Worksystems

Yesterday evening, Worksystems and partners testified at Multnomah County's second budget hearing, in support of restoring employment services within the Homeless Service Department budget.

Hear Worksystems' Senior Project Manager Jennifer Fox and participants and partners from Our Just Future, Latino Network, Central City Concern, POIC, and the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization speak to the real impact of the A Home for Everyone Economic Opportunity Program (AHFE EOP):

https://youtu.be/ktC_X8ntSD4?si=cumPkAJMsHXFgZvk&t=5035

We want to thank Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards who recently proposed an additional budget amendment that would fully restore these critical programs, as well as Commissioners Shannon Singleton, MSW and Vince Jones-Dixon for voicing their support. Restoring employment programs will maintain proven, effective services that advance the County’s housing and economic opportunity goals.

If you would like to see Multnomah County fully fund employment programs, share your voice at https://multco.us/info/fy-2027-chairs-proposed-budget-sign-testify-or-submit-comments.

Summerworks provides paid work experiences in local businesses for young people ages 16 to 24 across the City of Portland, Multnomah, and Washington counties. For many young people, it's the chance they need to start their career path.

James shared that his work experience at the New Avenues for Youth Ben & Jerry's in downtown Portland helped him feel more secure about his future.

“Working and being valued has given me so much more confidence and motivation to keep going.”

That sense of stability matters—especially for young people who haven’t always had it.

Summerworks creates real opportunities to build skills, connect with mentors, and take meaningful steps toward financial independence. For many, it’s the difference between getting stuck and moving forward.

As local budget conversations continue, it’s critical that we protect and restore investments in youth workforce programs like Summerworks.

📄 Read James’s full story:

Just a moment...

Were you recently laid off and unsure what comes next? Help is available!

WorkSource Portland Metro’s Layoff Transition Assistance team is hosting a free, virtual session to support jobseekers navigating their next steps, including:

1. How to apply for Unemployment Insurance
2. Employment and training opportunities
3. Options for health coverage through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace
4. Community resources and free services at WorkSource Portland Metro

🗓 Tuesday, May 19, 2026
🕙 10:00–11:30 AM
📍 Zoom (link provided after registration)
✅ Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZJxQXjdkHT9nTxmLSNNEKqF8D6EYGwyqrHw3EkcStOJYgjg/viewform

Layoff Transition Assistance Session The WorkSource Portland Metro (WSPM) Layoff Transition Assistance team is offering a FREE information session for workers recently laid off in the Portland metro area. You will learn about: 🔹 Unemployment Insurance enrollment 🔹 Job search and training opportunities 🔹 Health coverage options...

Yesterday, Multnomah County held their first budget hearing yesterday. Community Services Manager Deanna Dsouza testified along with participants and partners from Our Just Future, Latino Network, Central City Concern, POIC, and IRCO Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization to highlight the impact of the A Home for Everyone Economic Opportunity Program (AHFE EOP).

https://www.youtube.com/live/FLHor4JqzMI?t=2342s

"AHFE EOP is not just about placing people in jobs. We're connecting them to careers, confidence, and long term self-sufficiency."

We are urging the County to restore and protect funding for employment services. Commissioner Shannon Singleton, MSW has proposed a budget amendment that advances this goal, and we support it. We want to thank Commissioner Singleton as well as Commissioners Vince Jones-Dixon and Julia Brim-Edwards for voicing strong support for employment services that help people move forward with dignity and reduces long‑term reliance on public systems.

MultCoBoard 1 like. "4.29.26 Budget Hearing #1"