Staff members from Looking Glass Riverfront School stand in front of the Toyota Sienna van purchased in March of 2025 for the Independent Living Program with help from several funders.
With help from private donors and two regional foundation grants (Reser Family Foundation and Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation), Looking Glass’ Riverfront School was able to purchase a brand new van for the Independent Living Program to use in support of youth clients. The new van, purchased in March of 2025, provides staff with a reliable, large vehicle to transport clients and assist with various life tasks including moving youth in and out of homes.
“The van has allowed us to transport our rural youth to and from workshops and to help youth move their belongings when leaving foster care,” explained Riverfront School Director Cheryl Zwillinger. “It has saved the program a significant amount of money we would have paid in staff mileage reimbursements. The van is used everyday by at least one of our five Independent Living Program staff!”
The Independent Living Program assists current and former foster youth ages 14 – 23 to gain skills to help them transition into independent living. The program supports youth to create goals toward education, housing, employment, financial literacy, and other areas important to each youth. Referrals are made through the Department of Human Services. Former foster youth 16 or older can self-refer to the program.
Looking Glass is extremely thankful to these grantors as well as the private donors who made this purchase possible!