CSC's foreclosure intervention program was able to help yet another Linn County homeowner keep his home. The man's income had dropped but then recovered. For more than two years, he tried himself to obtain a workable solution.
One of the nation's five largest mortgage servicers never made a decision on his request for assistance. CSC Mortgage Counselor John Polansky also tried to work with them for seven months, without a resolution.
Polansky finally appealed to a Senior Vice President, and a decision was reached. DECLINED! Polansky thanked the servicer for finally reaching a decision, and at the same time told them the decision was unacceptable given the facts. Within just one week, the servicer agreed to waive more than $12,000 in delinquent interest and let the homeowner resume payments.
If you are struggling to stay in your home, or know someone who is, CSC’s Housing Services may be able to help. Contact us at 866-245-1780.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Support Linn Benton Food Share at Septembeerfest!
Septembeerfest is Saturday, September 14th from 2pm-10pm at
the Benton County Fairgrounds. Sample local brews, listen to great
music, and support CSC's Linn Benton Food Share and Oregon State University
Foundation supporting scholarship in fermentation, as well as the Glen Hay
Falconer Foundation.Admission is $15 and includes a pint glass and four drink tokens, additional drink tokens are $1. While cash is preferred, credit/debit cards will be accepted.
If beer isn't your thing, you can still support Food Share at the Ewanchyna Family Bread and Cookie Sale on Saturday, September 14 from 2pm-5pm at Hoover School, 3838 NW Walnut Blvd., in Corvallis (look for the white tent). Cookies, sweet breads and yeast breads will be for sale, and non-perishable donations will also be accepted.
CSC's IT Team Helps to Build New Workforce Training Room
CSC partnered with the Oregon Employment Department to install a brand new computer resource and training room at the Linn Workforce Development Center in Albany this August. CSC's hard-working IT team, including Elaine Lahey, Brian Courts and
Kelly Bilyeu, burned the midnight oil to complete the project in just six
weeks.
The training room was wired, and high-speed internet and Wi-Fi were installed. After desks were put in, 21 CSC computers and three laser printers that had been in storage were repaired as necessary and upgraded to Windows 7.
The training room will serve a variety of uses, including National Career Readiness Certificate testing, adult basic education, and workshops within the Albany WorkSource Oregon Center.
For more information contact Maggie Underwood at munderwood@communityservices.us or 541-758-2758.
The training room was wired, and high-speed internet and Wi-Fi were installed. After desks were put in, 21 CSC computers and three laser printers that had been in storage were repaired as necessary and upgraded to Windows 7.The training room will serve a variety of uses, including National Career Readiness Certificate testing, adult basic education, and workshops within the Albany WorkSource Oregon Center.
For more information contact Maggie Underwood at munderwood@communityservices.us or 541-758-2758.
Join Us at Benton County Project Connect
Benton County will host a Project Connect on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Corvallis. The event will run from 10am-3pm, and gives those who are homeless or low-income a central place to come and learn about valuable services and resources in the community.
Local social service providers, including CSC, will be on hand to provide information about their programs, plus free medical services and screenings will be available on site. There will a free lunch, haircuts, and much more! The event is FREE! For more information, contact Johanna Peerenboom at the Benton County Health Department, 541-766-6181 or email her at Johanna.peerenboom@co.benton.or.us.
Local social service providers, including CSC, will be on hand to provide information about their programs, plus free medical services and screenings will be available on site. There will a free lunch, haircuts, and much more! The event is FREE! For more information, contact Johanna Peerenboom at the Benton County Health Department, 541-766-6181 or email her at Johanna.peerenboom@co.benton.or.us.
CSC Natural Resource Youth Crew Wins Third Place at Toledo Wooden Boat Show
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| Robert and Shania row, row, row their boat |
The crew’s cardboard boat beat out about 10 other competitors in the youth division. Many of the other teams had at least one paddler take a swim, but the CSC crew managed to stay dry. Congratulations to the team for their hard work and boat design skills!
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| Josh, Kira, Jordan, Robert and Shania celebrate their big victory |
Food, Fun, and Games at Annual Gleaner Picnic
It was a beautiful day for the Annual Gleaner Appreciation Picnic, held on Sunday, August 4. The picnic is a way for Linn Benton Food Share (LBFS) to thank donors, gleaners, and gleaning group volunteers for their tireless work gathering food for distribution to Linn and Benton county residents in need. This year’s picnic was a special one, as it was also a celebration of 40 years of organized gleaning in Oregon.
