Outcomes & Impact
By The Numbers
- Sheltered workshops in Oregon reduced by 75% (from 44 to 11)
- Individuals in sheltered workshops reduced by 85% (from 1,926 to 296)
- Sub-minimum wage employment reduced by 77% (from 2,425 to 551)
- Supported Employment increased by 162% (from 577 to 1,509 individuals)
- 80 jobs secured in Phase 1 and 73 jobs in Phase 2 through provider support
Key Outcomes
- Oregon fully closed its last sheltered workshop following the project
- Oregon has since eliminated sub-minimum wage employment
- Providers significantly improved their capacity to recruit, train, and retain employment staff
- Accelerated onboarding timelines for employment specialists, increasing system efficiency and impact
What People Said
- “Without the on-the-ground coaching I do not believe we would have been as successful.”
— Alternative Services, Inc.
- “Some of the most helpful strategies were active listening, mentoring and brainstorming ideas on how to overcome obstacles, deal with change, and sharing examples of how others have made the transition into community based services.”
— Exceed Enterprises
- “Without the T/TA support, our ability to recruit, hire and train Employment Specialists and Job Coaches would have been much more difficult... Now, we have been able to onboard and train new staff so they are productive within 60 days.”
— MV Advancements
This project has concluded, but the Oregon Transformation model can be adapted to support large-scale employment system change in other states and communities.
Interested in learning more?
States and provider organizations interested in similar work can explore partnerships to support transitions away from facility-based services and toward inclusive employment models. Reach out to Robyn Slocom to explore opportunities!