Orion's January 2019 eNewsletter
 
 









Jason receiving the Orion 2018 Graduate of the Year Award.

Jason   

Belief in oneself. That is what Jason's story is about. Jason's story starts with a difficult home life. His experience is not unlike many who have dealt with abuse, bullying and an environment that did not have a lot of encouragement. Jason left home and earned his degree in Communications in 2011, but found himself back at home dealing with the same issues as our economy struggled. It was this environment that left him feeling bad about himself and like he didn't have a place to succeed. As he put it, he was "stuck."

Jason took a step forward and sought counseling and support. He also used his support network through church, which helped him link with the Multi Service Center who told him about Orion's Office Skills and Customer Service Program. He was "in" and enrolled in May 2017. He also reached out to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as a support. His journey then brought him to enroll in Orion's manufacturing program where he spent most of his time in Shipping/Receiving.
 
When asked how Orion helped, Jason related that he learned to feel confident about himself again while at Orion. He built work experience, he met co-workers and friends. He interacted with supervisors. 
Ultimately, he built his confidence and was able to go on job interviews.

In 2017, Jason found a job that was not the right match. The staff at his job triggered some things from his past related to how they communicated with him. He came back to Orion to search again. 

All the while, Orion staff have seen Jason grow in independence and confidence. He has had small wins and big wins. When he started, he was taking the bus. Through earning a wage and gaining stability he is now driving his Mustang. In March, he committed to his church by getting Baptized. He talks to staff about going out with friends and is growing socially and gaining confidence.

Jason started work at AeroPrecision in Tacoma in April. He is currently a Shipping and Receiving Clerk. His favorite thing about his new job is joking with his co-workers. They treat him well.

Just after starting the job, concerns escalated at home. He made the decision to move out of his house and is now with friends from church.

Things are getting better. Jason notes he is continuing to get counseling and support. He gets encouragement from friends and he is seeing what normal family life would look like. 

His new employer feels like home. In a year, he'd like to advance in his career and use his degree; he has an interest in Inventory Control and Logistics. 

When asked about the future personally, Jason expressed that his new normal is a lot right now. Despite his success, and knowing he made the right choices, he still feels a bit cut off. But he is finding his way. He is enjoying what he has and things are looking better than they were.

Congratulations Jason!



 

Donovan, Orion Manufacturing Training Program Participant.

When looking at loans to cover the cost of college, Donovan began to worry about his lack of income. His counselor at the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) encouraged Donovan to consider Orion's paid training program. Donovan wasn't sure that working in a production environment would be a good fit for him but decided to act on the suggestion of his DVR counselor and scheduled a tour at Orion's Mukilteo location.

After starting the training program, Donovan worked one-on-one with a mentor to learn the skills needed for each job. Donovan remarked, "My mentor informed me how to correct any mistakes, and after learning that I do better working on my own so that I can get into a zone, he gave me space and would check on me from time to time to see if I had any questions."

Orion's training program has the flexibility to be customized for each individual. It is essential to play to the strengths of each participant while at the same time developing strategies to minimize any weaknesses.

"I have extreme anxiety," Donovan related. "I ask for clarification a lot. The Orion mentors were very patient and always made sure to address my questions. I learned not to be afraid to ask questions, and that with the right questions I can circumvent shortcomings and can get the necessary information to fill the need of the job."

One of the strengths of Orion's paid training program is that it exposes participants to several production areas. Donovan said, "Being trained in several areas let me learn about a variety of jobs. Switching between the areas gave me flexibility and let me know that I can multitask. It also let me find an area that I really enjoy: Inventory. I excel at organization, and I've learned enough about the other areas that I understand how the materials from inventory fit into the production process."

Tim Daw, Donovan's Employment Consultant, said, "Donovan came to Orion unsure of himself. Donovan has found a passion and has shown that passion through his attitude and commitment. I have no doubt that Donovan will be successful in his future endeavors."

