The Giving Season Is Here!

Dear Friends and Community Partners,

It has been a challenging but rewarding year for Community Services Consortium, and we couldn't have done it without you.

Through your donations and support of events like the Barrel to Keg Relay and our American Winter screening, we can continue our mission to end poverty in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln County.

As we enter into the holiday season, we hope that you will include CSC in your giving plans. We are proud to announce the launch of our Giving Season Catalog, which makes it easy for you to give a gift in your name or on behalf of a loved one. Gifts to specific programs - housing, food & nutrition, and education - are available in a wide range of amounts.

This year, we are also participating in Giving Tuesday on December 3. You've heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday - now there is Giving Tuesday, a day to give back. Giving Tuesday is the perfect day to support CSC with a general donation (just use the "Donate" button on our home page at www.communityservices.us) or a selection from the Giving Season catalog.

Thank you for your generosity and support in our fight to end poverty! Happy holidays from all of us here at Community Services Consortium!

CSC Participates in Benton County Project Resource Connect

Patty, Paul and Dina help a visitor at Resource Connect

Members of CSC's Housing department participated in the fourth annual Benton County Project Resource Connect on November 16. The event brings together nonprofits and government agencies in an effort to provide low-income and homeless residents services for things like food, housing, medical care and dental work, legal assistance, parenting programs and GED classes.

Patty Wachs, Paul Barnes, and Dina Eldridge were on hand to spread information about CSC's housing programs, including the new Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which helps veterans that are homeless or at risk of being homeless. 

For more information, you can read the story about the event in the Corvallis Gazette-Times: http://bit.ly/1iQUf16. For information about the SSVF program, contact Paul Barnes at pbarnes@communityservices.us. For information about CSC's Housing program, contact Dina Eldridge at deldridge@communityservices.us.

Second Chance Renter Rehabilitation Classes Coming in January

The Second Chance Program Renter's Rehabilitation Workshop Series will be starting up again this January. 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:

• How to be a Good Tenant
• Energy Education
• Landlord/Tenant Issues
• Goal Setting
• Conflict Resolution
• Basic Budgeting

Participants must attend all six workshops to receive a certificate. The series runs on Mondays* and Wednesdays, 3:00pm-5:00pm, on January 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd (*due to the 20th being a holiday, we are meeting on Tuesday the 21st instead of Monday that week). All workshops are held at the Community Services Consortium office in Corvallis, 545 SW Second St., Suite A.

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.

CSC News Roundup

CSC is incredibly thankful for our fabulous media partners that help us to spread the word about our programs and services, as well as poverty issues in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln County. Here's a look at CSC in the news since September:

Food drive brings holiday cheer to needy families - Corvallis Gazette-Times, November 26, 2013
CSC Participates in #GivingTuesday - #GivingTuesday web site, November 20, 2013
Sign up now for holiday food boxes - Corvallis Gazette Times, November 19, 2013
Benton County Holiday Food Drive - KEZI, November 19, 2013
Homeless services 'abundant' in Albany - Albany Democrat Herald, November 7, 2013
Mid-Valley Halloween Happenings (Linn Benton Food Share) - Albany Democrat Herald, October 28, 2013
Reading to children at Head Start - Lincoln Courier, October 25, 2013
Vets support services now available in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties - The News Guard, October 24, 2013
First Story, CSC Youthbuild team up to help Albany family - Albany Democrat-Herald, October 18, 2013
Kids may not get 'Head Start' if government shutdown continues - KATU, October 4, 2013
Film "American Winter" Shows Oregon's Poverty - Corvallis Gazette-Times, October 2, 2013
Government shutdown: Head Start programs in Lincoln County in jeopardy if closure persists - The Oregonian, October 1, 2013
American Winter movie, forum Thursday - Albany Democrat Herald, October 1, 2013
Federal shutdown affects local services for the poor - Albany Democrat-Herald, October 1, 2013
CSC Hosts Documentary Highlighting Oregon Poverty: American Winter Screens at LaSells Thursday, Oct. 3 - Corvallis Advocate, September 26, 2013
Ewanchyna family rises to the occasion in final charity bake sale (Linn Benton Food Share) - Corvallis Gazette Times, September 15, 2013

