Hannah Coppa: Left with a "good job in the City."
When Hannah Coppa, 20, came to Opportunity Junction, it was out of a sense of desperation. Although she had worked since the age of 16, she had been laid off from her job at the golf course, and she couldn't find work.
Hannah's relationship with her parents was turbulent, and she had moved out at age 19. After the layoff, she sent out hundreds of resumes and, over the course of six months, scored only one job interview. "Before I came [to Opportunity Junction], I just wanted a job because I needed a job, because I needed money," Hannah recalls. "I just figured I would take whatever I could get. I was pretty insecure."
At Opportunity Junction, Hannah worked with Catherine Warren, Director of Counseling, to address the issues she had with her parents and her underlying insecurities. "It really helped," says Hannah. "My relationship with my parents has totally improved, and I talk to my mom almost every day now."
It also helped, Hannah explains, "to realize that I really am pretty good with computers, that I'm not half bad." In fact, Hannah was selected as the Technology Assistant during her internship, imaging computers and performing other desktop maintenance tasks in addition to her administrative projects.
Hannah left Opportunity Junction in December with a position as receptionist at a law firm in San Francisco, and she is thrilled. "I never thought that the job that I would get would be this good job in the City. I love the City! I have always loved the bigness of it -- you're this small little person with so much going on around you." Meanwhile, she and her boyfriend Barrett have moved into "a great house, with cable and Internet" right here in East County.
When the reception desk at the office is quiet, Hannah is learning the firm's filing system, and she loves reading up on the cases the firm is handling, though she won't mention specifics. She hopes to attend school to become a paralegal, but in the meantime, "It's just so much fun to be there!"
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 This year, your gift means more than ever. There is no matching grant, just us, together, supporting this work. We met our year-end fundraising goal, and we are 97% of the way toward our March 31 goal. We need less than $2,000 to meet that goal, and your donation will help get us there.
Your support is what makes it possible for us to serve Kourvahcia, and Hannah, and the thirteen interns of Class 30, and the 20 candidates we've offered admission to Class 31, and our 500 evening learners, and the 200 working families who will use Do-It-Yourself Tax Assistance to build their financial stability. Your donations, connections, volunteering, and support have helped Kourvahcia and her fellow alumni create opportunities by learning how to become indispensible employees.
 We thank you on behalf of the families: children proud of parents, and parents proud of children. "Now I set a better example for my daughters, who are awesome in school, straight-A students." You are a part of this, and we invite you to join this year's campaign.
Please consider an online donation now! We pay no credit card fees on donations made online using Google checkout (or on checks sent via US mail). Please join the generous donors who have helped us get to 97%:
Leadership Circle ($2,500 to $4,999)
George and Anne Birdsong
Jerry and Belinda Lucey
Cheri Smith
Harry Tassell
Benefactor ($1,000 to $2,499)
Leo and Ann Fontana
Alissa Friedman and Victoria Herzog
Sue and Steve George
Jeff Johnson
Meryl Natchez |
Partner ($250 to $999)
Linda and Ed Best
Christine and Ed Bonifacio
Jane and Bill Collett
Bob and Jessica Deloso
Charlotte Evans
Mary Jane Hargove
John and Judy McNulty
Jan and Reg Monteyne
Peter and Peggy Raisbeck
Denise and Ed Silicani
Marguerite Slavonia
Ashoo and Yvette Vaid |
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Advocate ($100 to $249)
Anonymous (1)
Dennis and Billie Burkman
Robert Carrel
Kris Chase
Renata Chase
Sue and Hale Conklin
Deborah Dagang
Gerald and Lily Doherty
Natalie Georgia
Joseph and Lagene Goodreault
Jean Harris, in honor of Ora de Bose
Matthew Hart, Esq.
