Talking with Regina Range today, it's hard to imagine that she was, at first, scared to walk through the doors at Opportunity Junction. Her warm smile and open presence as she discusses the events of the past several years confirm it: "When I walk through these doors, I'm home."

"Home" for Regina means both Opportunity Junction and also the rediscovery of her own true self, a self she had been protecting from rejection for most of her life. A survivor of domestic violence, Regina's confidence had been deeply scarred. "I was scared to go to work because I didn't think I would get hired," she recalls, "So I just kept going to training programs."

A single mother of four teenagers, including an adopted niece, Regina had a long history with welfare. "I had been through welfare-to-work since the old GAIN days, and I got my G.E.D. through that," she explains. After welfare reform was passed in 1996, Regina participated in CalWORKs welfare-to-work activities until her time clock ran out. "I went through the Lincoln Clerical Center program and did call center training for AT&T in 2000." Still, she was no closer to self-sufficiency.

When she applied to Opportunity Junction, Regina had been on welfare for almost 18 years. She was scraping by on food stamps, Medi-Cal health coverage, $432 a month in cash aid (to support her two sons), and an occasional temporary job. "Tired of wallowing," she joined a women's group, Sistaz in Motion, through which she developed a trusted mentor. That mentor pushed Regina to apply to Opportunity Junction.

"It took me a while," Regina recollects. "I called, and the class was already full. And then the next time I didn't apply until the very last day. But my mentor kept pushing me." Regina was eventually accepted to Class 22, which began on January 8, 2007.

"I've been to a million programs," reports Regina, "But I've never been to a place like this, where people care about you and whether you're having a good day or a bad day. The first day I came here, I felt that a burden was released. It's the little things that I appreciate:

• "Nathan [Clark, Project Manager] taught me more than computers. I learned how to stand up for what you want but also how to listen.
• "Every week it felt so good to talk to Catherine [Warren, Onsite Counselor] about my anger and grief, and she really helped me grow as a person.
• "Natalie [Georgia, Program Coordinator] was such a big support with love and hugs, and when I thought I just couldn't do it anymore, she helped me see that I could.
• "Michelle [Stewart, Case Manager and Career Counselor] stayed late with me until 7 p.m. the night before my interview helping me practice my answers and get over my nervousness.
• "Jesse [Golden, Director of Development & Adult Education] was so much fun and so positive about everything.
• "[Alissa Friedman, Executive Director] listened to me and gave me advice. I really appreciate the open door policy here.
• "Even Pam [Elliott, Accountant] was encouraging. It was so nice to have someone see your qualities."

Regina found particular value in the daily journaling and to-do lists she was required to do as a part of the Life Skills class. "I journal anyway, but it was so nice to journal to somebody who could really understand what I was going through."

Her children noticed the change in Regina, the lifting of an undefinable depression. They would ask her about her classes and the program, and family life became manageable and fun again. "The to-do lists help me set priorities, so that I wasn't worrying so much," Regina explains.

Regina feels that she came to Opportunity Junction, in large part, to learn who she really was again. "I was so closed for so long, but here I was able to open up," she says. "I've grown so much just being here for four months, and now I can let my guard down. I feel like I'm 15 years old again, daring to dream."

That dream soon included a job as a dispatcher with San Francisco's 311 service, a post she found listed on Monster.com. The listing showed the position as "closed," but "I clicked on the button, and it let me submit my resume anyway." Soon she was on her way to an interview, and "the BART ride gave [her] a chance to pray and practice" the interview questions she had gone over with Michelle the night before.

Regina scored an unprecedented 100% on a skills test that preceded the interview, and she "felt 10 feet tall" when she walked into the interview. She was offered a position on the spot, and she has now successfully completed her training period.

Regina's Medi-Cal coverage will continue until her benefits with the city kick in, but cash assistance has been terminated. "I'm earning more in three days now than I used to receive in a month, anyhow," Regina smiles.

"I'm proud of myself, and it's been a long time since I could say that. I've done a lot of work, and it works if you work it." Regina concludes: "Now, I don't even look back. I just look forward."

