Orion's May 2015 eNewsletter
 
 








Pearl, Orion Manufacturing Training Program Graduate, at Orion Industries.
 
Pearl         

 

Pearl opted for early retirement after struggling with orthopedic issues that resulted from an injury. After several years in retirement her daughter and grandson needed financial assistance and Pearl wanted to be able to help them.

 

Pearl joined Orion in 2012, motivated by her family's needs. Pearl wanted to determine if it was physically possible for her to work again. Once Pearl started in the Orion Manufacturing Training Program she found that getting back out into her community was the best choice she had made in years. She found the challenge of being in the shop was just what she needed to prove to herself she was physically capable of working again.

 

Pearl also realized that finding and winning a job had changed significantly since she last did a job search some 20 years ago. Orion helped her update her job skills, resume, and interview skills. Orion's job developers also helped with job placement services.

 

Pearl was offered a part time position with Plymouth Housing working at their transitional housing facility in Seattle. While at Orion Pearl said, "It was very motivating to be surrounded by other clients working hard to change their lives for the better." This reawakened a passion in her to help others work towards a brighter future. She found that Plymouth Housing let her build on her desire to help people.

 

Pearl has progressed to a full time Case Manager position for Plymouth Housing, and in 2014 she renewed her peer-counseling license with the State of Washington. Her daughter and grandson no longer require financial help, but she loves what she is doing and can't imagine retiring any time soon. "Doing what you love is the secret to staying young," Pearl explained.

 

Pearl understands Seattle's history and its current needs. She has a passion for change that inspires those around her. Her dedication as a proponent for stable and affordable housing for everyone in our community is contagious. Many people in our local region now benefit from having Pearl working as an advocate for their best interests.

 



 

   Dale at work on the Orion manufacturing floor.
 

Dale is a versatile guy. After a career in law enforcement, he became a realtor for several years and now is training in Orion's manufacturing program as he heads in yet another direction.

 

Dale has tried his hand at several of our work cells including grommet building, clamp block building, deburring, blank press, part marking, inventory and shears. While Dale did well in each of these areas, he most enjoys mechanical assembly. In this area he has learned bonding, countersinking, rivet squeezing, and drill press operation.

 

He has a basic understanding of blueprints, and can independently set up machines and perform jobs from beginning to end. His lead in Mechanical Assembly said, "Dale applies himself to his work with vigor and diligence."

 

If you are interested in connecting with this adaptable job candidate, you can reach him through his Job Developer, Barb Panush, at (253) 661-7805 ext. 246 or barb.panush@orionworks.org.

 


Program tours are available!

Orion currently has openings available in all of our training programs:
  • Our Manufacturing Training Program offers full time or part time paid training Monday - Friday. Participants can come for a variety of reasons including assessment or skills training. Enrollment occurs weekly.

2014 Results: We helped 77 individuals into jobs during 2014 through this program with an average wage of $11.96/hour! The average hours worked per week were 39, and almost all jobs included benefits!

 

If you are working with someone who would benefit from this training program, please have them attend our weekly tour - Tuesday at 1pm!

  • 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.

2014 Results: We helped 20 individuals from our Office Skills & Customer Service and Contact Center programs into jobs, with an average wage of $13.56/hour. The average hours worked per week were over 34 and all full time jobs included benefits.

 


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.


Community Employment Alliance Roast
  Marshmallow centerpiece from the Community Employment Alliance roast.

Orion's Vice President of Services, Kathy Powers, along with three others (Mike Hatzenbeler of Provail, Tom Gaulke of EnTrust and Jim Larson of Morningside) were roasted as outgoing board members of the Community Employment Alliance (CEA) on March 26th. 

The CEA is a statewide organization of employment providers that supports legislative advocacy as well as education and partnership for better employment outcomes for people with disabilities. 

Kathy was recognized by the CEA for supporting the development of a committee focused on encouraging partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation within the CEA as well as her ability to use her east coast communication style to get her point across .  

Learn more about the CEA  by following the link below:


Orion staff, family, and friends hike to Rattlesnake Ledge

   Orion Wellness Committee members with staff, family and friends at Rattlesnake Ledge.

 

Members of the Orion Wellness Committee led staff, family, and friends, on a hike to Rattlesnake Ledge on Saturday, April 18th, 2015.

 

Rattlesnake Ledge provides stunning views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding areas.

 

Orion staff member Jimmy Scott said, "The view from the top was breathtaking, but the proudest moment was being able to share it with co-workers, family and friends."

 

The weather was perfect and fun was had by all!



Orion links
 
Click on the links below to visit Orion's division websites:     
Orion Industries
1590 A St Northeast
Auburn, Washington 98002