Our Mission
Our mission is to find employment for justice-involved individuals through prison outreach, employer education, and business development services.
​
As a 501(c)(3) Non Profit, all donations and contributions are tax deductible.
​
Our VISION & VALUES
Vision:
Employers and justice-involved individuals are united in breaking the cycle of recidivism. All formerly incarcerated find quality and sustainable careers.
​
Values:
-
Partnership: Collaborating with community partners to achieve our shared mission.
-
Perseverance: Pursuing new opportunities even in the face of adversity.
-
Integrity: Always doing what is ethically right.
-
Inclusion: Including those who have historically been excluded and ensuring that all identity groups have the same rights, opportunities, and access regardless of their background or circumstance.
-
Transparency: Sharing information openly and honestly, both internally and externally.
Our Success Stories
In just a few short years, Opportunity Oregon has helped hundreds of justice-involved people all over the state of Oregon. They come to us with anywhere from a few years to a few decades of incarceration, from all walks of life, and many different types of work experience and work history. The common denominator for all is that they want to start fresh and become productive members of society. Check out the link below for a few of their stories...
Our team
Nancy pance
Executive Director
After years of mistakes and addiction, Nancy ended up in prison. It was a transformative experience, fueled by work training and rehabilitative programs. She came out a changed person, but struggled to find work because of her criminal background. Through tenacity she found an employer willing to give her a chance, and making the most of the opportunity, she became one of the top 5 performers in a company of hundreds.
​
However, her dream was to own a business, so after earning her degree, she teamed up with her brother Joseph to run a fitness gym. Taking it from a struggling enterprise to one that thrives, she realized that her success could not have occurred without those willing to see past her biggest mistakes. Her goal and dream shifted to helping others in the way she was helped.
​
Nancy meets with employers to explain the value of hiring people like her, collaborates with the correctional department to select the most deserving candidates, and selects, prepares and matches ex-offenders to employers.
Aubrey Johnson
Deputy Director
Aubrey Johnson joined Opportunity Oregon as Deputy Director in December 2023. Prior to Opportunity Oregon, Aubrey has held key leadership roles in non-profit, fortune 500 publicly traded companies, real estate investment trusts (REIT), and private equity backed organizations. Her most recent role was Deputy Director for a non-profit organization, supporting agribusinesses in the 13 Western United States and 2 U.S Territories increase international growth by providing financial support, export readiness, and business development services.
The distinct value Aubrey brings to the organization is the ability to inspire and align cross functional teams to achieve strategic operating goals. She is a passionate servant leader who thrives in cultivating transformational growth in companies and in people. She has a history of meeting and exceeding key performance indicators to help organizations achieve rapid growth and operational excellence. She is grounded in personal core values of being honest, fair, and kind in all situations. Aubrey takes great pride in consistently performing at a high level, expanding her knowledge, and investing in others to support their growth and development. She holds a B.S. in Business Management and Leadership and a B.S. in Human Resource Management from Portland State University.
SARAH SLUDER, CRM & PWS
Reentry Support Specialist/Pathway Home Case Manager
Sarah joined the Opportunity Oregon team in January of 2026, 19 months after her release from incarceration at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, after serving 42 months inside. Her journey is one marked by accountability, resilience, and deep personal transformation. After years of substance use and criminal behavior, Sarah experienced a relapse after 18 years of sobriety. Determined to change her life, she recommitted to her recovery and rebuilt 4 years of sustained sobriety. Her addiction and criminal behavior ultimately led to a prison sentence after spending four years on the run, at which point she turned herself in and made the decision to get honest with herself and fully engage in change.
While incarcerated within the Oregon Department of Corrections, Sarah embraced the reset prison provided and used that time to transform her life. She completed cosmetology school, maintained clear conduct, and intentionally surrounded herself with others focused on recovery, accountability, and long-term goals. Her commitment to growth became the foundation for her successful reentry.
Sarah completed parole just six months after her release and continued building stability in the community before joining Opportunity Oregon. In 2024, she earned her Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS) and Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) certifications through MhacBo, further strengthening her ability to support system-impacted individuals.
Sarah is currently the Reentry Support Specialist and Pathway Homes Case Manager, utilizing her lived experience to assist individuals preparing for release. She manages all mail correspondence, oversees intake processes, and conducts pre-release meetings for those returning to community. Passionate about recovery, accountability, and second chances, Sarah is dedicated to being a trusted resource and an inspiring figure for those transitioning back into the community.
Our VOLUNTEERS
MICHELLE EHLERS, CRM & PWS
Volunteer
Michelle is a dedicated volunteer at Opportunity Oregon, where she leverages her personal journey, education and experience to empower others transitioning from incarceration to community life. After facing numerous challenges, including the loss of her brother at a young age, Michelle's path led her through struggles with addiction and ultimately to incarceration.
​
Determined to change her life, Michelle embraced her time at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, where she worked in the transition department for four years and became the first woman to earn a bachelor’s degree through the Higher Education Prison Program at Portland State University. Her certifications as a Recovery Mentor and Peer Wellness Specialist further highlight her commitment to supporting others.
​
As a volunteer with Opportunity Oregon, Michelle facilitates workshops and participates in career and resource fairs throughout the state, actively engaging in community outreach. Her relatable experiences and compassion make her a vital resource for clients seeking employment and stability after release. Michelle is passionate about resilience and dedicated to helping others find their paths to success.