Rick Kaiser, of Temen, Kaiser and Cameron, had the kind of problem we all like to have: his Antioch CPA firm was two months into the tax season and experiencing its highest volume of business ever. "I was working 14 to 15 hours a day seven days a week," he recalls. "And so were my partners." Staff members were close to burnout, and there were still more returns to assemble.

"As a Board Member at Opportunity Junction, I knew that the training graduates were available to be hired for projects and temporary staffing," recalls Kaiser. "These training graduates -- now called DataWorks employees -- had been schooled in Business Math, Excel and QuickBooks. I also knew that they had survived rigorous attendance and punctuality requirements. So that's who I wanted."

Carol Small, Class 22, was thrilled to be selected for the assignment, five hours a day, six days a week. "My interests are in bookkeeping and finance," she reports, "so this was exactly the kind of experience I wanted. And I was glad for the extra hours!" Small continued with the firm through the end of the tax season and is now searching for a permanent position in the field.

"Carol fit right in and kept increasing her knowledge and productivity over the course of the month and a half that she was here," reports Kaiser. "The last day of the tax season is always a celebration for us, but we were sad to see Carol go. She helped keep all of us sane during a very busy period."

Employers who may be interested in DataWorks temporary staffing or project help can earn 20% off their next job, up to a value of $50, just by completing a short survey. "Employers are essential partners in our work," explains Alissa Friedman, Opportunity Junction Executive Director. "We want to hear how we can better serve employer needs, and we want to offer something of value in return."

You can click here to take the survey, which also includes a few questions about permanent employment opportunities.

Or click here to see our new DataWorks marketing poster, which features a testimonial from Devi Lanphere, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. Other clients currently using DataWorks as a staffing agency include GWF Power Systems in Pittsburg and Vircon in San Francisco.

The Opportunity Junction Gala Fundraiser on April 21, 2007, at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building, presented by Chevron and featuring emcee Sara Sidner of KTVU, was a huge success, by every measure we have.

Guests like Devi Lanphere, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and an Opportunity Junction Advisory Board Member, pictured to the left, gave the event rave reviews. An anonymous post-event survey provided very useful critical feedback, but the overall response to those attending was very positive. "Fabulous" and "wonderful" were words used often. Thanks to volunteer speakers Sara Sidner, emcee, Lisa Suchon alumna speaker, Rene Tucker, alumna speaker, and Keith Archuleta, Board Vice Chair, the work of Opportunity Junction came alive for those in attendance.

Elected officials Kevin Romick -- Mayor of Oakley, Opportunity Junction Advisory Board Member, and representing sponsor USS-POSCO -- and Nancy Parent -- Pittsburg Councilmember and Opportunity Junction Board of Directors Secretary -- were among those crowded into the reception area. Next year, we'll be sure to leave plenty of corridor space around those tempting silent auction items.

Sponsors and dinner guests helped us raise more than $60,000 of valuable unrestricted funds for Opportunity Junction. This year, the programs most benefited by these proceeds are the Job Training and Placement Program and the Free Income Tax Assistance Program. We are particularly grateful to our sponsors, who support us in so many ways: Presenting Sponsor: Chevron Gold Sponsors: Citibank The Mechanics Bank Dow Chemical Comcast GWF Power Systems Cosmetic Dental Spa Temen, Kaiser and Cameron, CPAs Comerica Wealth & Institutional Management Media Sponsor: Diablo Magazine Platinum Sponsor: Wells Fargo Silver Sponsors: Allied Waste ConocoPhillips Criterion Catalyst Emerald Consulting J. Stokes and Associates Kaiser Permanente Mirant California National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA-IBEW) Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 159 US Bank USS-POSCO WestAmerica Bank

While Board Chair Linda Best, Executive Director Alissa Friedman, and Board Member Ric Perez pose near the sponsor listing, another whole group of unsung heros -- the event volunteers, drawn primarily from the Friends of Opportunity Junction, were making it happen behind the scenes. They were fantastic! Our gratitude goes out to:

The auction proceeds also exceeded our expections, for which we have to thank the following generous donors:

We are also grateful for the donations of Thomas Morris Design (logo and design), Robin Robinson (photography, including all of the photographs above), Studio Blue (printing, with special thanks to Greg Betty), and Jack Nadel International (donated water bottles, with special thanks to Dale and Gary Dinman). Please think of these generous donors for your marketing needs.