The picnic got off to a bumpy start as the site was accidentally double-booked and the party had to be relocated to a spot with less amenities, like barbeques and electrical plug-ins. But if anyone knows how to be flexible and “make it work,” it’s a group of gleaners!
The picnic came together after a barbeque was bought and one was borrowed. The grills were fired up and more than 300 hamburgers and 400 hot dogs were served to 300 attendees that included donors, volunteer, gleaners, and adoptees.
Kids had a great time playing games, and prizes were given for best dessert and side dish. A large amount of frozen green beans were donated, so there was a special prize for best green bean dish.
LBFS Gleaning and Volunteer Programs Coordinator Susan James handed out certificates and flowers to some long-time members, including one who lives in an assisted living facility and another who was in a car accident recently but still came.
A certificate was presented to the son of Helen Cleveland, a member and officer of the first LBFS gleaning group, which was started in the early 80’s. Sadly, Helen passed away a week before the picnic. She had really been looking forward to going.
Said James, “For many of the long-time gleaners, the picnic is a time to connect with each other.”
Linn Benton Food Share is a CSC Program. For more information or to get involved with the gleaning program, contact Susan James at sjames@communityservices.us.
The picnic got off to a bumpy start as the site was accidentally double-booked and the party had to be relocated to a spot with less amenities, like barbeques and electrical plug-ins. But if anyone knows how to be flexible and “make it work,” it’s a group of gleaners!
The picnic came together after a barbeque was bought and one was borrowed. The grills were fired up and more than 300 hamburgers and 400 hot dogs were served to 300 attendees that included donors, volunteer, gleaners, and adoptees.
Kids had a great time playing games, and prizes were given for best dessert and side dish. A large amount of frozen green beans were donated, so there was a special prize for best green bean dish.
LBFS Gleaning and Volunteer Programs Coordinator Susan James handed out certificates and flowers to some long-time members, including one who lives in an assisted living facility and another who was in a car accident recently but still came.
A certificate was presented to the son of Helen Cleveland, a member and officer of the first LBFS gleaning group, which was started in the early 80’s. Sadly, Helen passed away a week before the picnic. She had really been looking forward to going.
Said James, “For many of the long-time gleaners, the picnic is a time to connect with each other.”
Linn Benton Food Share is a CSC Program. For more information or to get involved with the gleaning program, contact Susan James at sjames@communityservices.us.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Second Chance Renter Rehabilitation Classes Coming in September
The Second Chance Program Renter's Rehabilitation Workshop Series
will be starting up again this September. The program is designed to
help prospective renters overcome obstacles which prevent them from
obtaining housing. Consisting of six classes taught by qualified
instructors from the community, topics include:
Monday, 9/23 - How to be a Good Tenant
Wednesday, 9/25 - Energy Education
Monday, 9/30 - Landlord/Tenant Issues
Wednesday, 10/02 - Goal Setting
Monday, 10/07 - Conflict Resolution
Wednesday, 10/09 - Basic Budgeting
Participants must attend all six workshops to receive a certificate. The series runs on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00am-noon, on September 23rd, 25th, 30th, and October 2nd, 7th, and 9th. All workshops are held at the Community Services Consortium office in Albany, 250 SW Broadalbin, Suite 2A.
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Cindy Pratt-DeMarzo at 541-758-2632 or visit the Second Chance Program website.
Monday, 9/23 - How to be a Good Tenant
Wednesday, 9/25 - Energy Education
Monday, 9/30 - Landlord/Tenant Issues
Wednesday, 10/02 - Goal Setting
Monday, 10/07 - Conflict Resolution
Wednesday, 10/09 - Basic Budgeting
Participants must attend all six workshops to receive a certificate. The series runs on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00am-noon, on September 23rd, 25th, 30th, and October 2nd, 7th, and 9th. All workshops are held at the Community Services Consortium office in Albany, 250 SW Broadalbin, Suite 2A.
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Cindy Pratt-DeMarzo at 541-758-2632 or visit the Second Chance Program website.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Third Annual Barrel to Keg Relay a Huge Success!
