- SE Works will lead the implementation of a Department of Labor funded collaboration. Community partners will facilitate the successful transition for individuals returning to the community after a period of incarceration. As always, we are extremely grateful for the on-going support from the SE Works community--staff, board, funders, partners, businesses and community members. Thanks to your commitment and dedication, SE Works continues to be a thriving and vital community resource. Warm regards, Heidi Soderberg Mitch Cogen Executive Director Board Chair The mission of SE Works is to strengthen the economic health and well being of our diverse southeast Portland community by increasing access to employment, educational and Mitch Cogen, Chair of SE Works Board of Directors, and supportive services. Heidi Soderberg, Executive Director, at Recipes for Success: SE Works Annual Soup Cook-Off and Auction 2 ADULT PROGRAMS SE Works, “one stop” for workforce services for southeast Portland neighborhoods, attracts thousands of residents each year who are in search of jobs and training opportunities. In the Neighborhood Jobs Center, they have access to all the equipment and materials they need to conduct a professional job search. There are 27 computers with internet connections, printers, telephones and voice mail boxes, notebooks with current job listings, community college catalogs, and a resource library with books on writing resumes and cover letters. We even provide resume paper, envelopes and postage. Additionally, to ensure a successful job search residents participate in classes such as skills identifi cation, effective interviewing, and conducting internet-based job searches. The service job seekers appreciate most is on-site recruitments and interviews hosted by employers from around the region. Recent recruitments include: Kraft/Nabisco, Gunderson, and Ventura Foods. Some individuals qualify for “intensive” services. These job seekers work one-on-one with a case manager to create a long-term career plan that builds on their interests, skills, and experience. A typical plan will include short- and long-term employment goals based on labor market demand. As training needs are identifi ed, the case manager will assist the person to fi nd a vocational school or college. In addition, depending on the individual’s budget, the case manager may offer initial fi nancial support for the program and/or temporary assistance for childcare, housing, or transportation. Generally, these resources are dedicated for people who are striving to fi nd reliable, living wage employment. Through these intensive services, we achieve an 85% job placement rate at an average starting wage of $11.71 per hour in positions that often lead to career advancement. Malcolm Hutchinson describes his experience at 2004-05 By the Numbers SE Works as “tremendous.” After 12,107-- Visits by job seekers working many years in a photo lab, the 3,155 -- Job Search Tips and Techniques constant exposure to chemicals was packets distributed taking its toll on his health. He came to SE Works hoping for a career 344 --Workshops held last year change. He completed the skills identifi cation, resume writing, interviewing, and internet job search 120 --Voice mail boxes provided workshops and began working with a case manager. Malcolm wanted to upgrade his skills so he could 14,000--Sheets of resume paper supplied to pursue a career in an offi ce environment. He is job seekers currently attending classes at Mt. Hood Community College learning computer and administrative support skills. As Malcolm explains, “I get this ‘can do’ feeling with every little victory. I’m encouraged by the support and direction from SE Works and the possibilities for the future look promising.” Adult programs are supported primarily by Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and City of Portland Bureau of Housing and Community Development (BHCD) funds, through Worksystems, Inc., a long-time supporter and funder. Multnomah County and the PGE Foundation, also long-time supporters, provide funding that complimentsWIA. BHCD also provides Transition to Housing funds. 3 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY INITIATIVES Beginning in September 2004, the City of Portland Bureau of Housing and Community “BHCD has heard concerns from citizens that government often spreads its resources so thin that Development (BHCD) funded 31 Economic they don’t make a difference. BHCD designed the Opportunities Initiatives (EOI) across the region. Portland Economic Opportunity Initiative (EOI) to SE Works received funds to support several have a signifi cant impact on the lives of low income exciting new projects. Designed to improve the people, by investing adequate resources in projects economic conditions of low-income residents, the based on best practice. We believe that the current EOI represents the City of Portland’s commitment 31 projects will increase the incomes and assets of to effecting positive, sustainable change in about 2500 people by at least 25% over the next few residents’ lives. years. In keeping with BHCD’s vision, SE Works’ Portland’s EOI is unique. Most cities have a few Economic Opportunities Initiatives provide of these small, deep programs. Portland’s EOI is actively investing in, nurturing and coordinating longer-term and more comprehensive support to the development of a wide range of these types smaller numbers of participants as compared to of programs targeting the diverse populations and other, more traditional, workforce programming. career interests of low income people. If we meet our SE Works’ initiatives include the Manufacturing goals, we hope the community will support expansion Training Program, Workforce-Housing Alliance, of the Initiative as a smart way to increase the local Community Partners’ Reinvestment Program, tax base and reduce the demands on public services.” and the Youth Employment Partnership (YEP). Each is designed in response to an industry or Lynn Knox community need and offers a specialized mix of Economic Opportunity Program Manager services. Following is a highlight of three of the City of Portland programs (YEP is described on page 6). Bureau of Housing & Community Development Manufacturing Training Program Portland metro area manufacturing employers and regional workforce experts are concerned about the industry’s ability to recruit suffi cient numbers of qualifi ed workers. Employers in this region produce a diverse range of products including metals, glass, food, microelectronics, wood, and plastics. With a projected job growth of 5.4% and openings resulting from an aging workforce, the manufacturing industry is expected to offer great employment opportunities. Because of our participation on the Metals Action Consortium, long- term partnerships with manufacturers, and signifi cant staff expertise in the fi eld, SE Works is poised to respond to this concern. To address the shortage of skilled workers, the Manufacturing Training Program is designed to attract, prepare, and connect job seekers with living wage, career-track jobs in manufacturing. Individuals are connected to training programs such as Portland Community College’s Machine Manufacturing Training Program and Mt. Hood Community College’s Welding Technology Program. Participants also receive fi nancial supports, pre- employment training, and job search coaching. Case managers provide individualized support for up to three years, assisting with the transition into employment and career advancement. At the end of the program year, all 16 individuals enrolled in the program were in training or employed. 4 Workforce-Housing Alliance This innovative partnership brings workforce development “My name is Brittany Denson and I services to residents of housing communities at Portland Impact am 23 years old. I was introduced to and REACH. Program