The Central Oregon Work/Life Academy began in December, 2007, and supports the 1000+ individuals each year who register for English Language Learning or the GED test preparation classes through Central Oregon Community College. These classes are offered in all of our communities in the region, including the Warm Springs reservation.
People without workforce English or without a high school diploma face a lifetime of barriers to realizing their life and careers goals. Our Academy support people who are working to achieve these important foundational skills so that they can, indeed, move forward with their lives.
Participants have the opportunity to work with a Navigator, who is available as a coach and mentor. Participants create work and life plans; together with the navigator’s support, the participants work towards their goals. Some go on to higher education; some go on to additional vocational training; some get better jobs; some start their own small businesses. The realization of these plans leads to family economic self sufficiency.
Families who live below the 200% of Federal Poverty income level have complicated lives. It has been well documented that jobs are not enough to go from poverty to family self-sufficiency. Therefore, our partners support our participants with transportation, health care, housing, financial asset building, child care, and work readiness assessments and training.
Our partners: Central Oregon Community College, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, Oregon Employment Department, Educational Service District, Latino Community Association, Economic Development of Central Oregon, Warm Springs Confederated Tribe, Neighbor Impact, Housing Works, Vocational Rehab, Department of Health and Human Services, Health Matters of Central Oregon, Volunteers in Medicine, Mosaic Health Care Systems, Cascades East Area Health Education Center, 3E Strategies, Business Alliance for Sustainable Energy, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, Opportunity Cars for Work.
For more information: Wendy Schechter, Director, Workforce and Health Care, wendy@partnershiptoendpoverty.org; (541) 504-1389.