Congratulations Keith Kolkow - City of Albany Human Relations Awardee

Since 2011, the Albany Human Relations Commission (HRC) has recognized individuals and Albany organizations or businesses that have worked to promote harmonious relations among the citizens of Albany. Selection of award recipients are based on a demonstrated commitment to promoting human relations, diversity, and/or equality through community programs and activities in Albany.

The ceremony for the 2016 Human Relations awards was held [Wednesday, April 26th] during the Albany City Council meeting and [CSC's] very own Keith Kolkow won the award for the individual category! As a committed community member of the City of Albany, Keith is involved in many committees and volunteers countless hours for various events throughout the year.

LBFS Winner in PacificSource Healthy Life Challenge

The 2nd annual PacificSource Healthy Life Challenge was held from October 23rd to November 21st, with more than 1,000 people taking the pledge to be more active, smoke free, eat healthy, and/or reduce stress. For each pledge participant, PacificSource agreed to donate $1 to one of four local charities, which were also voted on by pledge participants. Linn Benton Food Share won the pledge participant vote, which means a healthy donation will be coming their way from PacificSource. Thank you to everyone that participated in the Healthy Life Pledge and congratulations to LBFS!

For more information on the PacificSource Healthy Life Challenge, click here.

SHIBA Volunteer Receives 2012 Oregon Governor's Volunteer Award

Karen Burrell, one of our extraordinary SHIBA volunteers, has been awarded an Oregon Governor's Volunteer Award for Outstanding Senior Volunteer. Karen is always learning and teaching public workshops that attracts hundreds of people each year, in addition to her individual Medicare counseling. She also volunteers with PEO and her church.

The 2012 Oregon Governor's Volunteer Awards on Friday, November 9 will honor 14 individuals and 12 organizations from throughout the state for their commitment to serving Oregon and its people.

“Oregon is made richer by the contributions of our talented and compassionate citizens,” said Gov. John Kitzhaber. “These award winners represent the best of the state—people who give their time, energy, and resources to lifting up others and making Oregon a better place to live.”

The annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards honor ordinary Oregonians who do extraordinary things and also inspire and motivate future volunteerism. Nominations were received from all over the state and were carefully evaluated by appointed review committees. Winners will receive cash grants from Wells Fargo to give to their favorite nonprofit group.

You can read more about Karen's awesome achievement here.

Congratulations Karen, and thank you for everything that you do!

CSC Receives Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 19th consecutive year

The CSC Finance Department with the the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement. (Left to right) Kellie Oxford, Debbie Clearwater, Denice Stout, Cherry Condron and Debbie Jackson, Director of Finance.

Community Services Consortium (CSC) received The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment. This is the 18th consecutive year CSC has received the CAFR.

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been presented to Deborah C. Jackson, Finance Director of CSC and Don Lindly, CSC Governing Board Chair for having had the primary responsibility for preparing the award-winning CAFR.
The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL, and Washington, D.C.

Community Services Consortium (CSC) is the state-designated Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. CSC provides a wide range of services to low and moderate income individuals and families. CSC helps with employment, job training skills, food, housing, weatherization, housing rehabilitation, education and volunteer opportunities. For more information, or to support CSC and its many programs, please contact CSC’s administrative office at (541) 752-1010 or visit www.communityservices.us.