A Head Start Halloween

 
Written by Suzanne Miller, Head Start Director

Not only does Head Start educate and care for children’s well-being and support their families, they also have fun! This Halloween was no exception. The Head Start teachers and children dressed up in a variety of wondrous costumes. With a dedicated staff and a great curriculum with measurable outcomes, Head Start continues to be the gold standard in pre-school education. In Lincoln County, we are proud to be a shining example of the best that early childhood education and social services can offer. Our partners within CSC and throughout the community make our services invaluable to our most at risk children and families. With the ongoing scepter of federal cuts looming, it continues to be important to have the assistance of friends who can contribute their time and money to help sustain this program. If you would like to talk about the current needs, make a long-term contribution, or would like a personal tour of our facilities, please contact Dr. Suzanne Miller, Director, at 541-996-3028, ext. 272.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Now Available in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties

Beginning in October 2013, Community Services Consortium (CSC) is administering the Coming Home Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. CSC has partnered with St. Vincent DePaul of Lane County to expand this VA-funded program into our service territory. The program is designed to help homeless and at-risk veterans and their families obtain and maintain permanent housing. 

CSC hopes to enroll 50 veteran families in this program in the next 12 months. CSC’s newest Housing Case Manager, Paul Barnes, is already connecting with local shelters and VA representatives to publicize the program’s availability. SSVF is an exciting addition to the rental assistance services currently offered by CSC, and we look forward to serving those who have served our country so selflessly. 

For more information on eligibility for this program, contact Paul Barnes at 541-704-7648 or pbarnes@communityservices.us.

Ecuadoran Group Visits Linn Benton Food Share to Learn About Innovative Gleaning Approach

Linn Benton Food Share recently hosted members of Oregon State University's Binational Learning Community on Food, Culture and Social Justice in Ecuador and Oregon, including 11 members that made the trip from Ecuador to Oregon.

The Ecuadorian group was on a two-week visit to Oregon exploring food system related sites. Linn Benton Food Share was chosen due to its innovative approach to food distribution through its network of 14 gleaning groups in Linn and Benton counties. 

Members of the group spent time talking with the gleaners, and got some hands-on experience with the repacking process. Everyone took part in a potluck at the end of the visit. 

The group will also be touring different food production sites, farms, and food markets in Oregon. In December, the Oregon-based members will travel to Ecuador for a parallel food systems visit.

Many thanks to Oregon State University's Director of Anthropology, Joan Gross, for giving Linn Benton Food Share the opportunity to host members of the Binational Learning Community! 

Support Linn Benton Food Share at the 20th Annual Magic Barrel Fundraiser

Oregon Book Award winners Matthew Dickman, Lauren Kessler, Henry Hughes, Gina Ochsner and five other distinguished writers from Oregon will read from their works Oct. 25 in Corvallis at the 20th annual Magic Barrel: A Reading to Fight Hunger event.

National Book Award winner Barry Lopez will emcee, and the event will include readings from other authors as well as music, a silent auction, free hors d’oeuvres, sweets and wine.

Admission is a suggested donation of $9 at the door, but listeners are encouraged to give what they can. Nobody is turned away for lack of funds. All proceeds will go to Linn Benton Food Share to fight hunger in the Corvallis and Albany community.

The event will take place at the historic Whiteside Theatre, a 1920s Italian Renaissance movie palace in downtown Corvallis under restoration. The music begins at 6:30pm, with readings beginning at 7pm.

For more information, click here.

Apply Now for Workforce Investment Act Scholarships

Need help with training or education for job skills, or know someone that does? CSC is now taking applications for Workforce Investment Act scholarships. Applications must be received by November 21, 2013 at 5pm. To access the application and more information, click here.

At-Risk Youth Raise Walls and Hope for Albany Family

The dream of home ownership is now a reality for one local family in Albany thanks to the nonprofit group First Story, Community Services Consortium’s YouthBuild program and local builder Hayden Homes. Luppela Sifuentez and her three daughters will raise the walls on their new home on Thursday, October 17 at 11:30 am. The home is located at 2035 Lehigh Way in Albany.

“Our partnership with YouthBuild allows us to build an affordable home while helping to transform the lives of young adults who have struggled and become disconnected from our community,” said Claire Duncan, Executive Director of First Story. “The YouthBuild program helps them discover their strengths and identify their challenges in a supportive environment that emphasizes positive outcomes. The students bring with them varied experiences with school, family and community, but they all have one thing in common: They are ready to learn.”

