“The best part of the program is the family, caring feeling from the WorkSource staff that they are there with you until you succeed. I was surprised to work with someone one-on- one to help me get things together. They helped me with funding to get a real career path going.”

Misty, WorkSource Rogue Valley

The job that I was doing was not available here in Southern Oregon. I was a healthcare worker for three decades. After COVID and changes in the healthcare industry, I could no longer stand to work in that field. I was burnt out completely.

I was trying to live off very low-paying service jobs. I needed a skilled trade that was in demand for Oregon, otherwise my option was to leave Southern Oregon and move to where industry has more opportunities.

At the time I decided to pursue a new career, I was serving biscuits and gravy, listening to truck drivers tell me their stories. I became absolutely interested when my store got a new female delivery driver who changed her life after earning her commercial drivers license (CDL). The CDL is one of the most versatile licenses that a working American can have – there are so many fields that a person can go into with being a CDL holder.

I came to WorkSource looking for better employment opportunities, apprenticeships, anything. I was so happy to have worked with some really professional, encouraging, and knowledgeable people at the Grants Pass

WorkSource center. The meetings I had with WorkSource staff really provided me with a clear direction in order to pursue my new career in transportation.

The best part of the program is seeing closed doors open and real-life barriers to better employment removed. It really gives a person with little or no opportunities hope.

I could absolutely not have pursued my CDL without WorkSource.

Misty is now employed as a Bus Driver in Southern Oregon.

Brenden, WorkSource Rogue Valley

“Before going to WorkSource, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted a career; one

that would give myself and my child stability! After I was trained, I accepted a job as a Monitor Technician at Asante Three Rivers Hospital. I am darn proud of myself! I now have a job that offers growth and can be a lifelong career. I am forever grateful to WorkSource for helping me accomplish my goals.”

Sarah, WorkSource Douglas

Congratulations to Sarah on joining the healthcare community as a newly certified Registered Nurse!

Sarah first engaged with WorkSource Douglas in August 2021, when she contacted the center to inquire about support with tuition for the Nursing program at Umpqua Community College (UCC). Sarah was scheduled for an appointment with her STEP coach, with whom she made a plan of next steps for her long-term career goal of becoming a Nurse.

Sarah worked diligently to complete the prerequisite coursework at UCC while beginning work as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in October of 2021.

Alongside her STEP coach, Sarah was able to receive support from the STEP program, including assistance with transportation, digital inclusion, textbooks and supplies, and tuition costs for coursework at both UCC and Eastern Oregon University (EOU).

With sustained support from STEP, Sarah was able to complete the requirements to apply for UCC’s Nursing program in the Spring of 2023. Her STEP coach ensured wraparound support by connecting her with UCC’s STEP program, which allowed Sarah to maintain progress toward her career goal while working and going to school. Sarah began the Nursing program in the Fall of 2023 and attended classes through June of 2025, at which point STEP services supported Sarah with the costs of testing and licensure fees.

Sarah completed the Nursing exam and obtained her license to practice, after which STEP supports ensured work attire as she began her new career.

As of July 2025, Sarah is employed as a Nurse with Mercy Hospital in Roseburg.

"The best part of STEP was working closely with my career coach because it made the process feel more personal. I feel that participating in STEP has enabled me to achieve the skills that I need to move forward in my medical career."

Charly, WorkSource Rogue Valley

“I have always wanted to work in the healthcare industry and wasn’t sure how to get started, while working and taking care of my kids. I am now working as a certified nursing assistant on the medical oncology floor, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to go to work every day!”

Sarah, WorkSource Gresham

Sarah first engaged with WorkSource Gresham in January 2025, after learning about STEP from another organization. At the time, Sarah was focused on pursuing her future career goals to provide a better future for herself.

When asked about her experience with WorkSource, Sarah said, “I was surprised at the help and financial assistance that was out there to help me go to school and get a job. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without WorkSource”.

One thing I learned from this experience is that if you are willing to put in the work on your part and with assistance from this program, you can have a future without financial difficulty. I feel excited to get out to work and use my skills. This program is life-changing. This is a new chapter in my book.

I am now working as a Sterile Processing Technician. I feel dedicated, empowered, and confident, like I am a contributing member of society.

The best part of the program was my mentor, Jennie. She was amazing! She truly cared about my future.

If I met someone in the same place I was before I worked with WorkSource, I would tell them to run with it to get help with obstacles that are hindering you from your future. If you want help, it’s there, even if you are single, with no kids, which has been a barrier in my past.

When asked how STEP services could improve, she said, “Keep doing what you are doing, changing one life at a time.”