In this issue...
Taha needed a second chance to find the career she wanted. |
New Classes in Evening Technology Center: Two new volunteers join our stalwart crew of evening teachers to offer even more free evening computer classes. More... |
April 30 Gala: Colorful hats, mint juleps, and your generosity helped us earn over $112,000—Derby Style. More... |
New Ways to Give: We can now help you make tax-advantaged gifts of stock or arrange for monthly donations. More... |
 A Cut and Color: Local salon Wild Orchid helps our interns and alum with the final touches for a confident job search. More... |
Graduation 34: "We are all meant to shine," says Councilmember Wade Harper, with a little help from Calpine. Replay on CCTV tonight at 7 pm! More... |
Pet Peeves: Answer the "pet peeves" challenge on our Facebook page and check out our solution to workplace stress. More... |
SparkPoint East Contra Costa: What would happen if the agencies helping families reach financial stability integrated and bundled their services? More... |
Golf Anyone? We're gearing up for the June 3 golf tournament sponsored by the Industrial Association and benefitting Opportunity Junction. More... |
Featured AlumnaImportant Dates and Upcoming Events:
- June 3, 2011: IACCC Golf Tournament
- August 18, 7 pm: Class 35 Graduation
Regular Features
| Alumni News | Ways to Get Involved |
|---|---|
| New Grants | Contact the Staff |
| Wish List | Board of Directors |
| Funding Partners | Advisory Board |
| Hiring Partners | The Alumni Council |
| Friends |
Taha Hausia: "Opportunity Junction gave me a second chance when I didn't feel like I deserved one."
Taha was only 18 years old when she found herself the guardian of her three younger siblings. She felt it was her responsibility to give siblings a home. "I was old enough to live on my own, but they weren't. I couldn't abandon them, and I wanted them to feel loved," Taha says. Her job at Costco supported the family of four and even left a little every month for the savings account.
As a teenage “parent” and under great pressure, Taha did her best to provide for everyone.
However, everything changed when she lost her job. "I was completely depressed when I lost my job. My whole life I was independent, and now I couldn't take care of them—I felt like a failure."
A month after losing her job, Taha saw the advertisement for Opportunity Junction's Job Training and Placement Program at the library. "When I started at Opportunity Junction, my whole outlook changed. I felt like I was in control of my life again."
Taha is especially thankful for the support of Catherine Warren, Director of Counseling. "She helped me open up and express how I feel about things. I learned that I didn't have to be Superwoman and that it was ok to take care of myself, too."
Taha found a position through Opportunity Junction as a sales associate at Verizon. She is also in the process of final clearances for three other possible positions. "Thanks to Opportunity Junction, I am independent, confident, and able to provide for my siblings. This Mother's Day, they all called me," she shares with her eyes welling with tears. "Despite the challenges I faced, I wouldn't have changed any of it."
Technology Center adds classes and new volunteers
June 2011 marks a new round of our series of Computer Basics and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes in our evening Technology Center program, with QuickBooks and Spanish-language classes added, thanks to new volunteer teachers.
QuickBooks Basics (Mondays, 6-9 pm beginning June 6) will be taught by Laurie Harms, owner of Laurie's Bookkeeping Services in Oakley. This much-requested class still has seats available, but requires a pre-test of basic computer and math skills; to see test times and/or signup for this or any evening computer class, visit opportunityjunction.org/evening and follow the links.
Usha Vayas, assisted by Jaime Cader, will be teaching Computer Basics in Spanish (Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm, beginning June 1). We're glad to be able to add this often-requested class. Because computer literacy is so basic to workplace and survival skills, offering instruction in Spanish as well as in English (as we do in our Monday and our Tuesday-Thursday series) allows us to serve additional community members and combat the "digital divide."
Thanks so much to long-time volunteer evening teachers Donald Buchanan (program alumnus and media aide with Pittsburg Unified School District), Lavar Castle (of 123 Fix My PC), Lilia Barajas Lopez (recent alumna and LMC student), and Patrick Speese (community volunteer), for continuing to teach our community classes in Computer and Windows Basics as well as Internet, Email, Word, PowerPoint and Excel Basics. These classes, offered at no cost to learners, continue to be very popular, as does our ESL class taught by Adult Education teacher Jean MacDonald and assisted by volunteers Jaime Cader and Avis Olson. Other volunteers include many of Opportunity Junction's Job Training and Placement Program interns, as well as long-time teaching assistant Darlene Denny. And of course, thanks so much to funders City of Pittsburg CDBG, Wells Fargo and AT&T, for making the Technology Center programs possible.
Annual Imagine Gala is Another Huge Success
IMAGINE A RACE WE ALL WIN, the April 30 event presented by Chevron and emceed by Maureen Naylor of Channel 2 News, was a huge success for Opportunity Junction, raising over $112,000 to support training programs and capacity-building initiatives.
Colorful hats and Kentucky Derby attire made the event that much more festive, while the DJ had guests dancing until the very end. We are grateful to the sponsors, donors, and guests who helped us exceed our goals, while enjoying the evening's festivities, including a personal success story shared by alumna and board member Julin Perez-Bernsten.
We want to once again recognize the event's sponsors and thank all of the auction donors:
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ConocoPhillips Cosmetic Dental Spa Dow Chemical GenOn GWF Power Systems J. Stokes and Associates Kaiser Permanente SpringBoard Advisors TechProse Temen, Kaiser & Cameron |
A.D. Seeno Construction Emerald Consulting Pittsburg Power Company Umpqua Bank USS-POSCO WestAmerica Bank |
Auction Donors:
Alameda County Fair Association * Alhambra Valley Olive Oil Company * Dan & Carol Altwarg * Baldacci Family Vineyards * Sharon Beswick * George & Anne Birdsong * Sarah Broom * Brianna Burkman * Loren Burkman & Amy Kane * Cakes by Laurel * California's Great America * Bob & Marilyn Carrel * Robert Cartier * Vera Ciammetti * Cline Cellars * Angie Coffee * Jane & Bill Collett * Concannon Winery * Contra Costa Country Club * Cosmetic Dental Spa * Cynthia Erb Design * Jim & Darlene Dawson * Disneyland Resort * Katie Doherty * Becky Egan * Elegant Clutter * Emerald Consulting * Encore Medspa - A Medical Corporation * Engage: In-Game Advertising * Ezio Miolini * Ferrari-Carano * Forest Meadows Golf Course * Frame and Design * Francis Ford Coppola Presents * G. R. Doodlebug, Inc * Garaventa Enterprises * Sally Garbarini * Golden Gate Fields * Greenhorn Creek Resort * Hafner Vineyard * William T. Harris * Hatcher Winery * Hayes Valley Inn * Pat Heineman * Hornblower Cruise * Laura Hubbard * Laurie Huffman * In The Garden with Lorraine * Irish Vineyard * Jane Norman Skincare * Linda Johnson * Joseph Phelps Vineyards * Tim & Beth Joyce * Rick Kaiser * Richard & Theresa Kaiser * Kathleen Burke Interior Design * La Buena Vida * La Tapatia Mexican Restaurant * Lark Creek Restaurant * Kathy & Tom Leahy * Shirasoni Japanese Restaurant * Carol Lesh * Carol Lesh Pyschic Reading * Lone Tree Golf & Event Center * Georgia & Paul Lupinsky * Nancy Mansour * Marilyn Jaeger Skincare Studio * Markus Hardware * Elizabeth Marquez * Mary Frances Accessories * McGrail Vineyards & Winery * Michael C Mejia * Minoo's Aesthetic * Mistolino * Selma & Michael Moore * Motel 6 * Mr. Duncan Naylor * Donald & Julie Nejedly * New Mecca * Oakland A's Baseball Company * Oakland Raiders Football * Eleanor O'Donnell * Nancy Parent * Peju Province Winery * Ric Perez * Phoenix Salon & Day Spa * Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek * Richards Arts & Crafts * Ristorante Il Pescatore * Rosenblum Cellars * Rossmore Golf Course * Saddle Creek Resort * San Jose Sharks * Mr. Leonard Schneider * Jenny Schwarz * Trish Shattuck * Mary Ann & Paul Shattuck * Silver Oak Cellars * Skates on the Bay * Sony Computer Entertainment America * Alan Soule * Betty Stokes * Maureen Stokes * Mr Jim Stokes * Stork's Nest * Tiffany & Co. * Tilson Design Works * Together Fashions & Accessories * TrenTadue Winery * Va De Vi Bistro and Wine Bar * Walnut Creek Yacht Club * Nan Walz * Amy Weavil * Wente Family Estates * Wheel of Fortune * Wolf's Intuitive Landscapes * Young's Wigs
Opportunity Junction Offers New Ways to Give
This year, giving to Opportunity Junction is a little easier. If you are holding appreciated stock, we can accept a donation that has important tax advantages. If you have convenience in mind and like the idea of helping us budget for revenue, we can set up a monthly credit card donation.
