Help When No Other Option Exists - with Yamhill County Service Integration Teams

Episode originally published on 3/15/2023

What do you do when you need some help but you've run out of options? The Service Integration Teams (SITs) website explains it best:

Sometimes people need a little extra help paying rent, or help with a heat bill in a cold winter month. An urgent prescription or medical bill can derail a budget. The SITs can address issues like an urgent prescription or medical bill. They also help local food banks and other local non-profits when there are not enough supplies like personal hygiene products, clothing and toiletries.

Needs are varied and unique for each community

Each community might need something different or unique. SITs review requests when no other options are available, or when the full expense can’t be covered. Requests typically average no more than $300. Funds are for a one-time crisis in one of the following categories:

• Basic Needs: Food, clothing and personal items

• Community Development: Community events and activities

• Education: Classes, tuition, fees, literacy programs for adults or children

• Extra-Curricular: Fees, materials or clothing needed to participate in extracurricular activity

• Health: Prescriptions, co-pays, rides to medical and dental appointments, etc.

• Supplies: Goods or equipment to carry out activities or programs

• Urgent Needs: Emergency housing or utility assistance

• Youth Development: Leadership/learning opportunities not part of regular school programs

  Source: https://yamhillcco.org/community-programs/service-integration-teams/

This episode is brought to you by The Joyful Roberts Group, a local family-run real estate team led by Daniel Roberts. To learn more about the Living in Newberg YouTube Channel, click the link above.

Supporting at-risk Families - with A Family Place

By the time a child is 5 years old, their brain is nearly 80% developed. A Family Place works with families to ensure a safe and supportive environment for children to grow up and have healthy brain development.

There are so many ways A Family Place supports families in our community and this episode shares several stories of families whose lives have been forever changed by this organization.

Links mentioned in episode:

Meet Will & Geneva

https://www.familyplacerelief.org/

Episode originally published on 3/1/2022

Helping Community Members Become Self-Sufficient - with YCAP

Laverne Pitts, Development Director at YCAP, shares how Yamhill Community Action Partnership is helping people in need become sulf-sufficient.

Helping Communities Thrive - with United Way

Liz Schrader, Chief Development Officer for United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, shares about United Way’s mission to unite people and communities with resources so they have opportunities to thrive. She also shares how United Way is getting involved in Newberg and Yamhill county and what that might look like in the coming year.

Creating Successful Communities - with Chehalem Park and Recreation District

Don Clements, superintendent of Chehalem Park and Recreation District (CPRD), shares how CPRD has used social capital to help Newberg be a successful community.

What makes CPRD so great and what is the impact they have had on our community? Tune in to hear about past and upcoming projects, CPRD’s mission, and the crucial role CPRD plays in helping children become contributing members of society.

How Newberg Schools are Making Education Relevant - with Joe Morelock

A week before Dr Joe Morelock was fired by the Newberg School board, he shared some of the successes and challenges faced by Newberg Schools, as well as hope for the future.

While there is endless controversy surrounding Newberg’s School District, Joe notes that this is a distraction from all of the good things happening in each school. In this episode Joe shares about how the teachers and staff stepped up to the plate during the pandemic, how students are coping and recovering, his vision for the future of education, and many other topics.

Please leave your thoughts and comments below!

Supporting a Thriving Business Community—With Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce

What is the role of a Chamber of Commerce in helping a business community thrive? In this episode, Executive Director Scott Parker shares how he plans to lead the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce in serving the businesses in our community.

In August 2021, the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed Scott Parker as its new Executive Director. Scott brings years of nonprofit experience and business collaboration to his new role and is excited to serve our city. He was a much-loved personality (https://www.notclowns.com/scott-parker) in his previous city and is quickly becoming a beloved member of Newberg as well.

Compassionate Justice through Community Court—with Judge Larry Blake

Judge Larry Blake shares how Community Court transforms lives by connecting certain individuals who have committed minor crimes with service organizations rather than issuing fines or jail time.

