CCC’s podcast, They Are Us: Breaking Through Stigma, continues to shed light on the realities of homelessness and substance use in Portland, featuring voices from people in recovery and frontline experts. Hosted by Juliana Lukasik, CCC’s Public Affairs Director, the series challenges stigma by sharing stories and professional insights on the complex paths to healing and stability.
As episodes air, they will be available on our Podcast page!
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Listen to Episode 7
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Episode 7 Summary
In this episode of They Are Us, host Juliana explores the transformative power of employment in the recovery journey. Employment isn’t just a next step; it’s often the foundation for stability, dignity, and hope. Juliana is joined by Carla Kostek, a program specialist at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), and Louis Reyes, a former CCC client and current employee, whose personal recovery story brought him full circle from client to colleague.
Together, their stories offer a look into the systems, support, and human relationships that help individuals in recovery find purpose, stability, and a path forward through employment.
A System That Opens Doors
Carla Kostek shares how IRCO’s partnership with CCC’s Employment Access Center provides accessible, wraparound support for people working to re-enter the workforce. From resume building to job training scholarships, Carla’s role is all about removing barriers and connecting clients to opportunities that match their goals. She highlights how important it is to make employment services visible, collaborative, and welcoming—especially for people rebuilding their lives.
From Recovery to Rebuilding
Louis Reyes first came to CCC through Hooper Detox, unsure if recovery was possible. After completing treatment and joining CCC’s recovery mentor program, he found stability through structure and purpose. Employment gave him something to work toward, and over time, his path led him to a role supporting others facing similar challenges. Today, as an employment specialist, Louis helps people navigate the same systems that once helped him. He sees his work as a way to give back and be present for others in the moments that matter most.
More Than a Paycheck
Carla and Louis represent two ends of the same support system—one designing access, the other walking the path. Their conversation reinforces a powerful truth: employment services are more than job placement. They are a bridge to recovery, stability, and self-worth. By investing in employment as an intervention, organizations like CCC and IRCO are helping people not only survive but thrive.
Listen to the seventh episode here and stay tuned for more honest stories and discussions that break stigma and foster understanding of homelessness and substance use disorders in our community.
