Contact: Shawn Uhlman, PDC, 503-823-7994

February 24, 2014

On Tuesday, February 25 at 1:00 pm, workforce development provider SE Works will celebrate its newly expanded WorkSource Portland Metro-SE Center at 7916 SE Foster Road with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. A Community Livability Grant from the Portland Development Commission enabled the 4,000 square foot expansion.

Since 2010, PDC has provided $163,726 in grants to assist SE Works, creating larger and more efficient space, adding programs, and growing employment from 15 to 40, making the agency one of the largest nonprofit employers in SE Portland. So far this year SE Works WorkSource Portland Metro-SE has enrolled 3,295 customers, attracted 18,686 job seeker visits and drawn 3,163 workshop attendees.

Holly Whittleton, SE Works Executive Director, said, “Our staff and customers love the beautiful new space, the air quality, the light and the colors and comment on how nice it is to work here. The support PDC provides not only benefits these individuals and their families, it enriches our community and provides employers with a talented and culturally competent labor force.”

PDC Executive Director Patrick Quinton said, “We’re delighted to celebrate SE Works’ expansion of the WorkSource Center, which is part of a larger revitalization effort around 82nd Avenue and Foster that has stimulated other building renovations and attracted new businesses to the area.”

SE Works WorkSource Portland Metro-SE provides employment services for a high poverty community, reaching unemployed individuals looking for work; young adults ages 18-24 who have been involved in the justice system; and offering services for adult reentry; and for immigrants and refugees who need their credentials evaluated so that they can return to their professional occupations from their home country.

PDC’s Community Livability Grant program fosters vibrant and healthy neighborhoods within the Interstate Corridor, Lents Town Center and Gateway Regional Center Urban Renewal Areas. Grants are for real property improvements to public facilities and neighborhood and cultural amenities that meet the needs and honor the diversity of area residents.