Clarification About CSC and Sequestration

Several days ago, CSC posted talking points excerpted directly from a White House Press Office release on the subject of the potential “sequestration” of federal funding. To the extent that our blog appeared to support or advocate a particular political agenda, we need to clarify: CSC takes no political position “for” or “against” the sequestration. Our intent is to bring you news about CSC and services and programs that affect our clients and communities.

As for the effect of sequestration on CSC, we will know more on March 1^st . Barring direction to the contrary from our funders, CSC has plans in place to continue all services and programs for at least the next 30 days, with the exception of federally funded long-term rental housing assistance. There, we will pause, waiting for clarification from our federal and state government before entering into long-term rent subsidy agreements.

So, if you are in need of assistance, or if you can offer assistance, CSC is still the place to start. Give us a call or come to one of the many locations we have listed on this blog. And thanks to those of you who take the time and care to communicate with CSC on our blog. We appreciate you.

Martha Lyon
Executive Director
Community Services Consortium

Mortgage Payment Assistance Still Available to Homeowners Receiving Unemployment

Opportunities still exist for distressed homeowners receiving unemployment benefits to apply for the Mortgage Payment Assistance program at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org. The program is scheduled to conclude at the end of March.

The Mortgage Payment Assistance program is offered by the Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative and designed to help Oregon homeowners receiving unemployment benefits avoid the threat of foreclosure. For qualified applicants, the program makes up to 12 months of mortgage payments up to $20,000, the maximum dollar limit, and will be sent directly to their mortgage lender or servicer each month.

The Mortgage Payment Assistance program has new opportunities to apply every two weeks on Wednesdays at noon. Please check the program page at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org for availability schedule.

The Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative website provides helpful information about the application process, including a how-to video that answers the most common questions about the program.
To learn more watch the “How to Apply” video and take the eligibility questionnaire and to apply visit www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.

The Mortgage Payment Assistance Unemployment program will help an estimated 4,000 Oregon homeowners stay in their homes. To date programs offered by OHSI have assisted over 4,500 Oregon homeowners.

Homeowners without internet access can make alternative arrangements by calling the CSC office in Albany at 541-928-6335, the CSC office in Newport at 541-265-8505 or the Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services office in Corvallis at 541-752-7220.

Please help get the word out!

Visit the Dept. of Justice website for more information: http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/Pages/foreclosure_settlement.aspx

CSC Lincoln County Head Start Preschoolers Get a Hand Up from Chapel by the Sea

Vicki and Robert Hunt and Martha and Merv Nerling of Chapel by the Sea meet with Andrea Daniels of Lincoln City Head Start to plan this year’s May 23rd Staff Appreciation Luncheon. 

When Head Start Community Services Consortium bought three acres of wooded land on church grounds from Chapel by the Sea in Lincoln City nearly 15 years ago, little did they know that they would develop an enduring relationship with the church.  

At first, the relationship was tentative, with the congregation navigating how best to participate with the preschool. They tried a “read aloud” to the children and having lunch with the children, but neither of the activities took off. 

Then eight years ago, as Chapel by the Sea Education Committee Head Merv Nerling became more aware of the children's needs, he initiated a church fundraiser to buy Christmas presents for the children. And, as Merv always does, he made it personal.  The congregation didn’t purchase gifts or donate money for gifts for “Boy – aged 3” or “Girl – aged 4” - Merv took the time to find out each child’s name and to get a list of what they really wanted for Christmas. 

The annual gift-giving through Chapel by the Sea’s “Angel Tree” program spurred two other programs to help the preschool.  Merv started providing each graduating preschooler with school supplies required by the school district to take to kindergarten at Oceanlake or Taft Elementary.

“It doesn’t take much to make a difference,” Nerling said. “For about $7 per child, we give them something that makes them feel special on graduation day.” The church Education Committee, now headed by Vicki and Bob Hunt, continues to provide each child with items like pencils, crayons, and glue sticks in a brand new backpack – a tangible recognition of the students’ accomplishments. 

