FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

03-04-09 1240PM

Concord architecture firm DCI has entered into a contract to provide pro bono design services to Opportunity Junction, the Antioch nonprofit that provides job training, computer classes, English as a Second Language, and tax assistance at no charge to low-income adults.

“We are committed to our community and believe in giving back,” explained Imran Qamar, President of DCI. “Each year we look for an opportunity that allows us to augment a group’s efforts with our skills. Opportunity Junction needs to redesign its space to expand their capacity to help low-income adults get good jobs to support their families, and we are pleased to be able to make that possible.”

Opportunity Junction’s flagship Job Training and Placement Program currently has more than four times the number of applicants that it can accept, according to Executive Director Alissa Friedman. “Over the past 18 months, the number of applicants has more than doubled. We’re thrilled that the professionals at DCI are going to help us meet that demand. Our entire community does better when we all have the skills and confidence to maximize our economic and personal productivity.”

The redesign project was initiated when Opportunity Junction negotiated a ten-year extension of their lease at 3102 Delta Fair in Antioch. “The community and local government has been so supportive of our work here, and we can see the difference our programs make in the lives of residents, so we felt it was appropriate to make a long-term commitment to the community,” explains Friedman. “We have a great space in a location accessible both by public transportation and by car, and with DCI’s help we can make the most of our square footage.”

Due to DCI’s wealth of experience with tenant improvements, says Friedman, “We’re thrilled that they wanted to be involved in the project.”

Looking ahead to the next step, Opportunity Junction is seeking donations of high-quality used furniture, computers, and flat panel monitors. Although planning for the introduction of new programs is still in the early stages, it is “almost certain” that new program introductions will include instruction in computer skills, according to Friedman.

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