b'READ MOREEMPLOYMENTPutting New Strategies to WorkCCCs Employment Access Center serves clients with barriers to employment, including limited or no work history, mental health or substance use disorders, chronic health concerns, criminal justice issues and histories of homelessness. And that work continued via technology, creativity and community partnerships, even as Oregons unemployment rate soared during the pandemic.CCC deepened partnerships with regional organizations such as Worksystems, Inc., and provided our clients with financial assistance to stay housed and continue job searches or work from home. We also began the Community Opportunity and Economic Program as part of a regional effort to increase diversity and equity in the construction workforce by recruiting BIPOC, low-income individuals and women into the trades.CCC often hires past clients to fulfill our mission; more than 40% of our staff are former clients.'