Orion's February 2017 eNewsletter
 
 







Joyce (left) receiving the 2016 Office Training and Assessment Center Graduate of the Year award from Kathy Powers (right).
 
Joyce    

Joyce's story includes life beyond the Pacific Northwest. She attended secretary college in Kenya then moved to Washington D.C. and then to the Philippines. It was after leaving the Philippines that Joyce found herself in living in Topeka, Kansas, as a single mom. 

While in Topeka, Joyce worked for the First Presbyterian Church, as secretary to the head of staff, for 12 years, before enrolling in college. After getting her Political Science degree in 2010, she worked part time as an executive assistant to a Senator. She made a decision in 2013 to move to the Seattle area, where her mother lived, and found work as a caregiver.

Joyce realized it was difficult to make headway toward a career while working nights as a caregiver. While she found her job rewarding, it was also emotionally draining. 

Joyce found Orion through the Free Tax Preparation service that is offered on-site during tax season, and decided to enroll in Orion's clerical program to  update her skills, with the goal of securing employment in a career oriented position.

The same day she applied for services at Orion, Joyce landed a job as an account representative. While it paid the bills, this wasn't her desired career either. While in the program at Orion, Joyce attended class from 8:30am - 11:30am, then worked a full time job from 12:30pm - 9:00pm, and then went to her overnight job as a full time as a caregiver.  

In September of 2016, Joyce was hired by Orion Board Member, Bob Fredrickson, at Coldwell Banker, as an administrative assistant. This allowed her to leave her other jobs. Joyce feels that her new position has a future; she is even contemplating getting her broker's license.  Being able to work one job has also allowed Joyce time to engage in her church more and give back to the community.

Congratulations Joyce!





Regina pictured.
 
Regina    

Regina spent most of her adult life raising her family. She was a single mother with two special needs children, and found it difficult to hold a job due to her children's medical needs. As a result she has long gaps in her employment history. After her children no longer needed full time care she lacked the confidence she needed to join the work force.

Regina said, "When I came to Orion I was not nervous; I felt like I belonged. I knew I was a hard worker, but I needed a chance. I learned that even a bad day at work can be easier than some of the days I experienced as a full time parent. After going through training at Orion, I started to see my growth and knew I was going to succeed. I felt proud of myself every day. I began to look forward to what I was going to experience."

Regina received training in several production areas at Orion, which let her learn how to multi-task. As she gained confidence and showed the growth of her skills, her mentors gave her more challenges. The skills gained during her time with Orion have allowed her to perform well in her new position with GlobalTech Plastics, who recently moved their operations to Fife, WA.

Regina has enjoyed the stability that steady work and a steady wage can provide. Regina saved enough to buy "the car of her dreams," paid in full. Regina said, "I did not have a car, and was able to borrow one for a short time, but not having a car was a work barrier. Without my car, I wouldn't have been able to stay with my company during their move to Fife."

Regina said, "The foundation that Orion built allowed my confidence to grow. I look at this as a new chapter in my life, and to the challenges that will come, I now confidently say 'Bring it' because I am ready!"



 

 Leighton pictured.
 
Leighton  came to Orion Industries, Mukilteo, through the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Leighton is a 2016 high school graduate, and wanted to gain exposure to a production environment.  

Recently, he was able to explore what a position in the manufacturing field might look like through completing a community assessment at Orion's Mukilteo facility, working in the bond shop. The bond shop requires focus, attention to detail, and the ability to meet quality expectations within an expected time period.

Leighton quickly learned his role, and performed quality work, according to his trainer. It is evident that Leighton takes pride in the work he produces, striving to meet and exceed his supervisor's expectations.

Leighton likes being able to support team goals by performing tasks independently; he likes putting his undivided attention into projects to maintain a solid workflow. Working with his hands, performing physical tasks, and performing repetitive tasks where he can get into a rhythm is important to him in the work place. Of his time working at Orion he said, "Everybody helped me learn and feel welcome. I liked having my trainer check my work to ensure I had the tasks down. It was a positive experience getting feedback to know I was doing my job to the quality level required by the customer."  