To qualify for the First Story home, Sifuentez went through a comprehensive interview and assessment process and was required to meet certain income guidelines. Sifuentez will purchase the home through a zero down payment and a zero interest 30-year home loan from First Story.

“First Story has done more for me and my family than give us a roof over our heads. First Story has restored my sense of dignity and my confidence that hard work and perseverance do make a difference,” said Sifuentez.

“We have an amazing opportunity to change the lives of these young people while changing the future for Luppela and her daughters,” said First Story Founder and CEO of Hayden Homes, Hayden Watson. “Hayden Homes remains focused on helping First Story get families like the Sifuentez in safe, stable affordable homes.”

DATE: Thursday, October 17, 2013
TIME: 11:30am to 1:00pm
LOCATION: 2035 Lehigh Way, Albany, OR 97322
ADDITIONAL: Photo opportunities will be available on site

About First Story

In 1998, builder Hayden Homes had a vision: to change lives through home ownership. That vision developed into First Story, a 501(c)(3) public non-profit, which is celebrating 15 years of service in 2013. First Story has served over 10,000 families though home construction, homeownership opportunities and community giving. Its mission is to promote giving and inspire communities through the creation of home ownership opportunities and financial support. For more information visit: www.FirstStory.org

About YouthBuild

Community Services Consortium (CSC) YouthBuild is a comprehensive program designed to provide apprentice-like opportunities for at-risk young adults ages 16 to 24 years old. Learning takes place in both the classroom, where students earn their high school diplomas or GEDs, and in the field, where students gain construction skills and work experience. CSC YouthBuild is a six-month to two-year youth development program.

About Hayden Homes

Hayden Homes has been building homes and communities throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than two decades. Its vision is to provide the highest quality home for the lowest possible cost. The company is among the top 50 builders in the nation with communities in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

CSC Workforce & Education 2012-2013 Report Card Available Now

CSC's Workforce & Education department has released their 2012-2013 report card. The report card outlines the programs we run that provide a solid foundation for employment, enhanced employability, as well as self-sufficient employment. The report also includes key metrics on the success of our programs. To read the report, click here.

Great Turnout for CSC Benefit and “American Winter” Screening

Nearly 600 people turned out for a free screening of the award-winning documentary “American Winter,” which was also a benefit for Community Services Consortium (CSC), on Thursday, October 3 at the OSU’s LaSells Stewart Center.

The documentary, produced and directed by Emmy award-winning filmmakers Joe and Harry Gantz, follows the personal stories of eight Oregon families struggling in the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

Working together with the nonprofit organization 211info in Portland, the filmmakers were given full access to monitor and record calls from distressed families who were calling 211’s emergency hotline in search of help. They then began following the stories of some of these callers in more depth over several months.

CSC program displays were located throughout the lobby, with representatives educating attendees about the work CSC does in the areas of food and nutrition, housing, education, jobs and finances. The CSC Youth Garden even had a full display of jams, jellies, salsa, and sauces for sale.

Linn County Commissioner Will Tucker kicked off the screening. CSC Executive Director Martha Lyon led the panel after the film, which also included OSU Sociology Professor Mark Edwards, Corvallis Mayor Julie Manning, and 211 Agency Relations Coordinator Emily Berndt.

The benefit raised $2100 for CSC’s poverty-fighting programs, which is a great kickoff to the start of CSC’s holiday giving season. A gift catalog will soon be available on the website, allowing donors to designate the meaningful gift of a CSC program donation in the name of a recipient of their choosing.

Many thanks to the generous local businesses that donated snacks and a coffee service for the event, including Starbucks, Safeway, Trader Joe's, Stoker's VitaWorld, and Odwalla. A special thank you to the LaSells Stewart Center staff (especially Deb Weitzman) for helping us to plan the event and donating the space!

Community Services Consortium (CSC) is a state-designated Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with housing, nutrition, economic stability, and educational assistance programs since 1980.

To support this project or any of CSC’s poverty-fighting programs and services, visit our website at www.communityservices.us. Donations may be made through our website or mailed to our main office: Community Services Consortium, 245 Broadalbin Street, Suite 2A, Albany, OR 97321.

For more CSC news, visit our blog at http://communityservicesblog.blogspot.com.