Nearly 700 runners and walkers traversed a backcountry race route from Philomath's Harris Bridge Vineyard to the Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport for Community Services Consortium's third annual Barrel to Keg Relay on Saturday, July 13. More than 150 volunteers were also stationed along the route, helping the day to flow smoothly.
Relay participants came from as far as Canada to raise money for CSC. Walkers covered six legs totaling 32 miles, and runners covered 12 legs totaling 69 miles. There were 128 teams of runners and walkers, mostly comprised of six team members. Some walkers chose to solo the route, while some running teams were just a dynamic duo.
Running team “We Got the Runs” came in first place with a total time of 7 hours, 25 minutes and 6 seconds and a 6 minute 28 second mile pace. Second place went to “MJR and the Skinny Goons” with a total time of 7 hours, 42 minutes and 45 seconds and a 6 minute 43 second mile pace.
Walking team "The Screamin' Weenies: Team Hot Dogs” came in first with a total of 8 hours, 43 minutes and 21 seconds and a 16 minute and 53 second mile pace. Second place went to "The Screamin' Weenies: Team Chili” with a total of 8 hours, 52 minutes and 24 seconds and a 17 minute and 11 second mile pace.
When participants completed the course against a beautiful backdrop of the Yaquina Bridge, they were greeted with a celebration inside the Rogue Brewery headquarters. Barrel to Keg sponsors Verterbrata Chiropractic and Central Coast Community Acupuncture welcomed participants with free massages and acupuncture. Rogue food and beer, fresh-baked bread from Great Harvest Baking Company, Harris Bridge Vineyard wines, and Odwalla bars were available so participants could refuel and enjoy the live music by the Valley Cats, Island Joy, and Fate 55.
During the celebration, the best costumes award was given to "Foot Patrol in Harlan" for their tribute to Reno 911. The best team name award was given to "In Pursuit of Happy Hour," and the best-dressed vehicle award was given to "Margarelayville."
CSC Executive Director Martha Lyon said
this year’s Barrel to Keg was the most successful relay yet, raising $30,000 that the agency will use to support programs and services for low-income families with housing, utilities, food, education, and job skills training, as well as weatherization to better insulate their homes and brings down monthly
heating bills.
CSC would like to thank the many race participants for their support - we hope to see you again next year!
Many thanks to our media partners, News Lincoln County and Oregonlive.com, as well as all of the wonderful sponsors that made the day possible:
Rogue Ales
Harris Bridge Vineyard
Ultrasonic Events
Samaritan Health Services
Odwalla
Vertebrata Chiropractic
Oregon Coast Event Rentals
Hallmark Inns and Resorts
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Central Coast Community Acupuncture
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Ossies Surf Shop
Bier One
Stoker's VitaWorld
Valley Fire Control
National Frozen Foods
Great Harvest Baking Company
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| Early morning at the Harris Bridge Vineyard starting line |
Running team “We Got the Runs” came in first place with a total time of 7 hours, 25 minutes and 6 seconds and a 6 minute 28 second mile pace. Second place went to “MJR and the Skinny Goons” with a total time of 7 hours, 42 minutes and 45 seconds and a 6 minute 43 second mile pace.
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| Winning team "We Got the Runs" |
When participants completed the course against a beautiful backdrop of the Yaquina Bridge, they were greeted with a celebration inside the Rogue Brewery headquarters. Barrel to Keg sponsors Verterbrata Chiropractic and Central Coast Community Acupuncture welcomed participants with free massages and acupuncture. Rogue food and beer, fresh-baked bread from Great Harvest Baking Company, Harris Bridge Vineyard wines, and Odwalla bars were available so participants could refuel and enjoy the live music by the Valley Cats, Island Joy, and Fate 55.
During the celebration, the best costumes award was given to "Foot Patrol in Harlan" for their tribute to Reno 911. The best team name award was given to "In Pursuit of Happy Hour," and the best-dressed vehicle award was given to "Margarelayville."
 |
| Best costume winners "Foot Patrol in Harlan" |
CSC would like to thank the many race participants for their support - we hope to see you again next year!
