Local Nonprofit’s Alumni Surpass $100 Million in Earnings

Contra Costa County, CA – Opportunity Junction recently celebrated a significant milestone for its program participants: the alumni have earned more than $100 million in combined income verified since graduating.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work our alumni have put in to make their families and our community stronger and more prosperous,” said Alissa Friedman, President and CEO. “I love it when alumni come in to tell us about a promotion or a new car or even a home purchase. These relationships mean so much to me.”

Opportunity Junction provides job training and placement programs that help participants launch administrative and health care careers. These programs are offered at no cost to low-income qualifying job seekers in Contra Costa County.

The Administrative Careers Training (ACT) and the Healthcare Career Pathway (HCP) programs offer classes three times a year, in January, May and September. The organization is now enrolling for its January classes.

The ACT program offers 12 weeks of full-time training in office computer applications, academic enhancement and life skills. Following training, students enter into a paid internship for up to four months. Case managers offer support, ensuring links to child care, health care, food, transportation and other essential services. Meanwhile, a licensed Opportunity Junction clinician provides therapy to address trauma and other issues that may hinder employment. Interns also engage in comprehensive career-building activities, including skills assessment, job search, resume and cover letter preparation, and interview practice.

Opportunity Junction’s HCP program begins with Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and provides wraparound services, along with a professional skills curriculum for those on the health care track. Students can enroll for courses either at Opportunity Junction’s Antioch site or in Concord with program partner Mt. Diablo Adult Education. Much like the ACT program, additional services include one-on-one case management, food and transportation support, job placement assistance, and professional skills development.

Both programs’ alumni services include ongoing career counseling and case management, helping alumni maintain employment, obtain a raise or promotion, and, if needed, search for new employment.

For more information, visit https://www.opportunityjunction.org/careers/administrative or https://www.opportunityjunction.org/careers/cna-training.

Interested job seekers can also attend drop-in information sessions, held every Monday at 10 a.m., at OJ’s Antioch office, 3102 Delta Fair Blvd.

For details, contact Annabelle Villanueva at [email protected].