While in the training program Donovan has gained experience in several areas including Inventory, Saws, Bonding, and Mechanical Assembly. If you would like to learn more about Donovan, or if you would like to see his resume, please contact Tim Daw at 425.355.1253 x234 or email him at  tim.daw@orionworks.org.

Meet Orion's Vocational Counselors - Jason Person and Tricia Cleavelin

Jason Person (left) and Tricia Cleavelin (right), Orion's Vocational Counselors.

The New Year often inspires thoughts of new beginnings, new goals, new adventures, and a clean slate to begin the year on the right foot. That kind of hope lives and breathes every day at Orion, no matter what month of the year it is. A big part of cultivating that hope begins with Orion's Vocational Counselors.
 
Meet Jason Person and Tricia Cleavelin. Between the two of them they have more than 20 years of experience in their field, and that level of dedication and commitment shines through with each and every person who enrolls in Orion's program and works with them.
 
"It's our job to help them [Orion Participants] be ready to go out and conquer," said Tricia. "I love being a resource to help people get on a better path."
 
"We provide all kinds of support as people make the journey through Orion," added Jason.
 
Aside from their invaluable counseling abilities, Tricia and Jason are also the gatekeepers to job development. Working closely with Orion Mentors, the counselors evaluate reliability, employability, and help work through barriers that can appear insurmountable at times.
 
"Really, we're working against hopelessness and despair," Jason said. "It's the biggest challenge we face. But that's why I love Orion so much, the company is willing to make investments in people as much as the work we do."
 
The counselors also work diligently to support Orion Staff along with the Program Participants and strive to ensure a collaborative environment.
 
"We're a 'we' here at Orion. We're all on the same team," Tricia said. "The mentors have production goals they have to meet along with doing their part to teach our participants good work habits. If Jason and I can assist in any way, we will."
 
Working so intimately with everyone who comes through the program can be challenging at times. There are so many factors that can affect the way we face life, something Orion's counselors know too well.
 
"Attitude is key, a lot of people have a hard time coming to terms with that," Tricia said. "If someone has a great attitude and wants to succeed, I'm all in. But when someone's attitude is poor they often can't realize how much that gets in the way of their success."
 
"At the same time, I realize that I'll never be able to motivate someone with what I want. It has to come from them," Jason added. "We guide people to make the best decisions for themselves, and when it's in their hands that's when they realize the power they have."
 
As the New Year settles in it is important to realize the power of positivity and the good that we do here at Orion. Jason said it best, "We're the good guys here at Orion. You need to know that we will help you. Just like firefighters or the police, if you come to us you'll get the help you need."
 
With that in mind, let's work together to make 2019 as great as it can be!

 Orion partnering with United Way's Free Tax Campaign

Orion Industries is partnering with United Way's Free Tax Campaign to offer free tax preparation for low-income families in our community.

United Way's Free Tax Campaign is looking for volunteers. As a volunteer with this program, you'll make a direct impact on a family's life by getting them all the refund and credits they're eligible for, at absolutely no cost to them.

There are two ways to get involved. Volunteers can sign up to be a Volunteer Tax Preparer or a Volunteer Intake and Benefits Specialist. No prior tax law or benefits experience is required. Comprehensive training and support will be provided at the tax sites.

Volunteers can choose to serve at the location that is most convenient for them as well as select a 3-4 hour shift that works with their schedule. Weekday evening, afternoon, and weekend hours are available. With 32 sites across King County, one is sure to be near your home, work, or school, including one location here at Orion Industries!

Learn how to get involved and register for a shift by following the link below:


Orion is Hiring!
Join Orion's award-winning team! Orion is a leading manufacturer and supplier for the aerospace industry. We offer competitive wages and 100% employer paid benefits, 401(k) matching, 11 paid holidays and a generous paid time off plan.

Orion is a nonprofit with a mission of helping those who need job training. We are looking for experienced individuals who have a desire to share their knowledge and make a difference in our community. 

