Meadowlark Employment Services

11/03/2025

Jana’s journey to success is nothing short of extraordinary. A proud nonbinary, trans individual originally from Iran, Jana’s life has been shaped by courage, resilience, and a deep commitment to building a better future—for themself and for others.

Forced to flee Iran due to persecution, Jana sought safety in Afghanistan. Tragically, while there, their brother was killed by the Taliban. In the face of unimaginable loss, Jana found strength and purpose, serving as an interpreter for the United States military. This role, though lifesaving for many, came with significant risk. As a result, Jana and their family were forced to leave once again—this time as refugees bound for the United States.

After years of determination and hard work, Jana proudly became a U.S. citizen. Eager to rebuild their life and contribute to their new home, they joined Meadowlark Employment Services’ STEP Program. There, Jana found a welcoming community and the guidance they needed to take their next professional steps.

With support from the STEP program, Jana became an unarmed security guard—marking a major milestone on their path toward a long-term dream: becoming a police officer. Recently, Jana passed their training to become an armed security guard, further proving their commitment and readiness to protect and serve.

Jana's story is one of strength in the face of adversity, and their future is bright. We at Meadowlark are proud to be part of their journey, and we look forward to seeing all that Jana will accomplish next.

10/15/2025

Jessica’s journey to meaningful employment was truly transformed by the partnership and encouragement of her job coach. She found that having a dedicated advocate to communicate her needs was instrumental in securing her position at Skinny's Texaco, where she has been a valued team member since April 2024.

With a job coach's guidance, Jessica felt she was able to master her tasks more effectively. Her favorite parts of the job are stocking merchandise and the convenience of being able to walk to work. The ongoing support has provided much-needed stability, ensuring her schedule remains consistent and respected—a challenge she faced in previous jobs. Jessica’s positive experience has not only brought her and her family happiness, but has also helped her build confidence and a greater sense of independence.

Jessica’s reliability and strong work ethic have not only made a difference in her daily routine but have also strengthened her sense of independence and belonging in the workplace. Her experience stands as a testament to how the right support and opportunity can unlock potential and deliver meaningful, lasting change.

10/03/2025

For more than twenty years, Robert faced barrier after barrier that kept him out of the workforce. During that time, he worked with several different Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs), but instead of feeling supported, Robert often felt ignored and overlooked. Each attempt left him more discouraged, and after so many setbacks, he began to believe that finding meaningful work might never happen for him.

That all changed in May of 2025, when Robert was introduced to Meadowlark Employment Services. From the very first meeting, he noticed something was different. Instead of feeling like just another case, he felt like a partner in the process. His Employment Coordinator (EC) took the time to sit down with him—not only to learn about his work history, but also to truly get to know him as a person. Together they talked about his strengths, his challenges, his interests, and even the types of environments where he might feel most comfortable and successful. For the first time in years, Robert felt heard.

Even though most of Robert’s work experience was more than two decades old, his EC helped him rebuild his confidence by creating a functional résumé that highlighted his abilities and past accomplishments. From there, they met regularly each week, sometimes in person and sometimes by phone, to keep the momentum going. Robert also practiced interview skills through mock interviews, receiving constructive feedback and encouragement after each one. His EC handled
the job search alongside him—helping to find opportunities, submit applications, and even coordinate interview scheduling—so that Robert never felt like he was navigating the process alone.

The consistent support paid off quickly. On July 7, 2025—just forty-seven days after beginning his journey with Meadowlark—Robert was hired at Albertsons as a Courtesy Clerk. After more than twenty years of unemployment, Robert finally had a job he could be proud of. Even more importantly, he found himself surrounded by a kind and supportive management team and a group of coworkers who welcomed him warmly.

Today, Robert’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and renewed hope. He has discovered not only meaningful employment but also a workplace where he feels valued and included. For Robert, this job is more than a paycheck—it’s proof that with the right support and partnership, barriers can be overcome and dreams can become reality.

09/15/2025

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, Oregon Department of Human Services is hosting a series of webinars. All three webinars are from noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom.

Oct. 7: Beyond the Classroom: Celebrating Work-Based Learning (presented by Vocational Rehabilitation Youth Services and Oregon Commission for the Blind)
Oct. 14: Building Financial Futures: Work and Save With Oregon ABLE and EPD (presented by Oregon State Treasury, ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities and ODHS Office of Developmental Disabilities Services Employment Services team)
Oct. 28: Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Employment (presented by Living Opps, Community Vision, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the ODHS Office of Developmental Disabilities Services Employment Services team).

Register at https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/dwkSTTQwQFa-3jNF9hgwEQ #/registration

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2025

This month three of our amazing staff members are celebrating their work anniversaries with Meadowlark Employment Services!

Ruth Corbin in our Boise office has been with our organization for a year, and Chris Ensley and Christina Robideau in Portland have worked for us for 12 and 14 years, respectively!

Congrats all and thank you for the incredible work you do every day!

08/14/2025

Do you know a self-advocate whose efforts have improved their own employment, the employment of Oregonians with disabilities or both? Nominate them for the Oregon Department of Human Services Ross Ryan Self-Advocacy Employment Award!

To be considered for the award, the person must have an intellectual or developmental disability, be a resident of Oregon, and have competitive integrated employment (CIE).

Nominations are due by Sept. 12, and the winner will be announced Oct. 2 during the Oregon Employment First Summit.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6GOOZTmNnEmPSBOtyUUvTAnCdJ8nk79Hg7sqqbVs9mtUOU5PWExWNVVYOFFMRzAxTlZPWEQzVEoxSS4u

08/05/2025

Love this story and will be keeping our eyes out for these buses!

North Pole Studio members often use the TriMet Lift buses now covered in their work.

07/24/2025

Feedback is very important to us, and we take it seriously. So we were thrilled when this message was submitted on our website this week. Thank you so much to this client for sharing their experience with our STEP Program!

(The quote reads: "I would absolutely recommend Meadowlark! Lizzi was great to work with, and I know she'll be there for me every step of the way as I continue to navigate employment. I had been out of work for awhile, and Lizzi gave me the tools and confidence to create a new resume, and completely shifted my perspective while discussing best strategies for an interview. I am certain that I would not be where I am today without her. Thank you!!")