Kathy and Jim Jakel
Mary Jensen
Barbara and Mark Kehoe
Sue and Bill Kidd
Steven Lassair
Kathy and Tom Leahy
Rich McDaniel
Grace McKeone
Stephanie Mirabito
Nancy Reuther
Jayne Sanford
Alan Soule
Anne Soule
Patty Wintroath |
Supporter (up to $99)
Jane Caffey * Diane Dalesio * Marisa Espinosa * Jo Fasciona * Dan and Sharon Flower * Jesse Golden * Sally Gray * Bobby Gruela and Sherry Martija * Lillian Hames * Margarethe Harper * Hal Hershey * Robert and Irmgard and Irmgard Kaiser * Genevieve Lau * Bob and Sally Mehaffey * Meghan Mitman and Alexander * Gail Murray * Mary Nowee * Terri O'Connor * Lee and Carolin Pezzola * Trudy Presser * Diego Ramirez II * Nancy Skowbo * Luanna Snider * Janet and Ramsay Thomas * Theodora Wallace * Christina Wang * Christine Williams * Cathy and Daniel Worthington
In-Kind (gifts of needed items)
Tim Argenti (Allied Waste) * Vincent Arroyo (Vincent Arroyo Winery) * Jackie Birdsong * Kathleen Carr (Chevron) * Sue and Steve George * Ernie Guerrero (La Tapatia) * Franko Ismen (Rockcliff Realtors) * Calen Lenhart * Lynne Lister * Jim Sherwood * Denise and Ed Silicani * Bill and Alexis Stanger * Jerilou Twohey * Jeff Warrenburg (Golf 'n' Games) * Barbara Whitlock |
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 If you have your W-2 and other tax documents, and if your family income is less than $52,000, join us to get direct deposit of your refunds within 7-10 days. Done it before? Got a computer? You can do it from home!
If you're new to the free, fast I-CAN eFile website, or if you want an experienced session leader to guide you through the process, we have events throughout the tax season:
It's free! It's fast! It's easy! Last year, 95% of those who participated said they would use I-CAN eFile again this year. They called the interface "Easy" (70%) or "Understandable, but not easy" (30%). Full information, including a page of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are on our website.
Opportunity Junction appreciates the support of the Citi Foundation, the partnership of the United Way of the Bay Area Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Campaign, and the partnership of the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, which developed and maintains the I-CAN eFile website. Thanks to Technology Sponsor Chevron for outfitting the computer labs for these sessions.
Not interested in doing it yourself with the help of our session leaders? Check out the Earn It! Keep It! Save It! website for local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.
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Reach for the Dream April 17, 2010 at the Diablo Country Club
 Save the Date cards have gone out for "Reaching for the Dream," Opportunity Junction's 2010 Gala Fundraiser. Please save the date and join us for a fabulous event April 17, 6pm at the Diablo Country Club:
- Presented by Chevron
- Emceed by Cheryl Hurd of NBC Bay Area News
- With auctioneer Dennis McCormac and a capella music by the Golden Overtones
- Located at the stunning Diablo Country Club
- Drawing on the creativity and inspiration of Events Committee members Jane Collett, Selma Moore, Kathy Leahy, Betty Stokes, Mary Ann Shattuck, Trish Shattuck, Carol Altwarg, Beth Joyce, Sue George, and Anne Birdsong, and
- Staffed by Brianna Burkman, Manager of Fundraising and Special Projects, and her team of Job Training interns and alumni.
We are still seeking donations of auction items and can accommodate early ticket sales. Thanks to all who have supported us in all these ways through the years.
Our sponsorship drive is well under way. Can you join Chevron and these organization that have already signed up as sponsors? The Sponsorship Invitation is available on our website.
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Get involved - we've got an opp for that!
A volunteer opportunity, that is. Want to help low-income Contra Costa residents get the skills and confidence to support themselves and their families? Here's a few of the volunteer opportunities we have currently:
- Job Training and Placement program - tutor or mentor a participant, hours by arrangement
- Technology Center (evening program) - tutor, teach a computer class in Spanish or assist a teacher
- Volunteer coordination - need an ongoing volunteer with good organizational skills to help match volunteers with opportunities.