From City of Newberg’s Website:

The City of Newberg, the Newberg Municipal Court, and the Newberg-Dundee Police Department in partnership with local non-profits, is launching a new program to offer non-criminal resolutions to community members facing charges. This new program provides help to low-level offenders who struggle with housing, mental health problems, and addiction while matching participants up with resources from local non-profit agencies.

In line with the Newberg City Council’s goal to improve customer service and improve access to equitable resources, the new program aims to improve the quality of life of participants as well as the residents of Newberg. Participants who successfully complete the program will have their criminal charge dismissed and outstanding fines reduced or waived. Individuals will only be eligible if their offense was non-violent, committed within the City of Newberg, and they do not have a violent criminal history. Every participant will be asked to complete an assessment and will be given a court case plan that includes providers that participants can access for different resources. Resource providers concentrate on housing, drug/alcohol treatment, health care, mental health, and food and essential resources, while also providing a connection for veteran services, education, identification, and transportation. 

The Community Court system has been successful in other communities in Oregon including Eugene and Sweet Home. Municipal Court Judge Larry Blake was instrumental in creating a community court in Sweet Home and wants to replicate this success in Newberg. Judge Larry Blake said of the Community Court program, “I believe the citizens of Newberg would be better served by providing services to some individuals appearing before the court rather than pursuing criminal sanctions. Individuals with mental health issues, drug and alcohol issues, and housing issues will appear in Community Court and have providers in court to assist them in accessing services that will serve them in the future. The goal of Community Court is to dismiss minor criminal charges and waive fees & fines for individuals that are struggling to survive in today’s environment.

https://www.newbergoregon.gov/finance/page/newberg-community-court-program-offers-non-criminal-resolutions

A Different Approach to Fighting Poverty - with Love INC

Yvette Heryford, Executive Director of Newberg’s Love INC, shares how Love INC mobilizes local churches to care for our city.

Love in the name of Christ. This is what Love INC is all about. In a time where talk is cheap, Love INC is on a mission to help churches become what Jesus originally intended them to be. While many organizations focus just on tangible needs, Love INC recognizes that poverty is primarily a heart issue that goes beyond physical well-being. Yvette shares how this understanding is crucial if we are to truly make a difference.

What Makes Newberg Special - with Mayor Rick Rogers

In this episode, Newberg Mayor Rick Rogers shares about his background with Habitat for Humanity and his heart for the city of Newberg.

Newberg really is a special place. Whether it’s the friendly people, the beautiful wine country, the thriving nonprofit sector, the growing university, the places of worship, or the promising future, there are many reasons to love this city. Share in the comments what you feel makes Newberg Special!

Overcoming the Challenges to Affordable Housing with REACH

Affordable housing seems to be an oxymoron these days, but REACH is committed to changing that. Joining me on this episode is Dan Valliere, Executive Director or REACH Community Development sharing how they are making a difference.

REACH strives to create communities where all people live in quality and sustainable housing they can afford - empowered to achieve goals, and enjoying a strong sense of community. Learn more at https://reachcdc.org/about-us/our-impact

Treating Sex Workers with Dignity and Respect—The Cupcake Girls

Sex work. While many people may not agree with it from a moral or religious viewpoint, the fact is that sex workers are just as human as the rest of us—and they deserve to be treated that way. In this episode, Amy-Marie Merrell, Executive Director of The Cupcake Girls, shares the realities and challenges of sex work, and shares how this organization provides much-needed services to those would otherwise go without them.

The Cupcake Girls provide confidential support to those involved in the sex industry, as well as trauma-informed outreach, intensive case management, holistic resources, and referral services to provide prevention, and aftercare to those affected by sex trafficking.

They provide nonjudgmental support to empower our clients in their pursuits through respect, resources, and relationships.

Learn more at https://thecupcakegirls.org/

Challenging Your Assumptions About the Homeless—Sisters of the Road

Danielle Klock, former Executive Director of Sisters of the Road, shares how we can stop being the problem by challenging our assumptions about people living on the street.

