WWP January 8, 2026 | e-News
A New Year and New Beginnings – This month, join us for a series of stories focused on reentry in the region…
A Statewide Approach to Reentry Services
In 2022, East Cascades Works, one of Oregon’s nine regional workforce boards, launched an innovative pilot program using a modest $100,000 state grant to support individuals reentering the workforce from two of Oregon’s 12 correctional facilities.
Oregon Workforce Partnership (OWP), the association of Oregon’s nine local workforce development boards, applied for and scaled this project statewide through two grants: a Pathway Home Department of Labor (DOL) grant totaling $3.9 Million and a $1 Million Future Ready Oregon grant from the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The funding is distributed to the nine workforce boards to support Adults in Custody (AIC) as they prepare to transition and arrive back in to their communities.
How has Willamette Workforce Partnership contributed to this program’s success?
In our region, Pathway Home, is a collaboration between Willamette Workforce Partnership, Chemeketa’s Prison Education and Community Reentry Program, and Community Services Consortium (CSC). Last year, we served 338 Adults in Custody at our four prisons, and marketable job skills are at the top of the list of necessary tools for reintegration to society.
About James…
James had a clear vision for his future and required strategic support to achieve his goals. He was a certified barber prior to his incarceration, James expressed strong motivation to reenter this field upon release. Within 48 hours of his release, Opportunity Oregon met with James to initiate his employment search. James updated his resume and cover letter and within a week he received two pending job offers.
As of September 15, 2025, James is employed full time and has advanced in his aftercare program. He has developed a five-year plan that includes owning his own barbershop.
This program takes a comprehensive, hands-on approach, embedding trained workforce professionals from Chemeketa Community College inside the Mid-Valley’s four prisons to help individuals build job skills, prepare resumes, and create a personalized employment plan before they leave. Once released, participants connect with local community-based case managers at CSC within 72 hours, continuing their journey toward employment with wraparound support that includes training, housing help, and access to critical services.
At its core, this is about reducing recidivism, improving employment opportunities which lead to a strong economy, strengthening families, and building a more inclusive workforce for our region. It’s a win for individuals, employers, and our communities.
In the next few weeks, we’ll continue our series on Reentry Services in the Mid-Valley, exploring ways our partners are training returning citizens for in-demand careers.
Do you know a youth in Marion County that needs a little extra guidance or mentorship, while learning essential employability skills, exploring career options, and gaining valuable work experiences?
Check in with Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency’s (MWVCAA) Youth Services Resource Center.
Click on the image below for more information!
Exit Bliss, in partnership with Willamette Workforce Partnership, is offering a no cost Project Management & Leadership Training. Check out the upcoming dates in the flyer below and commit to your professional growth this year!
Click on the image below for more information and to learn how to apply!
