With the support of Employment First teams, EOSSB, TNF8, ROCCOS Family network and local employers and employees, this dream to come to Eastern Oregon became a reality. A BIG thank you also goes out to The Great Pacific and Side A Brewing for their generosity in donating the use of their venues for these events.
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| Music video "3rd Son, Fourth Brother" by Cam Lasley Preview here |
What are SPROUT Films?
Sproutflix puts on an annual film festival in New York City each year and gives awards to the best submissions. These films are independent films starring, written or produced by people with disabilities. Check out their website here. You can rent, purchase and download films and the creators get an income from the money earned.
Pendleton Sprout Film Festival
In August, EOSSB and TNF Region 8 Regional Job Club, worked with local Umatilla County Employment First team members to show 10 short Sprout films at The Great Pacific in Pendleton. The evening event featured an introduction by Laura Noppenberger, director of Eastern Oregon Support Services Brokerage and success stories by a local employer and employee.
Ethan Reid, below, shares his story of pursuing and getting a job at Blue Mountain Lumber. He recognized the help of his job developer, Ed Cortez from Trendsitions, and his Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Diane Ashley, who were there to cheer him on.
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| Ethan Reid shares what it means having his job at Blue Mountain Lumber. |
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| Ethan credited the hard work and persistence of his job developer/coach and VR Counselor. |
There were about 35-40 people attending the event.
LaGrande Sprout Film Festival:
The second film festival was held in September at Side A Brewing in LaGrande. The event was co-sponsored by EOSSB, ROCCOS Family Network and TNF8/Regional Job Club. It was a packed house out on the patio for the screening with a local manager of Fed Ex sharing about the success of his employee, and Jonathan Marvel recent graduate of LaGrande HS sharing about his work at Brent Clapp Media in video editing. His company produced a film short that was shown and can be viewed here.
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| Fed Ex Manager shares his success story. |
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| A packed crowd watches films on Side A patio. |
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| Jonathan Marvels adds commentary during the viewing of his film short. |
Sprout films shown in Burns:
Sprout films were also shown in Burns Oregon this summer at a BBQ fundraiser for a non-profit horse riding therapy program, Crossroads Ranch, starting in the area. With the support of ROCCOS Family Network, Thrivent Financial and the local Harney County Employment First team it was great success.
More to Come!
There are several more Sprout Festival showings coming this fall. Sprout films will be coming to:
John Day
October 25, 2017 7:00-8:30pm
The Corner Cup
100 E. Main Street
(We'll have seating available inside and
outside. They're also going to light the fire pits outside)
Baker City
November 2, 2017 7:15- 8:30pm
Lefty's Tap House
1934 Main Street
(We will be upstairs. There's an elevator
and it's family-friendly)
Pizza samples will be provided
For updated information contact Lon Thornburg at 541 966-3162 or lon.thornburg@imesd.k12.or.us