Updates from Looking Glass
This past month, we asked our community to help accrue more yarn for the Pathways Girl Program, who have been crocheting as a form of therapy. We are so thrilled that many of our donors and local community members came together to help us obtain over 10+ boxes and bags full of yarn. This will allow the girls to continue to master their crochet techniques as well as helping them with their recovery during their stay at the Pathways Program.
Happening at Looking Glass:
Looking Glass Counseling Program received a grant from MHS 20 Funding through Lane County HHS and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) health equity grant funds that funded Black, Indigenous, and persons of color (BIPOC) support groups, which allowed us to host 10 sessions of hourly long Zoom Telehealth meetings. Both facilitators identify as BIPOC, to help assist in cultivating an inclusive environment. This support group is open not only to Looking Glass clients, but to community members, as well.
Center Point School held their physically distanced graduation in the parking lot behind the school on Friday, June 18th. We held an individualized ceremony for each of our 4 graduates with their families in attendance. William’s graduation is highlighted here. Center Point School Director, Lynda Whitener made opening statements. “About 25% of students in the U.S. do not graduate from high school because of the commitment and hard work that it takes; you should feel so proud of yourself for accomplishing this, despite all of the challenges you have faced.”
On Thursday, June 17th, we celebrated the achievements of our high school graduates from Riverfront School and Career Center. The graduation was socially distanced with graduates and families gathered around their cars and in their family “pods”. Two Looking Glass board members were in attendance - Jeanne Staton and Paul Frishkoff. The key-note speaker this year was longtime Looking Glass supporter Pat Frishkoff. Thank you to everyone who participated in this awesome celebration!
Looking Glass Riverfront School is pleased to announce that we will be offering a Summer Enrichment Program for 4j students. Students in grades 9 – 12 can sign up for one or more courses. There is no eligibility requirement to participate. Credit will be granted in Language Arts, science, social studies, health, applied and fine arts, PE, and electives. First Aid/CPR certification will be available as well as a limited number of paid summer work experience slots.
The Youth Action Committee (YAC) is a group of homeless youth ages 16-21, who access services from New Roads, Station 7, or New Roads School. The group consists of 6 youth and are hoping to expand to 8-12 youth in the future. They meet once a month at New Roads School and are served dinner as part of the meeting.
One of the goals of the group is to provide feedback in how we serve homeless youth in our Homeless Youth Services at Looking Glass. They will provide input on how the program is running, what changes they would want, and what ideas they have for the community.
National Safe Place is a national program that provides youth with safe places to seek help 24-hours per day. Youth ages 11-17 can access any of the 68 Safe Place sites across Lane County identified by the yellow and black diamond-shaped signs.
The Looking Glass Counseling Program is pleased to partner with the Springfield School District to discuss suicide prevention among youth in the Latinx community. This presentation will be presented in Spanish and is open to the general public.
El Programa de Consejería Looking Glass se complace en asociarse con el Distrito Escolar de Springfield para discutir la prevención del suicidio entre los jóvenes de la comunidad latinx. Esta presentación se presentará en español y está abierta al público en general.
Looking Glass’ Riverfront School GED program offers a flexible, individualized and self-paced opportunity for young adults in Lane County to earn their General Educational Diploma (GED). Although school looks different due to COVID-19, the GED Program is excited to offer these classes and one-on-one learning opportunities to any 18-24-year-old in the area who wants to enroll. Students can join the program at any time due to its flexible timeline.
Unity of the Valley began an outreach to Looking Glass Residential Services in November 2019. They provide a weekly celebration service based on the outline of Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.) meetings. Prayer shawls are provided to all participants and some of their family members. Since the end of June, Unity of the Valley has also provided an evening Zoom Prayer time when the teens are able to connect one-on-one with a chaplain.
