SNAP Program

Digital Inclusion Service

Meet Blake

I am excited about getting a laptop! I have been helping to support my disabled father and taking care of
my 2-year old half-brother. I had to suddenly leave high school 2 months before I graduated because
I was in a car accident that broke my back and neck. I had been taking advanced placement classes since
my Freshman year in engineering and was very good at math and hoped to move forward toward more
engineering training. But everything just stopped while I recovered. Then my father needed my help to
raise my half-brother and that de-railed my career goals for a while. After going through a long recovery, I
started to help support my family with various fast food jobs and presently, I am working at Panda Express.
My father has a good opportunity for employment soon and will not need me to work as much and
childcare will be available.

I am moving forward with studying and taking tests for my GED. I have taken one and scheduled for
another and plan on finishing the last 2 by the end of 2020. I would love to participate in a paid
apprenticeship or on-the-job training so I can move ahead with training in mechanical or electrical
engineering. The laptop will help me complete my GED and do future online training. I also need to refresh
my computer skills in the MS-Office software and take part in the Launch Pad virtual workshops and the
Foundational Skills virtual workshops to prepare me for success in my career.

I am taking steps to regain my momentum after some challenging life experiences, but with WorkSource
Rogue Valley’s support with the STEP program, I know that I will get back on track to a bright future.

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.