The church has also acknowledged the staff at Head Start. As Nerling worked closely with the staff, he was impressed with the dedication and commitment they showed in giving the children a good preschool education that prepared them for kindergarten. So Merv started the annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon, which takes place at the church each spring. “Church members plan and prepare a tasty meal, usually cooked by Merv, who is a great cook,” Bob said. Church members share the meal with Head Start staff. “We want them to know how much they are appreciated,” he said. 

“The congregation of Chapel by the Sea exemplifies the best of what a good neighbor is,” said Andrea Daniels, Education Supervisor at Lincoln City Head Start. Recognizing that many families take Christmas gifts and school supplies for granted, and are not so easy to come by for some families, Chapel by the Sea stepped in and “adopted” the 80 or so children across the street.

“We feel like family,” Daniels said, who appreciates the “little things” that church members give to the children. “The children love the organ music. Once we went over to listen, and the organist took the time to show the children all the different sounds the organ can make. They had a lot of fun and loved it!”  

As they plan the next annual event, Lincoln City Head Start looks forward to many more years in partnership with Chapel by the Sea, their neighbors across the street. 

If you would like to make a difference to a CSC Head Start student or family in need, contact Diana Teem at Community Services Consortium 541-574-2277 or email dteem@communityservices.us.  For more information on Head Start in Lincoln County or any of CSC’s poverty fighting programs visit www.communityservices.us. 

Visit CSC on Our New Facebook Page

Oh yes, it’s true! CSC now has a Facebook page, which you can access here. We hope you will stop by, "Like" our page and read about all the successes, challenges and hard work our programs are doing to make a difference in our communities.

The CSC Facebook page may be brand new, but Facebook is not new to CSC.  Many of our programs  have used Facebook to successfully connect with partners, participants and supporters for quite some time.  “Like” or view the CSC program pages at the links below.  We hope you will enjoy the successes and announcements they share. We have shared many of their posts and pics on our new CSC Facebook page.

Linn Benton Food Share
CSC Youth Garden
Career Tech Charter High School
Weatherization Training Center

Go for a Run and Help to End Poverty!

Registration is now open for May's Garden Gnome Run and July's Barrel to Keg Relay Race, both benefitting important CSC programs. Whether you prefer to walk or long-distance running treks, we have a race for you!

The Garden Gnome Run, benefitting the CSC Youth Garden, takes place on Sunday, May 5 and includes 1K run/walk, 5K and 10K races. The races start at the CSC Youth Garden in downtown Corvallis and follow the flat, paved bike path course in Southwest Corvallis through Avery and Starker Arts parks. For more information, including registration and volunteer opportunities, visit the Garden Gnome Run website here: http://gardengnomerun.com/

The Barrel to Keg Relay race, benefitting all CSC programs, takes place on Saturday, July 13. Starting at the Harris Bridge Vineyard in Philomath, Oregon, this scenic relay goes through the beautiful back country of the Oregon Coast Range, crosses over the majestic Yaquina Bay Bridge and finishes at the famous Rogue Ales Brewery at Newport’s South Beach Marina. The relay can be either ran or walked: teams of 2, 4, and 6 runners split the 111K (69 mile) distance over 12 legs, while teams of 2, 3, 4 or 6 walkers cover 6 legs (51K). Solo ultra runners are welcome, too. If you don't have a team, don't worry - we can connect you with one! For more information, including registration and volunteer opportunities, visit the Barrel to Keg Relay website here: http://barreltokeg.com/

Hope to see you there!

CSC Launches New Website!

We have officially launched our new website at www.communityservices.us! The website is devoted to increasing awareness and understanding of CSC’s programs and services in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties.

The new site provides the individuals and families we serve in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties with information on our array of programs and services in four vital areas: Education, Housing, Jobs & Finances, and Nutrition. Our services emphasize CSC’s commitment to providing help for immediate needs today, as well as building skills for self-sufficiency tomorrow.

CSC’s priorities, programs, and core services are determined by assessing the changing needs of low- to moderate-income youth and adults in our communities. We believe that every family should have access to a stable home, nutritious food, quality education and training, and a job that pays a family wage.

Visit our new website by clicking here. You can also visit us on Facebook.

Established in July, 1980 as the state-designated community action agency for Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties, Community Services Consortium is one of 18 community action agencies in Oregon that deliver programs designed to combat poverty and its root causes in our state.

