MDRC recently released a new report titled, Beyond the Basics: Integrating Workforce and College-Readiness Training Into California's Adult Basic Skills Programs. Funded by The James Irvine Foundation, the report is about programs for low-skilled individuals in training or career pathway programs. Opportunity Junction was mentioned 14 times throughout the article highlighting the various facets that make our full-service programs so successful.

Published: 26 July 2019

Read more: Opportunity Junction Featured in MDRC Report

We are proud and grateful to announce the following new grants and funding partnerships:

The Anonymous Fund of the East Bay Community Foundation: The Anonymous Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation issued two anonymous grants of valuable core operating support. The East Bay Community Foundation partners with donors, social movements, and the community to eliminate structural barriers, advance racial equity, and transform political, social, and economic outcomes for all who call the East Bay home.

BBVA Compass: BBVA Compass Bank issued a grant to provide general operating support. BBVA team members volunteer at Opportunity Junction, illustrating the bank's commitment to providing opportunities for people to create brighter futures.

Firedoll Foundation: The Firedoll Foundation issued a generous renewal grant to support the Job Training and Placement Program. The Firedoll Foundation is a private family foundation founded by two unrepentant liberals from the 60s who still believe in the motto, "If you are not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."

Tipping Point Community: Tipping Point Community awarded a special, one-time grant to upgrade computer workstations at Opportunity Junction. Tipping Point fights poverty in the Bay Area for the 1.7 million people who don't have the resources to meet their basic needs.

U.S. Bank: Under their workforce education and economic prosperity priority, U.S. Bank awarded a new grant for core operating support. U.S. Bank knows that a strong small business environment and an educated workforce ensure the prosperity of communities.

Published: 26 July 2019

Twelve happy graduates of the Job Training and Placement Program celebrated the season with their own graduation ceremony on May 23 at El Campanil Theater in Antioch. Each graduate shared their personal story about how the program changed their hopes for the future.

Published: 24 July 2019

Read more: Graduation Season Includes Opportunity Junction's Class 58

More than 160 supporters gathered at Diablo County Club on April 6 for an upbeat night of festivities hosted by platinum sponsor Seeno Homes. With support of sponsors, volunteers, board members, and guests, our 2019 Imagine Gala - Reach for the Stars was a major success, raising $120,000 for programs, supplies, and student work experience.

The theme of the night - Reach for the Stars - embodied our event's focus on celebrating the successes of our participants who dare to Reach for the Stars. And that's not all. We also celebrated the Opportunity Junction community. Whether sponsor, guest, employer, donor, volunteer, staff, or alum, your involvement with Opportunity Junction inspires us to keep reaching for the stars, to keep launching careers that can break the cycle of poverty.

Published: 23 July 2019

Read more: Daring to Reach for the Stars at the 2019 Imagine Gala