Many thanks to our media partners, News Lincoln County and Oregonlive.com, as well as all of the wonderful sponsors that made the day possible:
Rogue Ales
Harris Bridge Vineyard
Ultrasonic Events
Samaritan Health Services
Odwalla
Vertebrata Chiropractic
Oregon Coast Event Rentals
Hallmark Inns and Resorts
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Central Coast Community Acupuncture
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Ossies Surf Shop
Bier One
Stoker's VitaWorld
Valley Fire Control
National Frozen Foods
Great Harvest Baking Company
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Several Students Graduate from CSC's Learning Opportunities Center
CSC's Learning Opportunities Center (LOC) in Lebanon had eight
students graduate from high school this year. Seven Scio students also
studied and earned their GEDs while attending the LOC.
The high school graduates are all on record graduating from their town's high school. At CSC's LOC, they earn key credits in classes they need to obtain their diplomas. More than 45 high school students graced the LOC classroom, with five attending less than three weeks and some staying for the entire school year. The students at the LOC passed and earned credit in more than 130 classes.
Eight regular LOC students graduated from Sweet Home High School: Ana Andrade-Enriquez, Alexis Armstrong, Kyanna Byerley, Michael Dewar, Konane Leslie, Krystal Menim, and Josh Sparhawk. Josh Strickland graduated from Scio High School.
Some students received GEDs while at the LOC, including the following Scio High School students: Kaitlyn Curry, Brad Cross, Michael Lukini, Kyle Dearing, David A. Silbernagel, Michael Sumerlin and Ben Sims.
Teachers Jim Zanotti and Drew Robertson agree that it was their most successful school year. Congratulations to all the hard-working students, and thank you to the dedicated staff that helped to mentor these students to success!
The high school graduates are all on record graduating from their town's high school. At CSC's LOC, they earn key credits in classes they need to obtain their diplomas. More than 45 high school students graced the LOC classroom, with five attending less than three weeks and some staying for the entire school year. The students at the LOC passed and earned credit in more than 130 classes.
Eight regular LOC students graduated from Sweet Home High School: Ana Andrade-Enriquez, Alexis Armstrong, Kyanna Byerley, Michael Dewar, Konane Leslie, Krystal Menim, and Josh Sparhawk. Josh Strickland graduated from Scio High School.
Some students received GEDs while at the LOC, including the following Scio High School students: Kaitlyn Curry, Brad Cross, Michael Lukini, Kyle Dearing, David A. Silbernagel, Michael Sumerlin and Ben Sims.
Teachers Jim Zanotti and Drew Robertson agree that it was their most successful school year. Congratulations to all the hard-working students, and thank you to the dedicated staff that helped to mentor these students to success!
Home Rescue Program Provides Up to $30,000 in Assistance to Struggling Homeowners
Homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments may be eligible for up to $20,000 in assistance and up to $10,000 to bring their mortgages current. Beginning July 31st, residents of Linn and Lincoln counties can apply for the Home Rescue Program. This program is designed to help Oregon homeowners avoid foreclosure by making their monthly mortgage payments for up to one year.
To qualify, homeowners must be able to show at least a 10% drop in current income compared to 2011 or 2012. An eligibility questionnaire, a complete list of qualification requirements and application cycle schedule can be found on the Home Rescue Program page at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.
“This program will help local homeowners stay in their homes so they can focus on recovering from the difficult economic times we have been experiencing.” said Dina Eldridge, Housing Services Manager at Community Services Consortium. “If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, don’t hesitate to contact us for help.”
The next opportunity to apply for the program is Wednesday, July 31st at noon. Application slots are limited so people struggling to pay their mortgage shouldn’t hesitate to apply. New applicant slots will be available every two weeks on Wednesdays at noon until all program funds have been exhausted. A complete availability schedule and more information about how to apply can be found on the program page at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.
Throughout Oregon, the Home Rescue Program is expected to help an estimated 2,500 homeowners stay in their homes. To date, programs offered by the Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative (OHSI) have assisted more than 7,500 Oregon homeowners statewide.
Homeowners without internet access can visit the following CSC offices:
Linn County
Community Services Consortium
250 Broadalbin St SW, Suite 2A (upstairs in Two Rivers Market downtown)
Albany, OR 97321
Lincoln County
Community Services Consortium
120 NE Avery Street (upstairs)
Newport, OR 97365
or call OHSI customer service at 503-986-2025 for more information.
