One-stop giving: A generous wrapup for Creswell First
Creswell First wrapped up its 2024 One Stop Giving program with 19 donors contributing $8,195 for cultural initiatives and essential services.
Creswell First! ‘s The One Stop Giving program, typically a holiday effort, allows donors to back multiple projects with one gift.
“Receiving support from Creswell First and The One Stop Giving program is the foundation of all our fundraising efforts,” said Laura Rariden, executive director of Creswell Clubhouse and one of the recipients. “The backing of our community … allows us to secure grants that help fund scholarships, purchase supplies and equipment, and provide healthy snacks for our Creswell kiddos.”
City councilor and donor Norma Jean Osborn said she donates because she “knows that 100% of my donation will go to help the people of Creswell. ” She added that if she is aware of a specific need, “I will ask that the money be directed toward that particular place. Otherwise, I will ask them to put the money toward the most important need.”
To donate: creswellfirst.com
Donations helped hundreds flee domestic violence
\Hope & Safety Alliance in 2024 assisted survivors with a wide range of services, including advocacy, support groups, court accompaniment, food, toiletries, shelter, and housing, including:
• Families/Individuals Sheltered: 161 families/individuals
• Received Housing Assistance: 91 households
• Crisis Line Calls: 6,479 totaling 48,826 minutes
• Webchats: 1,144 totaling 6,739 minutes
“We left with nothing and nowhere to go… I was so desperate and terrified when I called for the first time,” a survivor said. “Thankfully, with the support we received through Hope & Safety, my kids and I are safe. We are so grateful that when we needed help, they were here for us.”
“I was so scared to call and talk to a stranger about my situation, but I am so glad I did. The advocate I spoke with understood and validated everything I was going through. I learned about resources I didn’t know even existed. Today, I am in a better place thanks to all the information they were able to provide,” another survivor said.
To donate: hopesafetyalliance.org/donate
The Eugene Family YMCA is committed to fostering community connection and belonging. Last month, it launched the Promoting CommUNITY series, which is focused on raising awareness and kindness through bi-monthly meetings with guest speakers and book discussions aimed at adults. In parallel, the Y’s Youth Development team has introduced a program for teens to engage in these conversations.
The next meeting will cover “Gender Equity and Empowerment,” exploring sexism, gender oppression, harmful stereotypes, and ways to challenge them. It will also discuss the impact of gender inequality on health and well-being.
IF YOU GO
Tuesday, March 11 from 1-3 p.m. Arrive 10 minutes early.
Where: Kalapuya Community Room at 1751 E.17th Ave., Eugene
Speaker: River Aaland, training and outreach director at Ophelia’s Place
Of note: River Aaland has more than 15 years of expertise in positive youth development, poverty, body positivity, Health at Every Size (HAES), anti-oppression practice, and mentorship.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April: Disability Awareness and Advocacy
May: Ageism and Age Discrimination Awareness
September: The History and Experience of Refugees and Immigrants in America
October: LGBTQ+ Inclusion
November: Interfaith Dialogue and Religious Inclusion
Lukas is a 1-year-old, three-legged German Shepherd mix. After undergoing amputation of his front right leg due to severe orthopedic disease, he’s adapted beautifully and is poised to be an active pup once fully healed. Lukas gets along well with gentle dogs and should be introduced to cats and kids carefully. He’s 58 lbs., neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines.
Greenhill Humane Society is open seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org
