Success Story: Leading with Purpose and Giving Back to Your Community | April 2026
Jordan Williams has always wanted to use his time and talents to give back to his community, and he made sure that nothing would stop him from achieving that noble goal. Jordan, 38 of Southwest Portland, came to OCB as he navigated adjusting to vision loss while also hoping to find a job in the realm of social work so he could help others.
At OCB’s Orientation and Career Center for the Blind (Portland), Jordan built his skills and noted that the Meal Preparation and Living-with-Blindness classes, led by OCB Instructor Char Cook, were crucial as they increased his confidence and skills of independence. The courses also encouraged him to continue pursuing his career goal, which would involve achieving educational milestones along the way. Jordan’s resiliency would grow and soon be tested as he pursued his Bachelor’s degree at Portland State University.
During school, Jordan experienced medical complications that resulted in his permanent and profound loss of hearing, adding a layer of complication to his journey. Jordan’s indomitable spirit once again shone through as he adjusted to his dual-sensory disability and persevered to ultimately earn his degree.
Upon graduation, Jordan turned his efforts towards employment and built his resume via an OCB-paid work experience at the Lake Oswego Public Library. He also moonlighted as an inventor, dabbling in light-up white canes for his fellow Oregonians with vision loss, before he and his OCB job developer found Jordan’s dream job as an Advocacy Specialist at Albertina Kerr.
Reflecting on his journey, Jordan shared, “The biggest thing I’ve learned through this process is it’s okay to not do things at the same speed as everyone else. As long as you keep pushing, you’re going to get to your goal.”
Through all of the twists and turns in Jordan’s pathway to employment, he always led with his good humor and positive attitude.
“I don’t feel like I’ve had to overcome anything. I just do things!”