Upcoming Weatherization Training Classes

CSC's Weatherization Training Center is hosting a number of training classes in the following months. All of the following classes are held at the CSC Weatherization Training Center, 240 SW Washington, Corvallis, OR 97333 unless otherwise specified. For more information, e-mail Dennis Feeney at dfeeney@communityservices.us or call 541-753-0509.

July 28th – Lead Repair, Renovation and Painting Refresher - $200     
This EPA accredited refresher class is being taught by Glenn Hayden who has many years of construction and lead abatement experience.  This is for previously certified Lead RRP Technicians.
Class is scheduled from 8:00 to 12:30.
Register at: https://www.regonline.com/CSCWxLeadRRP_Refresher_July_2014

August 11th – Lead Repair, Renovation and Painting - $225
This EPA accredited class is being taught by Glenn Hayden who has many years of construction and lead abatement experience. Class is scheduled from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Register at: https://www.regonline.com/CSCWxLeadRRP_Aug_2014

August 13th – CSC YouthBuild & Corvallis Canyons Project Trip
Corvallis Canyons Project will be taking 8 adventure-seeking YouthBuild Students on a canyoneering trip in the cascades.  For more information or to support adventure for underserved youth please visit their website: https://www.facebook.com/corvalliscanyonsproject                                

August 18th - CPR & First Aid Class – Sold Out
Join Todd Washington from CPR Works for a very engaging and informative First Aid & CPR Class.  Class starts at 9:00am and goes to 2:00pm. This class is full - e-mail dfeeney@communityservices.us if you are interested in having another class scheduled.
   
August 19th & 20th - Essentials for Healthy Home Practitioners - Free
John Davies of the Building Performance Center and Dennis Feeney will lead this NCHH class on a holistic approach to identifying the root causes of health problems in a home and linking them to the seven principles of healthy housing: keep it dry; keep it clean; keep it pest free; keep it ventilated; keep it safe and maintained. This class is for CSC employees or members of affiliate organizations. 8-BPI CEU’s. Space is limited, email dfeeney@communityservices.us or call 541-753-0509 to RSVP.

September 3rd – Combustion Safety and Evaluation 101 - $175 
Dennis Feeney will be leading this class on a House-as-a-System approach to evaluating and diagnosing heating system problems.  Topics include: heating system identification, sequence of operations, basics of sizing, distribution and combustion safety testing.
Register at: https://www.regonline.com/CSCWxCombustionSafety_Sept_2014

Seed Donation Will Nourish Local Residents in Need

Linn Benton Food Share (LBFS) – a Community Services Consortium program – is the recipient of a very kindly offer from FOOD for Lane County to share in a generous BiMart donation of vegetable seeds. LBFS accepted seven pallets of seeds, valued at $25,000, and immediately started distributing them for the upcoming summer growing season.

BiMart’s donation of seeds will help LBFS increase the amount of healthy, locally grown produce available to those in need through their 74 local partner agencies that include emergency food pantries and shelters, soup kitchens, child and senior care centers, residential care homes, and gleaning groups.

Seed packets have gone out across Food Share’s two-county area. As temperatures start to rise this spring, tender little veggie starts will be making an appearance in gardens aimed at helping people in need access fresh produce. 

Cindy Rice, manager of the Sweet Home Emergency Ministries food pantry in Linn County, took some of the seeds and began distributing them to clients accessing emergency food boxes.  She reports that many clients are excited to grow vegetables at home, and are planning to contribute excess produce back to the pantry.

Also receiving seeds were members of LBFS’s 14 gleaning groups, which serve more than 7,000 low income people in Linn and Benton counties. Many of these low-income gleaners are seniors with gardening experience, as well as families eager to learn how to grow food for their children. Access to free seeds is a real benefit for them.

In addition to individuals who received seeds, LBFS offered seed packets to several local programs. The CSC Youth Garden, for example, will grow some of the seeds in their garden at the corner of 2nd and Western in Corvallis, as well as the plot donated to the Youth Garden by Trillium Children’s Farm Home on Trillium’s acreage in Corvallis.  A portion of what these young people learn to grow is given to partner gleaning groups.


LBFS Director Mike Gibson notes that Food Share has made it a priority to increase the amount of fresh produce for emergency food boxes. With an increase of 28% this year, a total of over one million pounds of produce will be distributed. Gibson also reports that the overall need for emergency food in Linn and Benton counties is at its highest point ever, with LBFS distributing 5.5 million pounds of food in FY 2013-14 compared to 5.15 million pounds last year.

“Linn Benton Food Share is thankful for the generous donation from Bi-Mart,“ Mike stated. “These seeds will provide produce for people who are at risk of going hungry. We always feel good when we can increase the nutritional content of the food we distribute—and in this case, the people planting the seeds have a new way to provide for their families.”

22nd Annual Letter Carriers' Food Drive Benefits Linn Benton Food Share

Linn Benton Food Share had a great turnout for the 22nd annual Letter Carriers' Food Drive on May 10th, with several volunteers coming out to sort more than 45,000 pounds of generous donations gathered by letter carriers in Albany, Corvallis and Lebanon. The nationwide food drive is the country's largest one-day food collection event.

