SNAP Program

Digital Inclusion Service

Meet Steve

Steve was recently referred to WorkSource Coos by his counselor at ODHS Vocational Rehabilitation. He
is justice involved with very little work history in the past 10 years and managing anxiety and PTSD.

Steve’s long-term employment goal is to become a Counselor for at-risk youth. He is a first-time college
student. To help him be successful in school, our partners at Southwestern Oregon Community College
(SOCC) helped Steve arrange for a tutor and testing accommodations. SOCC reached out to WorkSource
Coos stating online classes attended from home would help Steve make this transition.

Thanks to the STEP program with the issuance of a refurbished laptop, Steve will be able to do that. His
classes start in January 2021 with the winter term. The laptop will also make it possible for Steve to
search for and apply for work that he can do while going to school. Without the laptop, Steve would
have to work around the college’s computer lab schedule (and reduced availability because of COVID).

Steve is excited to be able to take advantage of the Free Geek digital tech training to help him use the
computer and be more confident and comfortable taking online classes. We were also able to provide
digital inclusion support funds for internet/W-Fi services.

Our partner at SOCC said “I believe that Steven has the desire and motivation to accomplish his goal and
he's taken many positive steps to get this far. He understands the path there will be difficult and he's
working hard to prepare himself fully.” Good luck Steve, we are all there for you!

Through a partnership with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and Free Geek, OED’s SNAP program provides a digital inclusion service to eligible SNAP participants which allow them the opportunity to participate in skill
development and training, job search classes, networking opportunities, and more. Digital Inclusion Service includes a refurbished laptop, 12-months technical support, 12-month warranty, and digital literacy components from
Free Geek. Funding provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services, United States Department of Agriculture, the State of Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, and the Oregon Employment Department.
USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender.