On March 13, CCC was again proud to host our most recent class of Community Volunteer Corps (CVC) graduates!
CVC is a volunteer program giving individuals living in CCC housing the opportunity to build skills to ease their transition into the workforce. Participants build these skills by volunteering for non–profit organizations like Sunshine Division, Portland Parks & Recreation, Ronald McDonald House of Oregon and SW Washington and Free Geek. Volunteering gives participants an opportunity to build valuable “soft skills” that can be used on a resume while building self-confidence in a work environment.
“Some people may not know if they’re ready to work or if they even want to work,” says CVC Program Manager Jon Wall. “It’s a very low barrier running start into employment and an opportunity to give back to their community.”
CVC participants must complete 80 hours of volunteering and commit to one five hour shift a week. Their shift is scheduled around their treatment, attending meetings, outpatient schedules, working with DHS and other obligations.
“CVC and CCC man, probably the best decision I’ve made in the last twenty years of my life. When I got in here it was work, home, drunk, sleep. If it wasn’t for you guys I probably wouldn’t have changed.”
– Titus F., CVC Graduate
“When I first came to CVC and the recovery mentor program, I came off the street and I was basically in the gutters and drinking my life away. I was estranged from my family. Though CVC I found out I could be useful again and for that I will be forever grateful.”
– Adam W., CVC Graduate
Once someone graduates from CVC, they can begin to work with an employment specialist from CCC’s Employment Access Center, who offers job coaching, skills training, resume and cover letter building and help with obtaining a job.
Over 46 graduates received certificates from CVC Liaison Chelsea Donnor [pictured on left] who a little over a year ago found herself going through CCC’s Hooper Detox Center for the third time in one month. Now, Chelsea finds herself providing life-changing support to CVC participants as a Community Service Liaison.
Chelsea explains, “CVC taught me the basic life skills like being a good employee and showing up on time but the gift of it was the relationships I built with my peers.” She has been honored to help guide and watch this group of participants grow through CVC.
“Seeing you guys come in from Hooper, from jail, from off the streets…seeing that spark and that light come. There’s ups and downs but seeing the way you handle it is amazing. Seeing you guys face challenges together is the most beautiful thing.”
