ORION'S JUNE 2024 NEWSLETTER

Building Creative Partnerships

Orion accepts a donation of coats and clothes from FFNW Bank.

Thank You, First Financial Northwest Bank, for joining with us to make an impact on the lives of people facing barriers to employment. FFNW Bank hosted a coat drive during the chilly winter months to support our internal clothing bank. When we explained to Jay Townsend, Vice President of Community & Business Development at FFNW Bank that our clothing pantry was in desperate need of coats and jackets, he jumped in to help. And on a spring day in April, they literally delivered! We want to extend a huge thank you to all the individuals who donated coats and clothing to one of the banks seven branches so that our participants could easily access work-appropriate clothing and warm jackets. There are now enough jackets and coats to ensure that everyone will be protected from the elements when the weather turns rainy and cold again. We appreciate our community partners who are so committed to making a difference and we look forward to a long-lasting relationship with FFNW Bank.

We've been busy in 2024!

Over the past few months, our Training & Employment teams have been actively discussing our Theory of Change or Impact Statement. We've been asking deep questions about what we believe individuals gain from our programs and why. This process has led us to develop a new edition of our impact statement, with newly defined/refined outcomes from each program. In these discussions, we've found that individuals report a sense of empowerment and control in their own lives as a direct result of our programs and services. This is in addition to the support they receive towards achieving their goals, obtaining employment, building self-esteem, gaining skills, and reducing barriers. We are committed to continuing this work over the next few months, listening to our participants' experiences and using their feedback to further clarify our impact and improve our programs. 

Of course, a key outcome is getting and keeping employment. So, we'd like to say congratulations to the ten individuals who completed 90 days on the job and achieved stability during the last three months!

Stephanie, Past Orion Participant

Making Connections - Finding Success

Stephanie came to Orion at a time when she most needed our services. She recalls that "…[A]n employee of Orion knew a couple of men in transitional housing. I was working with Absolute Ministries, and the outreach coordinator at Orion contacted Absolute. The connection was made, and soon I began working with Orion as a participant in the program."

"I thought it was so cool! What an amazing place. I wished more companies would do stuff like this. It would be helpful to a lot of people who have come out of institutions and addictions—it gives you confidence and stability so you can continue going in the right direction. Just—wow!" 

The benefit of working with new mentors in each work area is not only learning new skills but also getting comfortable with multiple instructional styles and personalities. Stephanie recalled that her mentors were "Amazing. All of them patient, kind, and knowledgeable. I learned a lot from each one; each was different with their own style, and each was vital to my growth while at Orion." 

Stephanie recalls that the most significant skill she obtained while at Orion was the "on-the-job assembly." "It's hard to explain," she said. "I learned a lot of hands-on skills in mechanical and hydraulic assembly—they played into my current job. Being able to grasp the things they were teaching me added to my success [at my job], where I was eventually placed. I practice what I learned at Orion daily in my new position. One of the things I do—that I learned to master while at Orion—is problem-solving on the job. I have a job order, and I have to figure out the setup and the tooling I'm going to use and then get it done."

"Orion's mentors gave me the opportunity to work with the tools, and then discover the best practices to get the job done—through trial-and-error, and that was really helpful. Orion gave me the basic skills, and they allowed me to build on them. It was great to have support, not just as part of learning a new skill, but to have a safe place where I could get the emotional support I needed, all while getting the job done. This was a big transition in my life, and Orion was there."

The skills and experiences she gathered while at Orion are the same skills and experiences she brings to her street ministry. "It helps both in my ministry and my new job. I gained a lot from being at Orion. I couldn't have imagined how much that would help me."

"It was crazy how it all happened," Stephanie remarked. "I prayed for God to show me how to honor my mother and father, and gain a trade, all while helping others get past the things I've struggled with. It's an answer to a prayer. Now, at my new job, I'm equipped to be at work, provide for my family, and help people who are still feeling broken. With the money I make, I can save. And if I can save, I can help people. I get calls all the time from people who want to enter the program I went through, but getting a sponsor isn't easy. Someday, I can be that for someone." 

Stephanie's new job is going well, and the financial stability from consistent employment allows her to set new personal goals and plan for her future.

“As a Mentor in Mechanical Assembly, I try to impart the need for critical thinking. Sometimes there are several ways to accomplish a specific outcome and in our department, we try to find the way that works best for each individual. Its about using the strengths you have and recognizing areas that could use improvements.” 



– SHAWN // ORION MENTOR

INVESTING IN FUTURE CAREERS

Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance recently recognized Orion Industries for supporting their 2024 scholarship program. We are proud to support the next generation of aerospace workers, Dan and Nydjah.

Dan will complete their education at Everett Community College, enrolling in Mechatronics. Dan said "This scholarship is a very big help, not only for me but also to my family. It is very important to me because it helps me to continue my education and also achieve my goals and dreams after I graduate. And hopefully I can land a good job so that I can help my family financially."

Nydjah will complete their education at South Seattle College and will enroll in Aviation Maintenance A&P. Nydjah said "I feel inspired by large aircraft, and I have worked in business aviation for almost a decade. I got my start with UPS at Boeing Field doing ramp safety and weight & balance calculations for 757s and 747s. From there, I went on to work at a part 145 repair station doing the calculations to determine the cost of repairs for everything except powerplant. I have gained an appreciation for aviation maintenance and engineering roles, and I wanted to invest in myself and my son's futures."

Orion staff representing at PNAA Women in Aerospace Conference

Catalyzing Women in Aerospace

ORION JOINS PNAA IN CELEBRATING WOMEN IN AEROSPACE

Orion women joined the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) for its 11th Annual Women in Aerospace conference. The keynote speakers encouraged the women in the audience to be "Catalysts for Impact" by taking on challenges and accepting opportunities. 

Not only was the day full of inspiration and networking, but it was also an opportunity for our very own Sarah McKenna to take the stage. Sarah is Orion's Hydraulic Build Unit lead and will celebrate her tenth anniversary with Orion this July. At the conference, Sarah first tackled a common fear of public speaking when she told the story of her personal journey to hundreds of attendees. When she was nominated to speak at the event, she accepted that challenge and bravely joined a panel discussion. In keeping with the day's theme, she spoke of some of her past challenges and the obstacles she conquered to achieve her goals. Her message: "You're not the only one; you're not alone." 

This perspective shows in the work she does every day. Sarah's dedication to guiding and supporting others, letting them know their perseverance will pay off, is truly commendable. We celebrate Sarah's commitment to the Orion mission and are so proud of her accomplishments.

Orion is honored to be selected as Non-profit of the year 2024 by the Economic Alliance Snohomish County ambassadors, the volunteer branch of EASC. EASC creates economic growth and opportunities through leadership, collaboration, advocacy and support. As a countywide chamber and economic development organization, they encourage business, partnerships, jobs and growth by collaborating with stakeholders throughout the County.

Kate Mallahan, our Employment Case Manager, has enthusiastically represented Orion at EASC meetings for several years and shared that being selected as Nonprofit of the Year creates an exciting opportunity for her to educate more people about our mission. Much like EASC, Orion is focused on providing opportunities to work. We offer hope and create paths to employment through building esteem, mentoring training, education, community services and successful businesses. Thank you, EASC, for valuing and helping all individuals on their paths toward economic opportunities.

If you would like to provide opportunities to work, please donate to Orion now.