Last, but definitely not least, thanks to the Events Committee, featuring outstanding work from staff and volunteers alike. They are Jane Collett (volunteer), Pam Elliott (Accountant), Alissa Friedman (Executive Director), Sue George (Board Member), Jesse Golden (Director of Development and Adult Education), Rick Kaiser (Board Member), Kelly McGinnis (Event Planner, AKA Events), Ric Perez (Board Member), and Jayne Sanford (Board Member).

Natalie Georgia, Program Coordinator, had been scheduled to interview more than 80 candidates for the Job Training and Placement Program. Although some of the candidates did not show up for the interviews, Georgia still spoke to more than 60 applicants for as long as 20 minutes each.

"Some of the applicants were referred from other agencies and were really plugged into available services in the area," Georgia noted, "But some of them found out about us through other means and really needed help." Georgia and other staff members referred applicants out to the County (CalWORKs and other programs), Shelter Inc., the Child Care Council, and several other agencies. "When I explore employment barriers with the applicants, I want to help them overcome those barriers whether or not they end up being accepted to the program," Georgia explains.

Georgia also regularly refers clients to other employment and training resources in the area. "Los Medanos [College] and Pittsburg Adult Education have some excellent programs," says Georgia, "But many people just haven't heard of them. Or if somebody is already totally employable, they may just need information about the location of the nearest One Stop Career Center."

The letters to Class 23 applicants who were not accepted to the class also contained a list of employment and training referrals. "We have sometimes called individuals who failed the reading test, for example, to advise them about applying to the next application session," Georgia recalls, "But this was more systematic. We're not the right program for everyone, but we like playing matchmaker if we're not!"

So here's to our community partners: thank you for the services you provide to help Contra Costa residents escape poverty. As ever, please keep us posted on new programs and services you're offering.

Applicants to Class 23, which started on May 14th, had an additional piece of paperwork to fill out this time around. A short survey collected applicant referral source, age, education, and program preferences. It shouldn't have come as a surprise that 84% of the respondents preferred a full-time, Monday through Friday, training schedule, since that's what the Job Training and Placement Program offers. The sample was not random, after all. However, other questions provided more interesting information.

Because outreach is so important to us, topping the list of nail-biting questions was the perennial favorite "How did you find out about Opportunity Junction?" Applicants were allowed to choose more than one answer, and here's what they said:

• 7% Saw the building and walked in to explore
• 10% Read an article in the newspaper
• 8% Saw Opportunity Junction on TV or heard about us on the radio
• 13% Were given information by a counselor, case manager, or employment specialist
• 23% Noticed a flyer (sites mentioned included One Stops, hair salons, and several non-profit partners)
• 28% Referred by a friend, family member or acquaintance
• 7% Found it on the Internet
• 5% Other

Of course, once applicants are accepted to the program, we learn a lot more about them. We asked members of our new class 23 for something unusual or interesting about themselves, and here are some of their replies:

• People think I'm weird because I'm interested in spiders, and love to draw and learn about them.
• I was nicknamed Sputnik by my uncle at age 3, when arriving at his house to live. It was the day the Sputnik rocket was launched.
• I formerly owned a daycare center.
• As an over-enthused 14-year-old, I went to a KC & the Sunshine Band concert, and screamed so loud that they stopped in the middle of the performance and told me to "Shut up!"
• I am a Reiki Master. Reiki is a hands-on healing art.
• I collect rocks and driftwood.
• I grew up in my parents' bookstore in San Francisco, and am an avid reader.
• I'm allergic to peanut butter.
• I drink milk with ice in it.
• I broke my arm by tripping over a rock.

And finally, we were impressed by one participant who wrote, "I once used to be a hooker. The job was not always fun. Sometimes I was too tired to do the job. It was especially difficult when the hook was bent and wouldn't go into the chain." (Yes, we had to look it up. A hooker supervises and coordinates the activities of workers who load and haul logs in cable yarding systems!).