Sisters of the Road is a nonprofit Cafe in Portland whose mission is to create systemic change that will end poverty and homelessness by providing nourishing meals in a safe, dignified space. In this episode, former Executive Director Danielle Klock shares how Sisters of the Road is working towards this goal and how you can help.

Episode 10: Flash Love-Andrey Ivanov

Andrey Ivanov, co-founder of Flash Love, shares how empowering and raising up youth leaders is impacting communities across the Northwest.

“People rise and fall to meet your level of expectations for them”

— -John C. Maxwell

Andrey has a passion to restore communities by harnessing the free time and creative energy of young people. While many condemn young people for being destructive or rebellious, Andrey Ivanov discovered that many teens act out because they do not have true leaders or mentors holding them to high standards. Young people want to make an impact but often lack the opportunity or guidance.

Flash Love was created to give teens a purpose and a community, things every human needs. Not only are schools being transformed, but entire communities are seeing the positive impact of young people who see their own potential and are living life on purpose. Rather than babysitting and controlling them, Flash Love gives young adults responsibility and accountability. To learn more about Flash Love and the impact they are making, visit their site at https://www.flashlove.org or visit their facebook page.

Andrey Ivanov and Flash Love work to give youth a purpose through serving others and helping the community.

Episode 9: Anchors Outdoor Adventures-Isaiah Adams

Isaiah Adams, President and co-founder of Anchor's Outdoor Adventures shares how water action sports can help at-risk or neglected youth find hope and healing.

Isaiah Adams, President and Co-founder

Isaiah grew up doing action sports and knows first-hand the therapeutic benefits they can have. In college, Isaiah had the dream of creating an organization that used water sports to help at-risk youth. This dream lied dormant until Isaiah met up with a childhood friend, Trevor Gomez, who had a similar vision. The two began working on the project and Anchors Outdoor Adventures was born shortly after.

Research has shown that without access to recreation, young people find alternative, often destructive, ways of using their free time. Youth who participate in these destructive activities at an early age have a much higher chance of unlawful offenses. Research also supports the notion that outdoor recreation has considerable positive effects on mental health. By offering a safe, inclusive environment for at-risk youth to engage in action sports, Anchors Outdoor Adventures (Anchors OA) gives at-risk youth an outlet for the many trials they face elsewhere. Anchors Outdoor Adventures (Anchors OA) uses an anchor as a symbol of using Jesus Christ as an anchor for their lives.

You can learn more at https://www.anchorsoa.org

Episode 8: Transitional Youth-Rhona Mahl

Rhona Mahl, executive director of Transitional Youth, shares how a new mindset is required to truly impact Portland’s at-risk youth population.

Rhona Mahl

Ever since Rhona’s life was transformed at the age of 14, she knew she wanted to live for something more than herself. Having experienced life on the streets as a child, she knows first hand how hard it can be to break the cycle of poverty. Today Rhona oversees Transitional Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to loving at-risk youth and helping them find healthy transformation.

Rhona is also the executive director of Braking Cycles, a nonprofit coffee and bike shop in Portland that operates under the umbrella of Transitional Youth. Through its youth apprenticeship programs, Braking Cycles offers hope, tangible job skills, and real-world knowledge that will provide youth a place and opportunity to dream, reach, and achieve. The goal is that healthy self-sufficiency can become the new cycle.

Learn more at https://www.brakingcycles.org and https://www.transitionalyouth.org/

Episode 7: African Road-Kelly Bean

Kelly Bean, Executive Director of African Road, shares a model of making lasting change based on relationships rather than donations.

Kelly Bean-Executive Director, African Road

In 2007, Kelly Bean visited Rwanda and met inspiring East Africans who had a vision for their countries and communities. They kept in touch and began to form long-term friendships, out of which African Road was born.