For more about volunteer opportunities, or to submit a volunteer application, please click here.
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Class 30 Interns are ready to work!
The Job Training and Placement program's 30th class graduated from training on December 17 and has now moved into internship - that's thirteen people who could be doing temporary or permanent work for you or your organization right now!
When employers hire our interns on a temporary basis, the interns get valuable work experience, and employers get hard-working and cost-effective temporary help - plus the option to hire without any placement fee. Employers may be able to receive or carry forward a Work Opportunity Tax Credit of up to $9,000 for permanent hires - talk to our staff for details.
Antioch mayor Jim Davis was the guest speaker for the ceremony. The City of Antioch supports our programs and organizations in many ways, from partnering on work experience for our interns, to grants through the Community Development Block Grant program. We are grateful for Mayor Davis' support.
Thanks also to David Fraser for taking great pictures of the graduation, including this photo of Mayor Jim Davis and Executive Director Alissa Friedman. Facebook users can see more of David's work here.
To see video clips of our graduates, click here.
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Job Training and Placement Program Class 31 selected, starts Feb. 1
Class 31 of the Job Training and Placement program starts February 1. As with previous classes, the training will include twelve weeks of intensive study in computer skills as well as life and business skills, preparing graduates for work in office occupations. In addition, participants receive training in Managing the Green Office and Financial Skills.
The selection process was not an easy one - we saw almost 200 applicants, with a variety of backgrounds, from new high-school graduates to folks with twenty years experience in construction, finance or office work. We referred many people to local resources such as EASTBAY Works, Stride Center, Rubicon Programs, and more.
We've posted our list of free and low-cost job training resources, with a focus on East Contra Costa County, on our website. If you know of resources we should add, please let us know - email Jesse Golden.
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Alumni News
Friday, February 5 Alumni Only Do-It-Yourself Tax Assistance Session 5:30pm -7:30pm
Click here (and scroll down to February 5) to register for the alumni only event. Do your taxes, reconnect with alum, and enjoy dinner. Child care will be provided for this evening of tax assistance only.
Please fill out an online update here if you've not already done so. The survey takes 5 minutes, and your responses will be confidential. Thanks for your help!
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Wish List
Many thanks to those who have already responded with gifts and offers. Here is our current wish list:
- Digital Camera;
- See-through, extra-large plastic containers with lids;
- Vacuum cleaner;
- NEC model DTU telephones;
- Headsets for NEC Electra Elite phones;
- Laminating machine;
- Folding chairs in good condition;
- Wrist rests;
- 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 IV, 1 GB Ram, 20 GB hard drive, 1 GHz);
- Utility shelves;
- Tools, including cordless 18v electric drill, screwdrivers, socket wrench;
- Organizer cabinet for screws & nuts;
- Hanging tool board
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New Grants and Support for our Programs
We are proud to announce funding partnerships with the following organizations:
 Umpqua Bank: Umpqua Bank has issued a grant to support Opportunity Junction's programs that promote wellness and stability in the community for low-to-moderate income individuals. East Bay Community Foundation Relief Fund: Seeded by a $250,000 donation from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, and supported by Kaiser Permanente, Chevron Corporation, OneCalifornia Bank, PG&E, and Give Something Back, this fund provides emergency economic relief in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties in the areas of food, shelter, jobs, and health needs.
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Funding and In-Kind Partners
Opportunity Junction wishes to acknowledges all of its corporate, foundation and government funders, sponsors, and in-kind providers:
Opportunity Junction Hiring Partners
Hiring Partners are companies that agree to consider graduates of the Opportunity Junction Job Training and Placement Program as candidates for job openings where appropriate, as well as to consider other forms of support, such as participating in the Mentor Program.
