Food for Lane County Volunteer Coordinator: Dan Budd, Center Point School Educational & Behavioral Specialist Supervisor, Chris Gordon
Since 2011, Looking Glass Community Services and Food for Lane County have partnered together to provide true vocational and work opportunities for Looking Glass Center Point School students. Through Looking Glass’ Community Matters service-learning classes, students volunteer every Friday with local businesses and organizations to develop job skills in teambuilding, community engagement, and work competencies. Students leave with real job skills to add to their resumes while supporting other populations in need throughout Lane County.
Center Point School Educational & Behavioral Specialist Supervisor, Chris Gordon, has facilitated Community Matters classes with a variety of Food for Lane County programs over the years. He discussed how the partnership has directly benefited the students and indirectly the community broadly. Chris stressed the importance of the volunteer work experience, “I highly value our partnership, and I really try to impress upon our students on a weekly basis, this idea of being part of something much bigger, and that we’re involved with this amazing organization that’s been in Lane County for over 40 years. I try to instill a sense of pride and share that our students are helping feed people in our community who are food insecure.”
Food for Lane County Volunteer Coordinator, Dan Budd, expanded on what makes Center Point School students unique as volunteers. “I think it’s a testament to Center Point School that their students really get to know each other on a level that brings them all together to fill an important need in our community. By having that already developed relationship, they recognize each other’s strengths and interests to bring a better atmosphere and more productivity while communicating with our Food for Lane County staff.”
Recognizing the importance of the student’s volunteer work, Dan and Chris discussed areas of growth and expansion with the partnership. Budd shared an example, “If I get a sudden 10,000 loaves of bread on a Thursday, I do not have any groups coming in until Monday. If I can get that packaged and labeled, it means we can actually start distributing it and shave off two or three days and get that food out there.” However, proximity to different volunteer options can be a barrier, so Center Point School hopes to develop a more flexible volunteer schedule. In response, Food for Lane County hopes to then coordinate with Center Point School to find areas that would bring greater food distribution, like 10,000 loaves of bread, while providing diverse vocational opportunities for the students.
In addition to working with our Center Point School, Food For Lane County also works closely with our homeless youth services programs.
“Food for Lane County is a valued community partner that supports all HYS programs, including PEER Shelter, Station 7, and Housing Services,” said Ashley Kirkhart, Director of Shelter and Crisis Services. “The donations received from Food for Lane County provide staff with the ability to prepare nutritious meals, snacks, and supplemental food options for participants. These contributions help ensure that individuals have access to a wider variety of healthy foods that may not otherwise be readily available. FFLC's ongoing partnership plays a vital role in supporting the health, well-being, and overall success of the participants we serve.”
Looking Glass is thankful to Food for Lane County for being a dedicated partner for our students and the community broadly.