Orion's July 2018 eNewsletter
 
 









Tricha, Orion Supported Employee (center), with Lacie Marsh Carroll, Malicious Women Candle Co. owner (left), and Christen Diamond, Orion Employment Consultant (right).

Tricha   

Serendipity can be a magical thing. As an Orion Supported Employee, Tricha has been working with Christen Diamond, her Orion Employment Consultant, on conquering her fears, and has found her voice and power in the process. Tricha now works at the Malicious Women Candle Co., helping with the production and packaging process. A central theme at the Malicious Women Candle Co. is empowerment, and the job is a perfect fit for Tricha.

Producing the candles is a hands-on process, and Tricha starts by preparing and centering the wicks before the candles are poured. Tricha related, "I was scared when I first started, and I didn't think I could do this job because I didn't know what to do, but Christen helped me to not give up. They taught me step-by-step, and I became more comfortable each day."

Christen explained, " As Tricha learned and established a comfort zone, she was able to expand to perform more jobs. In addition to helping with the production process Tricha also adds the company branding to their packaging materials and gift bags. Tricha is becoming more independent; she won't give up, and she advocates for herself more!"

Lacie Marsh Carroll, the Malicious Women Candle Co. owner, said, "Tricha fits right in and is part of the team. She works hard and brings a unique perspective. Tricha hasn't missed a scheduled day of work, and we know we can count on her. She lifts us up!"

Tricha said, "I'm glad I'm working here, and I'm proud of the job I'm doing!"

Congratulations Tricha!

Visit the Malicious Women Candle Co. website:



 

 Chris, Orion Program Participant.

As someone who has always been fascinated by aircraft, Chris spent a fair amount of time building model planes while growing up. He even considers the plane ride he took when younger to be the best part of his trip to Disney World.

The Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) recommended Orion's Manufacturing Assessment and Training Program to Chris, who then came for an individual tour to see what the program would be like. Chris liked what he saw and signed up for Orion's paid training.  He is currently enrolled at our Mukilteo location, and he marvels at the fact that he is learning how to fabricate and assemble real aerospace parts that will be going onto new planes.

"Working with a mentor at Orion has been helpful, and very good for me!" Chris exclaimed. "My mentor works with me and helps me understand the expectations, what to do, and how to do it. He shows me how to do something once or twice, and by the third time I have it down. I enjoy the repetitive hands-on nature of the work, and that I have help when learning something new!"

Orion's training program focuses on both the technical and soft skills needed to perform a job in a competitive market. While Chris is learning technical skills, he is also gaining confidence in himself. Chris was shy at first, but can now easily speak with co-workers. He has received good feedback on the work he is doing. He knows that he is part of the team, and that the work he is doing is appreciated.

Chris stated, "I tell my family and friends about the important work I do. I really enjoy working in Mechanical Assembly, and I'm proud of the job I do. I really want to thank the mentors who helped me!"

Chris has received training in Bonding, Kitting, Inventory with experience in cycle counting, and Mechanical Assembly. He is hoping to find employment in Mechanical Assembly so that he can continue working in aerospace manufacturing. If you would like to learn more about Chris, or if you would like to see his resume, please contact Lavada Kindle at 253.661.7805 x262 or email her at 
lavada.kindle@orionworks.org.

Meet a Mentor - Erin Mezek

Erin Mezek, Customer Service Mentor (left) with Chris (right), a participant working in reception at Orion's front desk.
By Josh Nelson 

Award winning mentorship is more than just a job, it's a lifestyle.

Meet Erin Mezek. Erin is a Multi-Service Specialist at Orion, she runs the front desk and has been a mentor at Orion Industries since the fall of 2011. Although her duties are many, varied, and vast, she still considers mentoring to be the most important and fulfilling job here at Orion.

Mentoring is so critical to Erin's life that she has extended it into her home life as well; for several years, Erin has been a volunteer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. She has served in many roles with that organization, including Chapter President, and now serves as the current Chief of Staff. 

"I was born into it really," Erin explained. "My dad was a member and when I came of age it seemed like the natural choice. And my current role as Chief of Staff really ties in perfectly with my work here at Orion."

Erin provides encouragement at both Orion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars through guidance, understanding, and most of all, patience.

"Patience is key," she said. "And I think it's important to note that if something goes wrong, it's okay. It's fixable. And having patience helps keep that mindset." 

It's not just patience that leads to success in the mentoring process, Erin believes that she has the support of everyone else at Orion. From the staff members in Training & Employment to the manufacturing floor and the Contact Center, everyone at Orion is here to lend a helping hand. 

"There's always someone willing to help and support any and all of my participants as they work or if they make it down to the shop floor, and that's really a key part of working at Orion."

Being the first contact for anyone at Orion has its own unique set of challenges, on top of mentoring.

"You have to be ready for anything; there's never really a predictable day. The front desk is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get," Erin said with a laugh.

It is Erin's work ethic and her desire to help people that have made her a success at Orion, and although she said that her greatest reward is seeing Orion's program participants move on to success, Erin's work deserves recognition.

And it is little surprise that she was very recently the recipient of Orion's Quarterly Staff Values Award. Erin goes above and beyond to demonstrate and support Orion's mission and the ICARE values. 

Erin's life, both within and outside of Orion, seems geared towards mentoring and lending a helping hand to those who need it most. Erin said, "I wish every program participant could see the potential that I see in each and every one of them."


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.


John Theisen and Kathy Powers Recognized by REDF

Pictured left to right: John Theisen, Jeff Bergquist, Nicole Simoneaux and Kathy Powers.
John Theisen, Orion's President & CEO, and Kathy Powers, Orion's Vice President of Services, were recognized by REDF for their leadership and involvement with Orion for more than ten years while progressing the field as social enterprise pioneers!

REDF Retreat Tour
John Theisen (standing left) and Kristina Pressley (standing right), give a presentation to REDF Retreat Tour attendees.

Orion was happy to tour attendees of the REDF Retreat, at our Auburn location, on June 14th.

The REDF retreat was hosted in Seattle and attendees were representatives from their portfolio of social enterprises, accelerator program and Farber interns. 

Orion's staff were thrilled to demonstrate how we have a positive impact on our community!

To learn more about REDF visit their website:


Blood Drive

Pictured from left to right: Shawn Swift, Jeff Wold, Chris Brown and Jason Person.
 
Orion Industries, Auburn, participated in a blood drive with Cascade Regional Blood Services on Friday, 6/8. Those who donate are considered silent heroes as each donation can potentially save the lives of up to six people.

If you would like to learn more, or would like to find out how you can also donate and be a silent hero, please visit the Cascade Regional Blood Services website:

http://www.crbs.net/

Strikes for Kids 2018

Pictured from left to right:  Nate Thomas, Mandi Magers Cuddeback, Walter Jones and Rodney Goodwin . 
 
Members of Orion's Belters bowling team participated in the Strikes for Kids bowling tournament, hosted by Seattle Seahawk Walter Jones, on Saturday, June 2nd.

The tournament benefited a children's back pack giveaway program. To learn more visit their website:


Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound

Pictured 2018 Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound graduates, with Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus (6th from left).
 
Kristina Pressley, Orion staff member, graduated from the Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound, at a ceremony presided over by Auburn Mayor, Nancy Backus, at Green River College, on June 19th. 

The program helps leaders at all levels connect the dots on how the public and private sectors work together to design the future of the region, while focusing on enriching personal and professional development and leadership skills. 

Congratulations to Kristina, and all of the program graduates!


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