To join them and to help us place Job Training and Placement participants into good jobs with opportunities for advancement, fill out our very simple Memorandum of Understanding. Many thanks to our other Opportunity Junction Hiring Partners:
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Friends of Opportunity Junction
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 Birdsong, Beth Joyce, Betty Stokes, Carol Altwarg, Denise Silicani, Jane Collett, Kathy Leahy, Mary Ann Shattuck, Mary Jane Arnold, Mary Jane Hargrove, Pam Elliott, Patricia Shattuck, Selma Moore, and Sue George.
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Ways to Get Involved
If you share our vision, we'll find a way to help you get involved - whatever your schedule, whatever your resources. You can:
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Contact the Opportunity Junction Staff
We welcome your feedback and involvement in our program. You can reach any of us by telephone at (925) 776-1133. Staff emails are all in the form firstname AT opportunityjunction DOT org. For inquiries about:
- Job Training and Placement Program, contact Manager of Personal Development Natalie Georgia;
- Employment opportunities for alumni, contact Manager of Professional Development Michelle Stewart;
- Evening Technology Center, contact Deputy Director Jesse Golden;
- Integrated mental health services, contact Director of Counseling Catherine Warren;
- DataWorks business services, contact Deputy Director Jesse Golden;
- Communications and donations, contact Executive Director Alissa Friedman;
- Fundraising Opportunities, contact Manager of Fundraising and Special ProjectsBrianna Burkman; or
- Accounting and human resources, contact Accountant Pam Elliott.
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The Opportunity Junction Board of Directors
- Keith Archuleta, Founding Partner, Emerald Consulting
- Linda Best, Executive Director, Contra Costa Council
- George Birdsong, President, Springboard Advisors
- Sandy Bustillo, Division Manager for Welfare to Work and Employment Placement Services, Contra Costa County Workforce Services
- Val Davis, East County Advocate
- Mary Erbez, Retired, City of Pittsburg
- Charlotte Evans, Wharton School Visiting Board Member
- 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
- 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, Senator, California State Senate
- 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
- Tom Guarino, East Bay Public Affairs Manager, PG&E
- Dr. Laurie Huffman, Faculty Member, Los Medanos College
- 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
- James Miner, Law Student, Golden Gate University
- Meryl Natchez, CEO, TechProse
- Juan Francisco Prieto, Family Development Specialist, California Human Development Corporation
- Will Rigney, Area Manager, External Affairs, AT&T
- The Honorable Kevin Romick, City of Oakley
- Jayne Sanford, Area Manager, Mechanics Bank
- Timothy Silva, Community Development Manager, Wells Fargo Bank
- Arne Simonsen
- Tse Ming Tam, Vice President, Community Investment, United Way of the Bay Area
- The Honorable Tom Torlakson, Assemblymember, California State Assembly
- 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
The Opportunity Junction Alumni Council
The Alumni Council consists of alumni of our Job Training and Placement Program who advise on alumni services, program design, and organizational initiatives. They are:
- Janet Brown, Class 13
- Donald Buchanan, Class 12
- Rashonda Deloney, Class 17
- Renee McCarty, Class 22
- Kimberly Mercer, Class 26
- Maria Rigazio, Class 23
- Leslie Wood, Class 23
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You may unsubscribe from our periodic emails here. Please note that we do not sell or lease our email newsletter list to anyone.
Newsletter Contributors: Alissa Friedman, Jesse Golden, and Norman Cheng.
copyright © 2008, Opportunity Junction
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January 2010
Because of You: We have reached 97% of our March 31 goal, providing vital support to programs, participants and alumni. Please join the campaign. More...
April 17, 2010: Presenting Sponsor Chevron is joined by Platinum Sponsor Wells Fargo and others in supporting Reaching for the Dream at the Diablo Country Club. More...
Get Involved: We've got an opp for that! A volunteer opportunity, that is, to help low-income adults get the skills and confidence to support themselves and their families. More...
New Class: Class 31 of the Job Training and Placement program starts Feb. 1, with twelve weeks of intensive study in computer as well as life and business skills. More...
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