As part of a nationwide network of anti-poverty organizations, CSC joins in leading the way to educate and advocate for those in need in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. We are a public, nonprofit organization dedicated to ending poverty in Oregon.

CSC Partnering with Coastal Families Together for Parenting Workshops

Coastal Families Together, in partnership with champion hubs and community partners, are presenting free parenting workshops. “From Chaos to Calm” is a two-hour workshop on how to create a positive, calm environment at home with your children. Dinner and childcare are provided. Come out and learn some new strategies! This workshop will be presented at the times and locations listed below.

Monday, January 14th: Yachats Commons, 441 N. Highway 101, Yachats, 6-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 15th: Central Coast Child Development Center, 1811 NE Arcadia Dr., Toledo, 6–8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 16th: CSC Head Start, 2130 SE Lee St., Lincoln City, 6- 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 17th: Presbyterian Church in Newport, 6-8:30 p.m.

In addition to the free workshops listed above, Coastal Families Together has several parenting education classes starting in Lincoln County.

Coastal Families Together offers classes and workshops to fit every family at every stage in the parenting process. All classes come with a nutritional family-style meal and childcare. There is a $45 registration fee per family. Scholarships are available for all or part of the registration fee. All classes are available in Spanish.

Newport: In partnership with Sam Case Primary School, we will be presenting Nurturing Parenting. This class focuses on parents of children 0-11 years of age. Parents will gain a greater understanding of child development, effective discipline, and how to embrace your role as a parent. Class begins on Tuesday, January 15 and will continue once a week for ten weeks. The class will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Class will be held in the Sam Case Primary School, 459 N. E. 12th St. Newport, OR, 97365.

Lincoln City: In partnership with Samaritan Early Learning Center and Head Start / Community Services Consortium, we will be presenting Nurturing Parenting. This class focuses on parents of children 0-11 years old. This class series will review child-directed play, coaching, effective praise and encouragement, then continue with setting limits, consequences, discipline. Class begin on Wednesday, January 23 and will continue once a week for ten weeks. Dinner will start at 6:00 p.m. and the class will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Class will be held at CSC Head Start, 2130 Southeast Lee Ave., Lincoln City, OR, 97367.

Yachats: In partnership with Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program, Inc., we will be presenting Nurturing Parenting. This class focuses on parents of children 0-11 years of age. Parents will gain a greater understanding of the art, science, strategies and techniques that promote self worth, cooperation, compassion in children and form the basis of day-to-day family interactions. Class begins on Monday, January 28 and will continue once a week for ten weeks. Dinner will start at 6:00 p.m. and the class will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Class will be held in the Yachats Commons room 8, 441 No. Highway 101, Yachats, OR. 97498.

To register for either class go to www.coastalfamiliestogether.com or call (541) 574-4485. Space is limited!

For more information on this parenting education initiative, future classes or questions about local opportunities go to www.coastalfamiliestogether.com or contact, Cynthia Breves, Coastal Families Together, 541-574-4485, cfthub@gmail.com.

Four Youth Garden Crew Members Earn GEDs

While most of us were caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, four CSC Youth Garden crew members were busy studying and completing a major educational milestone. Brianne Archer, Javier Rodriguez, Brianna Johnson, and Dillan Williams have all earned their GEDs.

Javier also earned his PTCS Duct Sealing certification in January, and will continue to pursue technical certifications. Brianne, Dillan and Brianna are exploring their options, including attending an open house at Linn Benton Community College in February.

We are SO proud of our crew members and all of their hard work! Congratulations!

The CSC Youth Garden is a program of the Workforce and Education Department of Community Services Consortium’s Benton County office in Corvallis. Every season, four to ten youth who are enrolled in our federal workforce program are responsible for caring for 40 raised beds, without the use of herbicides or pesticides. Our mission is to encourage learning, entrepreneurship and work readiness in Benton County youth and to grow and locally-distribute responsibly-raised produce.

For more information on the CSC Youth Garden, or to make a donation, visit them on Facebook or read more on the CSC web site.

CSC Sponsoring Free Tax Help Starting in February

CSC will be sponsoring free Tax-Aide for qualified individuals starting on February 1st at various locations in Linn and Benton county. Those that qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are especially encouraged to take advantage of free tax return preparation and e-filing.