• John Quintanilla has served Opportunity Junction as the Technology Center Program Assistant for more than a year. He also serves in the California National Guard. He just returned from a two-week assignment in Alaska, and we are very proud to report that he has been recommended for a Bronze Star for bravery in the apprehension of a fleeing felon.
• The Cerrito Speakeasy Theater will show Saturday Night Fever at 9:15 pm on Thursday, June 21st to benefit Opportunity Junction. Put on your boogie shoes and join staff, alumni and other supporters at the theater. Tickets are $8, of which $2 will be contributed to Opportunity Junction.
• In response to a recent survey of Job Training and Placement alumni, we received this kind response from Agnes Hellyer, Class 14: "I just wanted to let you know that I completed the survey for Opportunity Junction. I feel that you all do a great job helping our community accomplish our goals, become successful, independent, etc. I just referred one of my friends to Opportunity Junction and I hope that she finds the confidence and determination that I found when I walked in that door. Opportunity Junction has helped me in soooo many ways, I couldn't even begin to tell you how much my life has changed. To all of you, keep up the good work. Thanks to all of the staff there that helped me achieve some of my most challenging goals."

• Palm Pilot;
• Digital camera (at least 4 megapixels);
• Video camera;
• Licenses you don't need for Windows XP or Windows 2000 and Office 2000 or Office 2003, for our Computers for the Community program (sending computers home with our alumni and participants);
• Computers (minimum Pentium III, 256 MB, 20 GB hard drive, 1 GHz);
• DVD player;
• Utility shelves; and
• File cabinets, especially ones with functioning locks (and keys)

We at Opportunity Junction have noticed an increase in the quantity and inventiveness of the email scams and spams that regularly reach our inboxes. Emails purporting to be from our own banks, for example, have been frighteningly credible, almost enough to convince us to follow the links and reveal our precious usernames and passwords.

Executive Director Alissa Friedman recently received an email purporting to be from EBay, relaying a question about an item she was selling. Having used EBay in the past to raffle off baseball tickets donated by Mirant, she wondered at first why she was getting a question so long after the auction was over. "Then I ran my mouse over the Respond Now button in the email," she smiles, "And I saw that it led to a numerical domain address, not an eBay URL. That's when I realized it was just another scam."

Email Scams and Spam are covered in the Email Basics class that is a part of our Technology Center's Computer Basics class series. The curriculum, developed by Jesse Golden, our Director of Development and Adult Education, includes the following warnings that we wanted to share with our readership:

Of course, the variations are endless, bounded only by the creativity of those who want to separate us from our personal information and money. It is good practice to be suspicious even of email that appears to come from a trusted friend, because return email addresses can be faked (this is called spoofing). Be safe out there! As they say, "Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get me."

Opportunity Junction wishes to acknowledge all of its corporate, foundation and government funders, sponsors, and in-kind providers:

Opportunity Junction Hiring Partners help us place Job Training and Placement participants into good jobs with opportunities for advancement. To join them, fill out our very simple Memorandum of Understanding. Many thanks to Opportunity Junction Hiring Partners:

• Ascot Staffing
• Contra Costa Child Care Council
• CASA of Contra Costa County
• Contra Costa Council
• Contra Costa County Superior Court
• Eichleay Engineering
• Office of Supervisor Federal Glover
• Springboard Advisors
• USS Posco Industries

The Friends of Opportunity Junction are an energetic, talented group of women dedicated to supporting Opportunity Junction's work in the community. We are thrilled with their efforts to publicize our work, help with special events and donor development, and support the staff in innumerable ways. They are: Anne Launt, Beth Bissell, Betty Stokes, Denise Silicani, Frances Wallace, Helen Loewenstein, Jan Monteyne, Jane Collett, Judy Johnson, Jules Campbell, Karla Massie, Kathy Burke, Kathy Leahy, Mary Ann Shattuck, Mary Jane Arnold, Mary Jane Hargrove, Maureen Wilhelm, Norma Evans, Pam Elliott, Pamela Halloran, Sarah Morrill, Sue George, and Sue Kidd.

