Unexpected Snow Fall

Early Tuesday afternoon in McMinnville the snow began to fall, and was a surprise to everyone. The site was active with youth, but when it seemed the snow was going to keep coming down, most headed home. The unexpected winter storm left several inches on the ground and made driving tricky.

Wednesday morning still lots of snow, but the roads are manageable and the temperature is slowly warming.

2009 going out with emphasis!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Wishing you and the people you care about a very happy holiday!!

xOUT: Pilot Employment Program for Ex-Offenders

The new program, called xOUT, was created to address the challenges faced by ex-offenders who are working toward employment and self sustainability. Our McMinnville site kicked off their program on December 14th. The Salem and Woodburn sites will begin xOUT on January 4th, 2010. xOUT is a three month program.

All participants sign an agreement demonstrating their committment to complete the work readiness requirements, the weekly tasks, record their accomplishments and to continue to earn trust and show respect. The expectations of the program are clearly defined, a few of which are; community service/volunteer work, completion of two Coastal E-Learning suites with a score of 90 or better in addition to the computer skills suite, attain three industry recognized certifications, completion of GED if needed, no recidivism, payment of restitution if required, as well as timeliness, neat, clean appropriate dress, regular job search activities and attendance when guest speakers make presentations to the group. Community members from education, business, law enforcement as well as local politicians are being invited to speak to the xOUT groups.

Finding permanent employment for program participants is the ultimate goal of the xOUT program. Employers who choose to hire xOUT participants can take advantage of a $5000 Fidelty bond which is available. In addition, employers may be eligible for a Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

The response from the community to the xOUT program has been overwhelmingly positive. The need is there, the youth who particiapte are looking for a chance to turn things around and be positive contributors. Through their efforts and hard work they can overcome the mistakes of the past.

For more information contact the Arbor Education and Training site nearest you.

Salem:
680 Cottage St. NE Suite B Salem, OR 97301 503-991-5664

McMinnville:
723 NE Evans St. McMinnville, OR 97128 503-883-9210

Woodburn:
735 Glatt Circle Woodburn, OR 97071 971-983-3004

Thank you Arbor Oaks Terrace Memory Care Residence & Hillside Retirement Community

Thank you to Janie Kellet of Arbor Oaks Terrace Memory Care Residence and Bob Leblond of Hillside Retirement Community!

Janie and Bob participated in mock interviews on Friday December 11th in our McMinnville location. Both Janie and Bob said they were very impressed with the work we're doing and would love to join us for another round of mock interviews!!

Arbor Oaks Terrace Memory Care Residence is scheduled to open in April 2010 in Newberg, with a 48 bed facility especially for those people with memory challenges. Hillside Retirement Community is located in McMinnville. Bob is a resident there and an Assistant to Debbie Finn the Activities Coordinator.

Thanks again Janie & Bob!!

Coastal E-Learning Recently Added

Arbor has added a whole spectrum of e-learning suites to our work readiness preparation. Coastal E-Learning is now available to program participants who want to learn more about a specific area of interest. Completion of a suite of study gives our youth a clear advantage over other job applicants who have not trained or had work experience in those areas. The seven separate areas of study are:

Office / Retail (16 modules)
Industrial Arts (19 modules)
Construction (18 modules)
Electrical (18 modules)
Healthcare (21 modules)
Home Healthcare (24 modules)
Computer Skills (9 topics - 153 modules)

Some basic training covering Communication, Teamwork, Attitude, Customer Service, Safety etc. are included in all the suites. Each suite then covers information directly related to that area of learning.

Our participants are eagerly moving the through the suites, we have have a few who have completed the extensive Computer Skills suite! Congratulations to those successfully completing the Coastal E-Learning!!