To qualify, homeowners must be able to show at least a 10% drop in current income compared to 2011 or 2012. An eligibility questionnaire, a complete list of qualification requirements and application cycle schedule can be found on the Home Rescue Program page at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.
“This program will help local homeowners stay in their homes so they can focus on recovering from the difficult economic times we have been experiencing.” said Dina Eldridge, Housing Services Manager at Community Services Consortium. “If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, don’t hesitate to contact us for help.”
The next opportunity to apply for the program is Wednesday, July 31st at noon. Application slots are limited so people struggling to pay their mortgage shouldn’t hesitate to apply. New applicant slots will be available every two weeks on Wednesdays at noon until all program funds have been exhausted. A complete availability schedule and more information about how to apply can be found on the program page at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.
Throughout Oregon, the Home Rescue Program is expected to help an estimated 2,500 homeowners stay in their homes. To date, programs offered by the Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative (OHSI) have assisted more than 7,500 Oregon homeowners statewide.
Homeowners without internet access can visit the following CSC offices:
Linn County
Community Services Consortium
250 Broadalbin St SW, Suite 2A (upstairs in Two Rivers Market downtown)
Albany, OR 97321
Lincoln County
Community Services Consortium
120 NE Avery Street (upstairs)
Newport, OR 97365
or call OHSI customer service at 503-986-2025 for more information.
Apply Now for Lincoln County Head Start!
Now is the time to secure your spot in Head Start for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year! Applications are accepted at Head Start’s Newport, Toledo, and Lincoln City sites on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but may be picked up any time at any of the sites outside the front doors.
While Head Start receives applications throughout the year, the clock is ticking quickly towards the start of the school year, and applications should be completed as soon as possible. Please encourage your friends and family to apply now!
"Many families understand that getting their applications in early gives their child a better chance of being accepted. It also gives them a chance to see the sites with their child. Children love to see the school, the classrooms, and the beautiful murals on the walls. They get excited about school, and enjoy their visits so much that they don't want to leave!” says Suzanne Miller, CSC Head Start Director.
For more information, please call or visit Head Start’s Lincoln City locations:
Applications and information are also available in English and Spanish on CSC’s Head Start website at http://communityservices.us/education/detail/category/head-start/.
Head Start is a nationwide program that supports school readiness for low-income children by improving their language, reading, math, science, and social/emotional development. The program also includes health, nutrition, and other services. Family partnerships are developed to support parents as they identify and meet their own goals, nurture the development of their children and build trusting relationships between parents and staff.
"Many families understand that getting their applications in early gives their child a better chance of being accepted. It also gives them a chance to see the sites with their child. Children love to see the school, the classrooms, and the beautiful murals on the walls. They get excited about school, and enjoy their visits so much that they don't want to leave!” says Suzanne Miller, CSC Head Start Director.
For more information, please call or visit Head Start’s Lincoln City locations:
- Newport, 541-574-7690, 253 NE 1st St., Newport, OR 97365
- Toledo, 541-336-5113, 845 NW A St., Toledo, OR 97391
- Lincoln City, 541-996-3028, 2130 SW Lee St., Lincoln City, OR 97367
Applications and information are also available in English and Spanish on CSC’s Head Start website at http://communityservices.us/education/detail/category/head-start/.
Head Start is a nationwide program that supports school readiness for low-income children by improving their language, reading, math, science, and social/emotional development. The program also includes health, nutrition, and other services. Family partnerships are developed to support parents as they identify and meet their own goals, nurture the development of their children and build trusting relationships between parents and staff.
Annual Gleaner Appreciation Picnic on August 4th
Linn Benton Food Share (LBFS) will be hosting its 15th Annual Gleaner Appreciation picnic this Sunday, August 4th. The picnic is a way for LBFS to thank donors, gleaners, gleaning group volunteers and other guests for the tireless work that they do to gather food around the state for distribution to Oregon residents in need.
This year's picnic will be extra special, as they will also be celebrating 40 years of organized gleaning in Oregon. Of all the gleaners statewide, LBFS’s program is the
largest in the state, with 14 gleaning groups and a total of 7,900 low
income members in Linn and Benton counties.
Click here to read more about the 40-year anniversary of organized gleaning in Oregon.
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| Appreciating gleaners with food, music, and fun |
Click here to read more about the 40-year anniversary of organized gleaning in Oregon.
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