Populations within many countries in Africa are faced with extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1.90 per day. Many developed countries are working to eliminate poverty in Africa, with nearly $50 billion given every year. This money is helping save lives and meet immediate needs, but does not empower people to make lasting change.

Changemaker David Clemy

African Road partners with local Changemakers in East Africa who are already working for change in their own communities. African Road builds friendships with these Changemakers and helps them reach their own goals. This model of partnership takes a long time to develop but in the end makes a far greater impact.

You can find out more at https://www.africanroad.org/

Episode 6: Project SEARCH-Brandon Runyan/Kari SEALS

Brandon Runyan, an intern with Project SEARCH, shares his experience living with a developmental disability and how Project SEARCH has helped. Kari Seals, the program manager for Project SEARCH also shares why Project SEARCH is so important.

Like many people with developmental disabilities, Brandon is faced with stereotypes and misconceptions on a constant basis. In this episode, Brandon shares with us what some of those misconceptions are and how he deals with them. He also provides some useful tips for “neurotypical” people in how to interact with someone who has a developmental disability. The main point is that if you have a question, just ask!

Brandon and Kari both share how Project SEARCH helps interns build useful job skills such as professionalism, accountability, perseverance, and many others through the nine-month, three-rotation internship. It’s an unfortunate fact that more than 80% of people with developmental disabilities are unemployed. However, for interns who go through the Project SEARCH program, that figure is nearly reversed with 83% of interns finding job placement.

Project SEARCH is also a part of Pacific Grand Realtor’s Network of Generosity, which means anyone who supports Project SEARCH is eligible to receive significant discounts on real estate services. In addition, Pacific Grand agent Daniel Roberts (that’s me!) and industry partners will donate to Project SEARCH after every eligible transaction. For more more information, email daniel.roberts@pacificgrand.com.

Episode 5: World Race-Lyndsee Landon

Lyndsee Landon, a participant of World Race, shares her story of packing her backpack and spending 11 months in 11 countries serving under-privileged communities while actively showing the love of Jesus.

Lyndsee never planned on being a missionary or participating in World Race. In fact, she thought it was weird that anyone would want to leave the comfort of the United States and spend 11 months in developing countries. But when Lyndsee felt an undeniable calling to apply for the trip, she knew she didn’t have another choice. When she felt prompted to quit her job and break her lease 5 months before she left, she knew she had no option but to trust God.

On this episode Lyndsee shares some of the stories and struggles, as well as heart-warming moments of being on World Race. From working with ex child soldiers, being hit by tuk tuks, having her hair done inside a prison, to the hard goodbyes, this is a story that everyone can learn from.

Lyndsee is continuing her journey at Center for Global Action in Gainesville, Georgia. If you want to support Lyndsee, you can donate directly at http://lyndseelandon.adventurescga.org or use Venmo @Lyndsee-Landon.

Lyndsee is also selling wild & holy T-shirts to raise support and you can purchase them by clicking this link.

Episode 4: Temperate Orchard Conservancy

In this fun and interactive episode, Joanie Cooper, Shaun Shepherd, and Franki Baccellieri of the Temperate Orchard Conservancy (TOC) share their passion for preserving varieties of fruit that would otherwise likely be extinct.

Joanie, Shaun, and Franki

As members of the Home Orchard Society, Joanie, Shaun, and Franki share a love for growing, exploring, and protecting fruit. When mutual friend Nick Botner was no longer able to care for his own collection of over 4500 apple varieties, Joanie, Shaun, and Franki knew they had to take action. In 2011, they began cloning the apple trees and in 2012 the TOC was born and is now located at Almaty Farm in Molalla, Oregon.

Now, TOC has the largest private collection of distinct apple varieties in the world, and has gained international attention. Cary Fowler of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault even provided TOC grants to provide fencing, a well, irrigation, and other construction needs.

As a fun bonus, I was able to try some varieties of apples on the episode that I never even knew existed. I hope you enjoy this episode and check out the work Temperate Orchard Conservancy is doing!