Job Shadows Opening Up Doors for Youth

Kathryn Anderson
Sep 2, 2025
2 min read

Do you have something that you LOVE to share? Recently we got to hear from Ryan and the incredible team at Oven & Shaker about something they love - hospitality! Last month, Oven & Shaker in downtown Portland hosted a Lunch & Learn for a small group of mentees, apprentices, & residents. For lunch? A delicious spread of appetizers, salads, & masterful pizzas, including “the best cheese pizza I’ve ever had” according to a Braking Cycles Apprentice. What did we learn? We learned all about caring hospitality, the restaurant industry, and the joy of finding your vocation.

The Shadow Box Project exists to help youth discover different vocation opportunities by getting them on site, listening, learning, discovering and being inspired to action! Often times barriers to employment are simply (what seems to be) closed doors. As we connect with community partners who are willing to open their doors for youth to learn, we are thrilled to see youth rise to the occasion and break through the barriers that once held them bound. We are so appreciative for each of these partners!

If you have a vocation you are passionate about, consider becoming a host for the Shadow Box Project and share something you love with the youth & young adults in our community.

SEPTEMBER VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

What's Needed?

We are in search of Prayer Sponsors for a few of our programs. What is a Prayer Sponsor? Great question! A Prayer Sponsor is a group of people committed to praying regularly for a specific program of Transitional Youth. Are you passionate about a particular program or home of Transitional Youth? Are you part of a group that meets regularly? Consider becoming a Prayer Sponsor.

For more information on the Shadow Box Project and the Prayer Sponsorship Program, please email Kathryn at Kathryn@transitionalyouth.org.

JOIN US FOR THE TROUTDALE TROT!

Support My Father's House and Transitional Youth at this family friendly evet on September 13th! Our shared fundraiser features a 10K, 5K, and the Turtle Trot - a quarter-mile race just for kids. We hope to raise awareness and demonstrate to our community the power of collaboration in helping youth and families overcome poverty. It all starts at 8:00 AM at the Troutdale Marketplace.