It was a gift of stock from our founder, Meryl Natchez, and her husband, Larry Rafferty, that spurred us to open a brokerage account and develop a protocol for accepting donations of stock. Gifts of appreciated stock allow the donor to deduct the full fair market value of the stock without realizing any capital gains, so it's a real win-win.
Another win-win is when a supporter sets up a monthly credit card donation. Board Chair Rick Kaiser challenged us to do this for him earlier this year, and so we developed the back-end data tracking to support it. Rick will be encouraging all board members to set up monthly donations, because it provides more stable cash flow and supports more accurate budgeting.
By the way, did you know that when you make a credit card donation through our website, that we do not pay a credit card fee to accept the donation? Because we use Google Checkout and are the recipients of a Google Grant, we are receiving 100% of your online donations.
However you want to give, we deeply appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of helping our neighbors gain the skills and confidence to support themselves and their families.
Wild Orchid Helping Participants Grow
Twenty Job Training and Placement alumni and interns have more to smile about thanks to the generosity of Wild Orchid Salon in Antioch. Stylist and owner Lori Lopez learned about Opportunity Junction from and friend and decided she wanted to help with our mission by helping participants gain confidence through a brand-new do. "We know looking good makes you feel so good, and this was one way we could help give back in our community," says Lori.
"I cried when Mary [stylist Mary Dagle] showed me my new hair style because I was so happy. It was so pretty. She really took the time to make sure it was done well and that I would be able to maintain it myself when I left. My confidence immediately soared," shares intern Linea Ludwick.
"Mary is beautiful and amazing inside and out. She made me feel good about myself. Lori even shared how I could donate my long hair to give to someone else. Now, I feel put together in the morning and like I can present my best self for interviews," says intern Maggie Bruce.
Wild Orchid's generosity is ongoing. They also offered to maintain the new participant styles for just the salon costs. Lori says, "I am thankful that we are able to help Opportunity Junction participants get one step closer to their goals."
Class 34 Graduation: Guest speakers, CCTV, and Inspiration
April's graduation for Class 34 was marked by a gathering at the lovely El Campanil Theater, and words from some high-powered guests. Supervisor Federal Glover kicked off the event by presenting Opportunity Junction with a $15,000 donation from Calpine, which operates power generating plants in both Pittsburg and Antioch. The Supervisor also provided certificates of congratulation from his office. Representatives Satinder Malhi from the office of State Senator Mark DeSaulnier and Maurice Delmer from the office of State Assembly Member Susan Bonilla also greeted the graduates and presented certificates.
Special Guest Speaker Wade Harper, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Antioch, was eloquent in addressing the graduates, and included a quote by author Marianne Williamson made famous by South African leader Nelson Mandela:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us...."
Class 34 graduates have now started their internship with Opportunity Junction as well as their job hunt. Know a company that needs a great administrative assistant? Contact Manager of Professional Development Michelle Stewart and let her know!
You can see Class 34's graduation on Contra Costa Television (Comcast channel 27, Astound channel 32 and At&T U-verse channel 99); the next showing is Tuesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. For other showings, check the Program Guide at www.contracostatv.org or the listings on our website.
Join our Facebook Challenge - and Check Out Our Solution to Workplace Stress
What are your workplace pet peeves? You know, the small irritants that can drive you just a little bit crazy?
Here's a challenge: visit our Facebook page and tell us what your workplace pet peeve is. Dishes left in the sink? People who use overly cute fonts? Misuse of the English language? Inquiring minds want to know!
Of course, anyone can become peevish when over-worked. But we have a solution for that - let our Staffing Services do the job! Data entry, event staffing, projects - we'd like to help.
Here's a note from a very busy - but not peevish - client after using our Staffing Services:
How do you do it? Every time I think I can't possibly be any more impressed with your interns - I am! Bridget, Juanita and Cyndy were beyond fabulous. They handled registration for our event - and did a remarkable job. Thank you, again, Opportunity Junction Staffing Services, for making our company look so good to our clients!
-- Lynn Van Winkle, Senior Project Manager, Pendergast Consulting Group, San Francisco
Thanks for the kind words, Lynn! And as for the rest of you - our interns would like to prove to you that life in the workplace can be better. Contact Deputy Director Jesse Golden to learn more about what Staffing Services can do to reduce your stress level.
New SparkPoint Center Brings Agencies Together to Help Families Achieve Financial Stability
United Way's SparkPoint Centers help families create step-by-step plans to tackle their unique needs, and connect them to services to address each one. The centers work with each family for up to three years to achieve their goals.
Opportunity Junction is one of the partners in the new SparkPoint East Contra Costa, based at Bay Point's Ambrose Community Center at 3105 Willow Pass Road. Our Bay Point staff will provide key vocational services, helping families reach their income goals.
We will be integrating our career services in Bay Point with credit counseling, benefits enrollment, housing referrals and other services provided by our partners: Contra Costa County (the Service Integration Team, the Community Services Bureau, and Health Services), Bay Area Legal Aid, Brighter Beginnings, the Center for Human Development, the Community Housing Development Corporation, First Five Contra Costa, STAND for Families Against Violence, and the Stride Center.
3rd Annual IACCC Golf Tournament Benefits Opportunity Junction
We're looking forward to the 3rd Annual Industrial Accociation of Contra Costa County (IACCC) Golf Tournament at Shadow Lakes Golf Course in Brentwood benfitting Opportunity Junction Friday, June 3.
Thank you, IACCC, for letting us be a part of this event. IACCC began its existence in the early 1900s as The Industrial Association of Pittsburg. From humble beginnings with just a few local companies, it now includes members from Contra Costa and Solano Counties. It is an organization of many different industries which brings together companies and organizations who are leaders in the economic vitality of this important part of the fifth largest economy in the world.
Alumni News
Special Announcement: We are all sending out our best healing wishes to alumna and senior staff member Natalie Georgia, who was injured by a hit and run driver on Highway 4 two weeks ago. We will deliver all cards, and you may also send emails to Natalie at her work email address, though we're encouraging her not to check it and to focus on healing. Natalie had to have surgery on her right foot, and we expect her to be out all summer.
Keep Us Posted: Alumni, 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!
New Grants and Support for our Programs
We are proud to announce the following new grants and funding partnerships:
- Calpine: Calpine has issued a grant supporting the Job Training and Placement Program. Calpine supplies power and jobs in East County, with plants in Pittsburg and Antioch.
- Anonymous Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation: The Anonymous Fund has issued a yearlong grant for core operating support of Opportunity Junction and our programs that help local residents reach self-sufficiency through employment and advancement.
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs: The CDBG programs of Antioch, Pittsburg, and Contra Costa County have all sustained cuts from the federal government but will continue to partner in supporting Opportunity Junction's Job Training and Placement Program and evening Technology Center.
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Newsletter Contributors: Brianna Burkman, Alissa Friedman, and Jesse Golden.
copyright © 2011, Opportunity Junction