The food will go a long way in meeting demand for food in Linn and Benton counties, which hit a high of 5.5 million pounds for fiscal year 2013-2014, an increase from 5.15 million pounds the previous year.

Thank you to United States Postal Service Letter Carriers for gathering the food and all of our volunteers for coming out to lend a hand!

2nd Annual Garden Gnome Run a Success

Great fun was had by all at the 2nd Annual Garden Gnome Run on May 4, a benefit for the CSC Youth House Garden. More than 300 runners and walkers came out to support the Youth Garden, show off their clever gnome costumes, get a little exercise, eat some delicious crepes, and listen to the sounds of Island Joy.

Thanks to all of the wonderful sponsors below, as well as everyone that came out to enjoy the race!

Thanks to Sohel Kahn for taking some great pictures too!

To view race results, click here.

HEART to Heart Resource Fair on May 16

The Albany Homeless Enrichment and Rehabilitation Team (HEART) and Community Services Consortium will host the ninth annual HEART to Heart Resource Fair Thursday, May 15, 2014, for individuals and families in Linn County who are homeless or living in poverty. The event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Boys & Girls’ Club of Albany, 1215 Hill Street SE.

Representatives of more than 40 organizations will provide information and help with disability or Social Security benefits; identification; finding a job; health care; housing; help with rent or utility bills; alcohol and drug treatment; and special housing, medical, and employment programs for veterans.

Individuals who need dental care can see a dentist at the Club’s dental clinic for extractions and examinations, first-come, first-served, from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Stylists from SuperCuts will give free haircuts, volunteers from SafeHaven Humane Society will have some pet supplies to give away, and a bicycle mechanic will be on hand to do quick tune-ups.

A limited number of reading glasses, sunglasses, daily living kits, shoes, new socks, items for children, and first-aid kits will be available. Love INC will provide lunch.

The Resource Fair began in June 2006 when the City of Albany cleared out a long-established homeless camp in Simpson Park. The HEART Board of Directors includes representatives of local health and human service agencies, homeless shelters and advocates, the City of Albany, faith-based organizations, and Albany businesses.

For more information about the event, contact 541-917-7507.

Oregonians Have Until April 30 to Apply for Private Health Insurance

Oregonians now have an additional month to apply for private health insurance. The new deadline to apply is April 30. This gives people who have not yet applied for insurance through Cover Oregon more time. More time to apply. More time to find out what financial assistance they may qualify for. More time to get covered.

As of April 3, there have been more than 200,000 enrollments through Cover Oregon. And right now, certified Cover Oregon partner organizations, like Community Services Consortium (CSC), are working hard to spread the word and help individuals and families get the health insurance they need.

Right now, CSC can help Oregonians apply and enroll in health insurance free of charge. Partners and agents can enroll people online, and oftentimes in one meeting, making the process faster and easier than before. Individuals and families in Lincoln County can make an appointment with CSC today.

Please contact:

Aracelly Guevara
Health Program Coordinator
Certified Assister for Cover Oregon
541-961-4073
120 NE Avery Street, Newport Oregon 97365 (2nd Floor)

Schedule:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Spanish available.

Oregon's extended application period is targeted to people purchasing private health insurance coverage either through Cover Oregon or directly from an insurance carrier. People who purchase through Cover Oregon can access tax credits and other financial assistance. Oregonians who are eligible for the Oregon Health Plan or Healthy Kids can apply for coverage year round.

Visit resources.coveroregon.com/new-deadline-QA.html for more information about the extended application period.

Workforce Investment Act Scholarships Available

Scholarships made possible through CSC are now available to eligible dislocated workers. Those pursuing programs of study leading to employment in the health care sector are highly encouraged to apply. For more information, view the questionnaire and scholarship description here.

More Time to Apply for Cover Oregon

Oregonians now have an additional month to apply for private health insurance. The new deadline to apply is April 30. This will give people who have not yet applied for coverage through Cover Oregon more time.

There have been more than 175,000 enrollments through Cover Oregon so far. Now with the extended application period, even more Oregonians can get the coverage they need.

More information about the extended application period is available at resources.coveroregon.com/new-deadline-QA.html.

CSC is a certified Cover Oregon partner in Lincoln County. If you need help applying for health insurance, contact:

Aracelly Guevara
Health Program Coordinator
Certified Assister for Cover Oregon
541-961-4073
120 NE Avery Street, Newport Oregon 97365 (2nd Floor)

Schedule:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Spanish available.

CSC Newport Head Start Participates in 3rd Annual Literacy Night

CSC Head Start in Newport is excited for this year’s Newport Rotary Club Literacy Night on April 30 at the Newport Public Library. This year’s event marks the third year that Head Start has participated in the well-attended community event.

Literacy Night is sponsored by the Newport Rotary Club for Newport Head Start children and families. In collaboration with the Newport Public Library and CSC Head Start, the event promotes literacy and library use.