Leighton is looking to join the workforce in an entry level, full time position doing manufacturing or warehouse work. He  has a flexible schedule and can work any shift; though his ideal shift would be early morning/day shift, in Everett or the surrounding area. He's a bright young man, eager to find a good fit where he can learn, grow, and make a positive contribution.

If you are interested in learning more about Leighton or would like to see his resume, call Jenny Son at 425-355-1253 ext. 229, or email Jenny at jenny.son@orionworks.org.   


Orion partnering with United Way's Free Tax Campaign


 
Orion and United Way are partnering once again for United Way's Free Tax Preparation Campaign! Anyone that earned less than $64,000 in 2016 is eligible for this FREE service. Last year, the campaign helped file over 21,000 tax returns, bringing $29.1 million back to the community in tax refunds!

Orion's site will remain open to provide Free Tax Preperation until Thursday, April 20th.

Orion Industries
1590 A Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002

Site schedule
Mon: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

To locate other sites near you, or if you have questions about eligibility or what documents to bring, visit United Way's website at:

If you are interested in volunteering please visit United Way's website at:  www.uwkc.org/taxvolunteer   


Orion classes available!

Orion contracts with companies around the King and Pierce County area to provide classes, such as blueprint reading. Companies can send their staff to Orion for classes at our facility, or we can send our instructors on-site. If you're interested in finding out more about how this can benefit your staff, please contact Orion's Training Program Manager, Cynthia Kim, at 253-661-7805.

 


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 $10 for class attendance.
  • Our Contact Center Training Program offers three paid training opportunities: Inbound Customer Service, Front Desk / Reception and Document Conversion training. Participants can come for a variety of reasons including assessment or skills training. While some programs offer cohort enrollment, most positions enroll weekly. Pretesting may be a requirement and will be coordinated during program tour.
  • Contact Center Training Program Flyer 
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.


2017 Innovation Award

 Orion selected as Innovation Award winner.

Orion Industries is proud to be selected by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a recipient of the 2017 Innovation Award in the Nonprofit category.

To learn about this award and the companies that were selected in the other categories please follow the link below:


Orion Employer Networking Event 2017

 Orion staff and area employers at Orion's Employer Networking Event. Photo courtesy of Brian Berend.

Orion held its Employer Networking Event on Thursday, January 26th, 2017.

The event was held at Orion's Auburn facility.

This event was an opportunity for Orion to celebrate area employers. Representatives of area employers were able to tour Orion, learn about our training programs, and network with each other. The event was attended by 65 people, from 40 different companies, and resulted in 11 on the spot interviews with participants in our training programs.


Multicare's No. 1 Agent for Q4 2016

 Maria Cantor at Orion Industries, Auburn.

Orion Contact Center Services staff member Maria Cantor works on the Multicare contract, among others. Maria was rated the top agent during the fourth quarter of 2016, across the entire Multicare Access Center.

Maria achieved the following marks:
97.2% Schedule Adherence
99.8% Wrap Up Code Usage
100% 1st Contact Resolution
100% Quality

Congratulations Maria!


Internal Audit Team

 Orion's Internal Auditing Team.

Introducing Orion's Internal Auditing Team, pictured from left to right: Brian Erickson, Kendra Jay, Joanna Boatwright, Robin Hurley-Skinner, Deanne Ouger, Juan Castaneda, and Paul Binford (not pictured). 

The work this team does supports Orion's AS9100/ISO 9001 Certification and identifies not only areas for improvements in Orion's Quality Management Systems, but more importantly how Orion conforms. 

The Internal Audit Team works diligently to support Orion's continued success.


Orion links
 
Orion Industries, Auburn
1590 A Street NE
Auburn, WA 98002
Orion Industries, Mukilteo
13008 Beverly Park Rd
Mukilteo, WA 98275