I was hired immediately with one of OJ's job leads!

"When the COVID pandemic hit, my husband lost overtime hours at work. With my classes on hold and his reduced hours, I was starting to worry." Opportunity Junction staff stepped up to help CNA (certified nursing assistant) students gain employment even amidst this crisis. Less than four weeks of training and a certification test —that is all that was left of Andrea's intensive training program to become a Certified Nursing Assistant when the COVID pandemic shut down Contra Costa County

Read more: May 2020 Featured Student: Andrea Higgins

On April 25, 2020 Opportunity Junction hosted their 20th Anniversary Imagine Gala, only this time, it was virtual! The event was a roaring success, bringing in over $121,000 for Opportunity Junction programs and services. The funds raised from this annual event are more critical now than ever.

Read more: Celebrating 20 Years of Roaring Success

The needs of the job seekers and alumni we serve at Opportunity Junction didn't shut down on March 16th, and neither did we. Staff members are offering relief to those hit hardest, thanks to our supporters' generosity, while pivoting to remote program delivery.

Read more: No Such Thing as a Shutdown

We are proud and grateful to announce the following new grants and funding partnerships:

Anonymous Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation: The Anonymous Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation issued an unrestricted grant to support Opportunity Junction's programs. The East Bay Community Foundation partners with donors, social movements, and the community to eliminate structural barriers, advance racial equity, and transform political, social, and economic outcomes for all who call the East Bay home.

Read more: New Grants

We are happy to announce we will be pivoting our traditional gala to an exciting virtual experience!

What does that mean? You can Celebrate 20 Years of Roaring Success from the comfort of your own home. We will incorporate an online auction, a paddle raise, and some of your favorite annual Imagine Gala components.

Read more: The Gala Goes Virtual

Message from Alissa Friedman, President and CEO:

I send you my best wishes during this medical and economic crisis. We surveyed recent graduates of our employment programs this week, and the responses broke my heart. More than half were struggling. Many had lost hours or been laid off entirely. Some were at risk of losing their housing. Others were concerned about the health of vulnerable loved ones.

Read more: Opportunity Junction’s Role in Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis

Shirley Marshall: "OJ gave me the confidence to say, ‘I can do this.’"

Shirley Marshall was 23 years old when she first heard about Opportunity Junction. Like many young adults today, Shirley finished high school adrift, disillusioned, and unsure about the right next steps for her.

"I was a good student through elementary and middle school,” Shirley shares, “but things changed when I started high school. I ended up graduating from a continuation school a year late. Shirley continues, “I felt like I was drifting, doing only the bare minimum, and waiting to get out of the system. When I graduated, I just stayed home. For three years, I lived in my house in a state of depression. I felt like I had no skills and no plan. That time just blurs together and every minute of it was wasted." One day, Shirley decided it was time for something different.

Read more: March 2020 Featured Alumni: Shirley Marshall

We are proud and grateful to announce the following new grants and funding partnerships:

NRG Energy, Inc.: NRG Energy, Inc. renewed its support for Bay Point and Pittsburg residents participating in our Administrative Careers Training Program. NRG operates the Marsh Landing Generating Station near Antioch; their positiveNRG program strengthens communities by investing in the places where they do business.

Read more: New Grants

Opportunity Junction is offering no cost income tax preparation in our Antioch office. Community members can sign up on our website for Friday evening or Saturday morning sessions between now and April 11th, 2020. Opportunity Junction’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)-certified team will walk you through the process to file your State and Federal income tax returns online.

Read more: Complete your Taxes FOR FREE: We Can Help!

Please join us in celebrating 20 years of roaring success at the 2020 Imagine Gala!

The funds raised from this annual event allow Opportunity Junction to fight poverty and build a stronger community by helping low income Contra Costa residents gain the skills and confidence to get and keep jobs that allow them to support themselves and their families.

Read more: Get Your Tickets for the 2020 Gala