The evening includes a tour of the library, children’s story time, library cards for families who apply, dinner, and art activities. Rotarians prepare and supply the meal for the evening, and act as tour guides. The Rotary club even purchases a children’s book for each of the Newport Head Start families.

This year, the Rotary is including Cubby Preschool children and families from Newport High School.

Lincoln County Commissioner Bill Hall
reads to Head Start students

Newport Head Start teachers all attend and participate in activities with their families. Head Start Teaching Assistant Cecilia Aguero volunteers year-round at the library for children’s story time, reading stories in Spanish with supervising and children’s librarian Rebecca Cohen. Cecilia and Rebecca will do children’s story time for the Literacy Night event.

Rebecca also comes to Head Start once a month and reads to children. Lincoln City children’s librarian Teena Nelson also reads monthly in the Lincoln City Head Start classrooms. Toledo Head Start is fortunate to have Toledo Public Library right across the street, and classes take walking field trips to hear story time in the library. CSC Head Start treasures its local libraries and wonderful librarians.

Rebecca and Director Ted Smith are instrumental library staff members in hosting and participating in the event.

Rotarian Dick Fowler created and printed a brochure for the event in English and Spanish. A conscious effort is made to recruit bilingual volunteers to ensure Spanish-speaking families are welcomed and full participants in the evening.

The Newport Rotary Club has made what could have been a one-off event into an annual one. CSC Head Start so appreciates the ongoing collaboration with Newport Rotary Club, and looks forward to a shared literacy night with another early childhood education program in the community.

Eliminate Hunger - Become a Gleaner!

Gleaners are people with low incomes who participate in gathering donated foods for themselves and other low-income households. For more than 30 years, CSC has provided support for the largest gleaning program in Oregon. Currently, the gleaning program supplies more than two million pounds of nutritious food to nearly eight thousand individuals.

How does gleaning work?

Farmers, grocers and other donors call Linn Benton Food Share when they have surplus crops, bread, produce, and other foods to donate. Gleaners harvest these excess crops and pick up the donated foods. They also repack them into manageable portions and distribute them among their members. 

Gleaners share fifty-fifty with their adoptee households. These are households where no one is able to glean because of health problems or other serious limitations.

Linn Benton Food Share’s gleaning program works side-by-side with farmers/growers and local grocers to keep good food from going to waste. Last year, our Gleaning Program collected and distributed more than two million pounds of unsold food and gleaned  fruits and vegetables. Most of the households that received the nutritious food  include children, disabled and elderly people.

Wood Share is a component of the Gleaning Program, and shares donated firewood with gleaners and their adoptees who rely on wood for winter warmth.

How can I become a gleaner?

Fourteen gleaning groups are located throughout Linn and Benton counties. For more information on a group near you, please call Susan James 541-758-2645 or send her an e-mail at sjames@communityservices.us.

Recruiting Now for the YouthBuild Training Program!

Are you between the ages of 18-21, need your GED or high school diploma and interested in construction, building trades, or energy conservation? Then YouthBuild is looking for you! This program is offered at no cost to participants. Eligible participants may receive financial incentives to participate.

Am I eligible?

If you are between the ages of 18-21, want to earn your GED or high school diploma, live in Linn County, and are drug-free, we encourage you to apply for the program!

How long is the program?

Six months to a year, depending upon how long it takes to complete your GED or high school diploma.

Where is it located?

The program is primarily located in Linn County. Transportation is provided from central locations in Sweet Home, Lebanon, and Albany to the worksites.

How do I get more information or apply?

For more information or to apply, go to our website at: communityservices.us/
education/youthbuild/ for more information or to download an application. You can also call Geoff Jaeger at 541-231-2896.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. CSC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.

CSC Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2014-2015 School Year

CSC Head Start provides a free preschool education to Lincoln County children ages three to five years old, offering a nurturing learning environment that includes parents as important resources for their children’s learning.

Head Start has locations in Lincoln City, Newport, and Toledo. Head Start focuses on the “whole child” and includes the child’s educational, health, family, and social needs.

CSC Head Start’s educational program is designed to foster intellectual, social, and emotional growth. It meets the needs of each child and is sensitive to the child’s cultural identity, as well as any health or academic challenges.

Our program emphasizes the importance of the early identification of health problems that might get in the way of a child’s success. Every child has a comprehensive health screening, which includes immunizations; medical, dental and mental health assessments; and nutritional needs.

Parents are an essential part of CSC Head Start. We encourage parents to be actively involved in parent education, program planning, and the daily operation of our sites. Many parents serve as members of policy councils and committees and have a voice in administrative decisions.

Enrollment is based on family income eligibility, needs assessment, and space availability. For more information or to view the application, visit communityservices.us/education/detail/category/head-start. You can also call us or stop by for more information. Se habla Espanol.

Lincoln City: 2130 SE Lee Avenue, 541-996-3028
Toledo: 845 NW “A” Street , 541-336-5113
Newport: 253 NE 1st Street, 541-574-7690