If you share our vision, we'll find a way to help you get involved - whatever your schedule, whatever your resources. You can:

• Volunteer with the day or evening program. We have positions for mentors, tutors, mock interviewers, and much more.
• Employ an Opportunity Junction graduate. Our candidates are proficient, experienced and motivated.
• Hire DataWorks. From database management to mailings, we're fast, reliable and cost-effective.
• Give. Your tax-deductible contribution will change a life.

We welcome your feedback and involvement in our program. You can reach any of us by telephone at (925) 776-1133. For inquiries about:

• Job Training and Placement Program, contact Program Coordinator Natalie Georgia;
• Employment opportunities for alumni, contact Case Manager and Career Counselor Michelle Stewart;
• Evening Technology Center, contact Director of Development and Adult Education Jesse Golden;
• Integrated mental health services, contact Mental Health Director Kate Novotny, Ph.D.;
• DataWorks business services, contact Project Manager Nathan Clark;
• Communications and donations, contact Executive Director Alissa Friedman; or
• Accounting and human resources, contact Accountant Pam Elliott.

• Keith Archuleta, Founding Partner, Emerald Consulting
• Linda Best, Executive Director, Contra Costa Council
• George Birdsong, President, Springboard Advisors
• Janet Brown, Housing Specialist, Center for Independent Living
• Sandy Bustillo, Division Manager for Welfare to Work and Employment Placement Services, Contra Costa County Workforce Services
• Val Davis, Vice Chair, Delta 2000
• Sue George, Chair, Friends of Opportunity Junction
• Mary Jane Hargrove, Consultant, Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Rick Kaiser, CPA, CFP, Temen, Kaiser & Cameron CPAs, LLC
• Nancy Parent, Councilmember, City of Pittsburg
• Ricardo M. Perez, D.D.S., Owner, Cosmetic Dental Spa
• Jayne Sanford, Area Manager, Mechanics Bank
• Tonya Smith, Assistant, Office of Supervisor Federal Glover
• Ashoo Vaid, District Manager, Wells Fargo Bank

The Opportunity Junction Advisory Board

The Advisory Board consists of community members who provide valuable advice and other assistance in support of our mission to fight poverty by helping low-income Contra Costa residents gain the competence and confidence to support themselves and their families. They are:

• Iris Archuleta, Transitional Management Consultant, Emerald Consulting
• Philip Arndt, Franchising & Government Affairs Manager, Comcast Cable Communications, Inc.
• Robert Beck, Principal, Pittsburg Adult Education Center
• Sharon Beswick, Principal, Antioch Area Community Fund
• The Honorable Susan Bonilla, County Supervisor, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
• Timothy Carlisle, Senior Network Analyst, Contra Costa County Department of Information Technology
• Jennie Carpenter, Program Officer, United Way of the Bay Area
• George Carter, Business Services Representative, Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board
• Debrah Cook, Community Engagement Specialist, Chevron Corporation
• The Honorable Mark DeSaulnier, Assemblymember, California State Assembly
• Aimee Durfee, Program Officer, United Way of the Bay Area
• Lester Ellis, Founder, 1200 Foundation
• The Honorable Federal Glover, County Supervisor, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
• Maria Gomez-Felix, President, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Jim Jakel, City Manager, City of Antioch
• Mark Kehoe, Director of Environmental and Safety Programs, GWF Power Systems
• Devi Lanphere, President/CEO, Antioch Chamber of Commerce
• Danae Lui, Dow Chemical
• James Miner, Attorney at Law
• Meryl Natchez, CEO, TechProse
• Juan Francisco Prieto, Family Development Specialist, California Human Development Corporation
• The Honorable Kevin Romick, Mayor, City of Oakley
• Timothy Silva, Community Development Manager, Wells Fargo Bank
• The Honorable Arne Simonsen, Council Member, City of Antioch
• The Honorable Tom Torlakson, State Senator, California State Senate
• René Tucker, Employer Liaison, EASTBAYWorks - Brentwood
• Carole Watson, Chief Investment Officer, Self-Sufficiency, United Way of the Bay Area
• Ronald Wetter, Community & Government Relations Manager, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
• Alma Williams, Sr. Staff Assistant, Kaiser Permanente

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Newsletter Contributors: Alissa Friedman and Jesse Golden