Orion's April 2017 eNewsletter
 
 





 

 Nzola at work on Orion's Auburn production floor.
 
Nzola  came to the Orion Manufacturing Training Program through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Nzola needs a job that will allow him to sit/stand and move around.

Nzola has 20 years of experience working as a nurse in Angola, and speaks several languages including French, Portuguese, Swahili, and several other African dialects. Nzola has worked as a phone translator for a Salt Lake City company, and has a goal of eventually working as a medical translator so that he can continue to help people. DVR is working with Nzola to get him in some college level classes with the goal of improving his English skills to the point where being a medical translator can become a reality.
Nzola recently relocated to Washington State and is in the Orion training program to assist in his transition to work. Nzola knows that earning a good job will allow him to afford an apartment, car, and cover other living expenses. It will also make attending classes feasible, so that he can achieve his goal of becoming a medical translator. 

While with Orion, Nzola has received paid training in the packaging and clamp block assembly production areas. These areas favored Nzola because they offer seated work with some movement. Nzola has proven himself to be a model worker, and has excellent attendance, having not missed any days or time.

Nzola said, "Orion let me feel comfortable, and I was never nervous about learning new skills. I know now that if I'm shown what needs to be done I can do the work. I have learned more than I could have ever imagined at Orion, and what I've learned is helping me to build a new life."

Currently, Nzola hopes to find an employer that will give him an opportunity to use the skills he learned at Orion. He is looking for a day or swing shift position that will give him the flexibility to take college classes. If you are interested in learning more about Nzola or would like to see his resume, call Cathy Wegner at 253-661-7805, or email Cathy at cathy.wegner@orionworks.org.



 

 Teo at work in Orion's Auburn Finish Cell.
 
Teo  was referred to Orion's Auburn location to participate in the Manufacturing Training Program and job placement services.

Teo was nervous and shy when he first started in Orion's Manufacturing Training Program. English is a second language for Teo, and his English skills are not strong yet. As a result Teo felt that communication might be a barrier. In each production area where Teo received training, his mentors would explain the various jobs while demonstrating what to do step-by-step. Teo was able to learn by watching the steps, and was able to show that he retained what he learned from one project to the next. 
One of Teo's mentors, Hector, speaks Spanish. Hector was able to provide additional details and instruction for Teo. This helped Teo improve on the solid foundation of skills that he was building through the training program.

Teo's work ethic earned him Orion's Worker of the Month award for October, 2016. Teo was nominated by his co-workers who commented, "Teo is noticed by many people as focused, diligent and patient in his work. He is helpful to everyone around him and always takes the initiative to do cleaning and upkeep."

Teo said, "There are good people working at Orion, and I have learned a lot from them. I enjoyed clamp block assembly and working in the finish cell, and I feel that I can excel at this type of work. Orion has been a good experience for me."

If you are interested in learning more about Teo or would like to see his resume, call Tamie Clark at 253-661-7805, or email Tamie at 


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 who 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 Wednesday, April 19th.

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.


Orion Featured in REDF Made Video

 Orion's Auburn production floor.

Orion Industries is featured in the final installment of the Made video series created by REDF. The Made video series profiles several innovative nonprofit organizations and the positive impacts that they have on their communities. REDF provides seed money, growth capital, and specialized advisory services, and uses the Made video series to demonstrate the community value of each company.

To view the Orion Made video please follow the link below:

To view other Made videos please follow the link below:


Snohomish County Transition Fair

 Pictured from left to right: Carl Nelson, Jenny Son, Daryle Sullivan, Christen Gray, and Kearsha Garner.

Orion's Mukilteo employment staff participated in the Snohomish County transition fair on Tuesday evening (3/28). The transition fair provides information and resources to community residents and is supported by the State of Washington Developmental Disabilities Administration, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Snohomish County. 


Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Fun Run

 Pictured is former Orion staff member, Joanna Boatwright (left), Orion staff member and Wellness Committee Chair, Liz Hickman (right), and Liz's daughter, Elle (middle)

Orion Wellness Committee members participated in the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k fun run at Seattle Center on Sunday, March 5th. The event benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities. 

To learn more about the Hot Chocolate 15k event follow the link: 


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