EITC qualifications include:

• U.S. Citizens or Legal Permanent Resident
• Valid social security number
• Earned income during 2012:
• $45,060 ($50,270 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
• $41,952 ($47,162 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
• $36,920 ($42,130 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
• $13,980 ($19,190 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

EITC amounts can range from $1 to $5,891.

For information on location, dates and times, as well as the number to call to make an appointment, please visit the 2013 site schedule here.

Demand for Food Skyrocketing in Mid-Valley

A recent story in the Corvallis Gazette-Times featured Linn Benton Food Share (LBFS) as it discusses the sharp increase in demand for food at Oregon food banks.

“From July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, we saw an 11 percent increase in the number of people coming in for food boxes,” said Mike Gibson, LBFS Director. “In the first four months of our current fiscal year, that’s up by 19 percent.”

Gibson said the demand for food in the mid-valley is the worst he has seen in his 28 years with the program.

The article can be found here at the Corvallis Gazette-Times web site.

Linn Benton Food Share is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of Community Services Consortium (CSC), the public, nonprofit community action agency providing multiple services to low-income people across Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties.

As the regional food bank for Linn and Benton counties since 1981, Food Share has been committed to fulfilling our goal that “Everybody Eats.” With requests for emergency food help at an all-time high, we work hard to develop and strengthen food resources for our communities.

To find out more about Linn Benton Food Share or to make a donation, visit their page on the CSC web site or on Facebook. 

CSC Youth Garden Takes Part in Terra Madre Day

On December 1, more than 400 people braved a dreary day to taste the culinary craftsmanship of 30 Willamette Valley vendors, including the CSC Youth Garden, at this year's holiday-themed Terra Madre Day event. Sponsored by Slow Food Corvallis and Ten Rivers Food Web at the Benton County Fairgrounds, the international event celebrates eating locally and honoring local food communities.

Javier, Bri, Colton and Armand display their table of goodies at the Terra Madre Day event.

The CSC Youth Garden crew members helped spread some holiday cheer by selling and handing out samples of hand-grown and hand-made, giftable items like jellies, preserves, barbeque sauce, salsa, dill relish and dried beans at their booth - all popular sellers. Luckily for those that couldn't make it to Terra Madre Day, some items are still available. 

If you would like to stock your pantry or stuff your stockings with some delicious food grown and made by our hard-working CSC Youth Garden team, stop by the office (536 SW 2nd Street in Corvallis) or call 541-758-2776.

The CSC Youth Garden is a program of the Workforce and Education Department of Community Services Consortium (CSC), a community action agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties. The CSC Youth Garden charges 4-10 youth per season with the responsibility of caring for 40 raised beds without the use of herbicides or pesticides. Herbs and veggies are sold at our spring, summer and fall farmers' market stands, and a portion is donated to the Linn Benton Food Share.

'Tis the Season: Give a Gift That Matters!

Community Services Consortium (CSC) invites community members to help fight poverty in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. This season, CSC is asking people to make a difference to needy families in our own community.

CSC puts food on the table, keeps the lights on, puts a roof over people’s heads, and provides education and job training to break the cycle of poverty for families most in need. Anyone can help. What better gift this holiday season than to warm a family home, supply nutritious food and provide the skills people need to succeed in the workforce and in life? To make a gift click the donate button at www.communityservices.us or mail a check to CSC, 250 Broadalbin Street, Suite 2A, Albany, OR 97321.

Give a gift that matters: give people the skills and support they need to build stable, productive futures. Community Services Consortium provides a range of services with the vision to end poverty, including youth and adult education and workforce training programs, Head Start in Lincoln County, utility and housing assistance, and Linn Benton Food Share.

With your help CSC can continue to distribute food to the hungry, provide energy assistance to heat homes this winter and empower people through workforce and education programs. Your gift makes a difference no matter how large or small, whether it’s one more meal on the table, or it provides a warm home for a family the whole new year!

CSC is the community action agency serving the people of Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties, Oregon. For more information on the poverty fighting programs of CSC visit www.communityservices.us. Change a life this holiday season.