The following is from Ryan Huff, WorkSource Oregon Reentry Specialist:

I initially met “Rudy” on October 31st (Halloween) at DRCI to complete his initial registration and develop a plan to proceed with for the next couple months prior to his release date. Rudy immediately demonstrated a level of enthusiasm, follow-through and passion for moving forward. He was a “model student” from day one and never missed a single day of open lab. He was gracious, enthusiastic and helpful with all of us, including the other AIC’s attending open lab with us. Rudy knew the challenges ahead of him, but kept a positive mindset and expressed interest in finding “anything” that would allow him a starting point. He had a manufacturing background, and his hope was to return to manufacturing or warehouse work. I encouraged Rudy to connect with Changing Patterns, and he utilized the Inside Out website to connect with Frank.

Changing Patterns drove Rudy back to Bend and provided him with a care package, including a backpack, toiletries and a temporary phone. Rudy was eager to get things started as soon as he was released, so he met with me and Andrew for his in-person Community Case Manager meeting at the Bend WorkSource two days after his release. We updated his information to include his new phone number, and I helped him update his resume, tailor it to apply for warehouse positions, and provided a handful of paper copies. We checked his iMS Profile and there were several job matches for him to apply for, and I also gave him a list of a few background friendly employment leads for him to also consider applying for. We then introduced Rudy to Shannon Houston, Worksource Bend STEP Coach. Shannon was able to introduce the STEP program to Rudy, and she scheduled him for a STEP Orientation on 11/26.

Rudy is currently houseless, but he was able to purchase a vehicle a week after his release with help of saving the money he earned while working in prison, so he has been using his vehicle to stay in, which is allowing him to save enough money to hopefully obtain affordable housing in the near future, and he is currently on the waiting list for an opening. Throughout this transition, Rudy has demonstrated incredible strength and resiliency to maintain a positive outlook and look towards a bright future ahead.

Rudy had a virtual interview with FedEx after his STEP appointment and received a call from Mission Linen to confirm an interview with them the next day. I prepped Rudy prior to his meeting, as I was familiar with the employer, and their interview process.

Rudy’s interviews at FedEx and Mission Linen both went well, and he received a job offer for both positions. Rudy chose Mission Linen, primarily because he felt the Manager was especially understanding and supportive of his situation, the benefit package was great, the schedule was flexible around his mandatory appointments with his PO Officer and ultimately felt that it was a better fit for him. He was also told that they promote from within, and believed with hard work that he would benefit from this in the future. The employer provided shirts and the STEP program was able to assist with purchasing some work boots and pants to prepare him for his first day of work on December 2nd (1st day of work was 13 days after his release date). Rudy contacted Shannon shortly after to report that the employer has recognized his work ethic and is happy with his performance. He then reported to Shannon that he decided to interview for a second position to continue saving funds needed to move forward and was hired by Wendy’s on 1/15/25.

Through the STEP Program, Shannon was able to help Rudy “significantly” with support services. Shannon helped Rudy with his phone bill, fuel assistance, work pants and boots, personal clothing items and support for laundry.

Rudy has continued to express his thanks and gratitude to Shannon for all the dedication and work she has provided him, and the reentry team who gave him the hope and reason to believe in himself.