Orion is a business with a purpose! For more information see our video and visit the careers page on our website:



Program tours are available!

Orion Industries, Auburn, currently has openings available in all of our training programs:
If you are working with someone who would benefit from this training program, please have them attend our weekly tour - Monday at 9am!
  • Our Office Skills & Customer Service Program offers students exposure to computer training, customer service training and keyboarding / 10-key skills training. It utilizes a self-directed model, in a small classroom setting, with instructor support. Each Friday, interactive group customer service discussions are led by the instructor. Students are offered a daily stipend of $5 for class attendance.
Orion has multiple open spots for direct job placement support services to individuals not in our training programs. If you are interested in direct job placement services, please contact a Job Developer at 253-661-7805.


2018 Tom Trott Staff Member of the Year

John Theisen (left) presenting Bob Book (right) with the 2018 Tom Trott Staff Member of the Year Award.
 

Bob Book, Orion's Vocational Instructor, was selected as the winner of the 2018 Tom Trott Staff Member of the Year Award. Bob instructs Program Participants in Shop Math and Blueprint Reading classes, among others, helping each person add valuable tools to their skill set. Bob was nominated by his peers for exhibiting the ICARE values of Orion in a visible and inspirational way.

A total of 30 staff members were nominated for the award, which speaks to the quality of Orion's staff.

Congratulations to Bob, and to all of those who were nominated!

2018 Worker of the Year 

Tricha, holding the certificate, receiving the Orion 2018 Worker of the Year Award with her Malicious Women Candle Co. co-workers.

Tricha was selected as the 2018 Worker of Year!

Tricha is an Orion Supported Employee working at Malicious Women Candle Co. She was joined on stage by her co-workers to receive the award.  Congratulations Tricha!

To learn more about the Malicious Women Candle Co. visit their website:


Orion Riders donation in support of Puget Sound Veterans Hope Center

Pictured left to right: Chase Lewis, James Ewing, Nathan King, Victor Molstad, Miley Molstad, Kathy Powers, Larry Geringer, Bill Holder, Jeff Black, Tricia Cleavelin, Jason Person, John Theisen, Tom Brosius and Randy Gilleland.
 

The Orion Riders made a charitable donation in support of Puget Sound Veterans Hope Center, a local organization that provides support for veterans in need. The Orion Riders actively look for ways to have a positive impact on our community. They achieved their fund raising goal and were able to add a company match from Orion Industries to the donation.

If you'd like to learn more about Puget Sound Veterans Hope Center or support the good work that they do in the community please visit their website::

http://www.pugetsoundveteranshopecenter.org/

Orion Riders 2018 Golden Scooter Award 

Victor Molstad, the Orion Riders 2018 Golden Scooter Award winner.

The Orion Riders presented their 2018 Golden Scooter Award to Victor Molstad in recognition of his commitment to the various charitable events that the Riders participate in through the year. The award is given out annually to the Rider who best exhibits each of the hallmarks of what makes the Orion Riders outstanding ambassadors to our community. Victor deserves both our congratulations and thanks!

Valley Fire Fighters & Auburn Food Bank Toy Drive

Pictured left to right: Miley Molstad, Tricia Cleavelin, Laura Haman, H. Douglas Hutton, Liz Hickman, Randy Gilleland, Victor Molstad, James Ewing, Nathan King, and Matt Foster.
 

The Orion Riders and Orion Wellness Committee coordinated collecting toys and donations for the Valley Regional Fire Authority and the Auburn Food Bank. In addition to the toys that were collected, $500 was raised to include with the donation.

If you'd like to find out how you can help someone in need this holiday season please visit the Auburn Food Bank website:

http://www.theauburnfoodbank.org/


Orion Links
 
Click on the links below to visit Orion's division websites:     
Orion Industries, Auburn
1590 A Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002
Orion Industries, Mukilteo
13008 Beverly Park Rd
Mukilteo, WA 98275