8th annual Work Connections Breakfast Benefits Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center

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2016 Work Connections Breakfast – Thank You!

POIC + RAHS is committed to the future success of at-risk youth through the age of 25, by providing the highest quality services in education, mentoring, family outreach, employment training and placement.

We’d like to thank you for making our 8th annual Work Connections Breakfast a great success! We were joined by more than 250 business and community leaders, educators, policymakers, alumni and students, in support of providing workforce opportunities and training for youth of color and those living in poverty.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Joy DeGruy, explained that research shows relationships are the key to changing outcomes and behavior.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” -Dr. Joy DeGruy

We had the privilege of honoring the dedication of our employment and training partners, and the achievements of our youth trainees with the presentation of our CARE(connected, accountable, responsible, and educated) Awards.

• The CARE Advocate Award was presented to the Boise Business & Youth Unity Project (BBYUP): Philip Stanton, owner of Mississippi Pizza; Bryan Steelman, owner of ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria; and Bryan and Colin McLean for supporting paid internships.
• The CARE Role Model Award was given to three POIC trainees – Andre Bowen-Wells, Kiara Chavez, and Kristina Rosling for their extraordinary growth, achievments, and commitments to the future success of their peers. We are so proud of these young adults!
• The CARE Leader Award was presented to Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, whose active participation in youth workforce development and gang intervention has opened the doors to success and new horizons for youth citywide.

A special thanks to Master of Ceremonies, Jamieson Grabenhorst of CGC Financial Services, LLC, and Michael Holton of State Farm Insurance and announcer for the Portland Trail Blazer’s, for giving the special appeal and encouraging us to slow down and think about how much we have to share with others.

“You can’s see your reflection through running water.” – Michael Holton

This event was made possible through the generous support of our presenting sponsors Ernst & Young LLP, Heather Killough, and Providence Health Services, and the following: