Updates from Looking Glass
Since forming in 2018, the Looking Glass Board of Stewards has helped support and advance fundraising and community awareness efforts in and around Lane County. The group that makes up this board has changed year to year, but the passion and dedication of the various personalities within the group have kept it focused on its mission to help improve the lives of our most vulnerable populations in our community.
Thanks to a couple of amazing grant gifts from OnPoint Credit Union, the New Roads homeless youth drop-in center was able to purchase two new commercial-grade washer and dryers for the clothing closet area. Laundry services are so crucial to the unhoused youth served at New Roads - most youth come in only with the clothes on their backs and all donated clothing needs to be washed before clients can use it.
The 15th annual Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures breakfast fundraiser, held at Venue 252 in Eugene, focused this year on the Looking Glass Counseling Program. A panel of Looking Glass therapists did a Q&A with emcee Mary Reilly discussing everything from trends they’re seeing in the community, different therapy strategies and services offered and advice for parents of teens. This year’s event title sponsor was Hearing Associates and co-owner and Looking Glass Board of Stewards member, Colin Welch, spoke to the attendees about the importance of supporting Looking Glass and encouraged them to donate as well.
At Looking Glass HYS, summer time is busy – the heat keeps our day use and overnight shelters busy with youth trying to keep cool and utilize resources. Station 7 is undergoing renovations to expand capacity - but we need more funding! New Roads is doing laundry - but we hope to do more! And important annual clothing drives are right around the corner - Braugust - Shoetember - Socktoberfest!
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 resource pantry, which offers food, basic hygiene items and clothing to clients of Looking Glass Counseling Program, has expanded from the original location at 11th and High street in Eugene to additional locations at the Springfield and West Eugene counseling offices. This expansion was made possible by new grant funding provided by Lane Community Health Council, the Coquille Tribal Community Fund and the IMA Foundation.
The 2025 Looking Glass Auction Gala Fundraiser - the 25th annual such gathering - held on Saturday, APril 12th at Venue 252 in Eugene, had a Wicked/Wizard of Oz theme. The decor was plentiful and attendees (almost 300 of them) came dressed in a mix of movie themed looks and classy suits and dresses. There were lots of Glinda’s and several scarecrows, Lions, Tin Men, Dorothy’s and witches. Ceiling-spinning acrobats (Revelers Aerial Works) accompanied a fantastic live band (The Michael Allen Harrison Trio) and in the end, a huge amount of donations were given and fun was had by all.
