Updates from Looking Glass
The Riverfront Job Training Program is looking for youth age 16 to 24. High school graduates are welcome.
Paid work experience is provided as is assistance with GED if needed, support services (ID, bus passes, work clothing), career exploration, assistance applying for FAFSA and college applications.
The 5th annual Looking Glass fundraiser, Hike for Hope, at Mt Pisgah was a big success this year - raking in just over $7,500 for Looking Glass programs from event sponsors and hiking supporters. This year’s event featured three Looking Glass staff members sharing their experiences with supporters just prior to the hike up the North Trailhead - Jane Green from Station 7, Jeremy Spafford from the Regional Crisis Center and Maiyra Espinoza from the Counseling program. Special thanks goes to event title sponsor Hearing Associates!
The Looking Glass Riverfront School & Career Center’s new Skilled Trades Program is ready to enroll students this fall! Newly hired Program Manager, Michael Romano, is building the curriculum while simultaneously prepping the recently rented shop space (2510 W 5th Ave #6 in Eugene). The Skilled Trades Training Program will move on from “under construction” to educating young adults in various basic skills of construction, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and much more.
Officially, the 2nd annual staff kickball tournament was held on Wednesday, July 20th at Tugman Park in Eugene - after the first year (way back in 2019) gave way to 2 years canceled by Covid. Looking Glass staff members competed from programs include the Regional Crisis Center, Homeless Youth Services, Rural Program and Adjudicated Youth Services while members of the admin staff cheered on.
The 2022 Riverfront High School graduation ceremony was held in-person on June 16th at the Unitarian Universalist Church next door to Riverfront for the first time in 2 years. Senator James Manning was the keynote speaker at the event. “Where you are now is part of a transition in life,” Senator Manning said to the graduates. “Never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve a higher level. I believe in you!”
Looking Glass Riverfront School & Career Center is offering summer GED instruction for youth ages 14 to 21 and paid outdoor work crew opportunities for ages 16 to 21. Also providing a Teen parent Work Experience Program.
Crew members remove invasive species, collect native seeds, plant native species, build small structures, remove fences, and assist in the renovation and maintenance of park sites.
Cognia, a national school accreditation organization, recently reviewed and awarded Looking Glass Riverfront School with another 5-year accreditation status along with some very positive feedback from their reviewers as well as Riverfront students and parents who were interviewed during the process. “The tremendous effort and commitment Riverfront teachers have made to our student’s education and personal growth is reflected in this outstanding evaluation” – Cheryl E. Zwillinger, Program Director
Looking Glass New Roads Program, which provides support and basis needs to homeless youth ages 16-21, has started offering a weekly Narcotics Anonymous meeting every Thursday from 1-2pm at New Roads School and hopes to create more awareness of this offering to any teen who has interest in attending. Anyone under the age of 21 can attend, no sign up needed. Angela Day, the on-site therapist at New Roads, runs the meetings, which started in February. Day said she is unaware of any such meetings being offered elsewhere in Lane County for youth but thinks the need is significant.
Each quarter, the members of the Looking Glass Cultural Awareness and Equity Committee (CAEC) review nominations of staff members who have gone above and beyond their job requirements to promote cultural awareness and equity on the job. Nominations come mostly from staff peers. Then the committee randomly selects one nominee to win a $100 gift card. And the randomly selected winner is Adam Todd, from the RCC. Adam has been with the agency and the RCC since February of 2020.
