Looking Glass teachers discussed challenges and successes during a Q&A with event emcees Liz and Mary.
The 14th Annual Looking Glass Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures breakfast fundraiser event, held Tuesday, October 15th at Venue 252 in Eugene, focused on Education programs with a panel of Looking Glass teachers from the agency’s alternative schools. On the panel this year were Maggie Robinson, Teacher, Regional Crisis Center; Silace Dale, Instructional Assistant, New Roads School; Marielle Hart, Teacher, Riverfront School & Career Center; Michael Romano, Skilled Trades Project Manager, Riverfront School & Career Center; Ken Downing, Social Skills Development Teacher, Center Point School.
This year’s event Emcees, Liz Kelly and Mary Reilly, moderated a fascinating Q&A with the teachers.
In addition, Looking Glass recognized and honored this year’s Community Partner of the Year - Jennifer Montgomery, the Secondary Special Education Consultant for the 4J School District.
Jennifer Montgomery, left, accepts the Community Partner of the Year award from Looking Glass CEO Chad Westphal.
“Jennifer brings patience, empathy, and unwavering support to every special education meeting she attends,” said Ben Molin, Looking Glass Director of Inpatient and Homeless Education. “Navigating the complexities of the special education world can be quite challenging; however, Jennifer’s experience and ability to adapt is why the students at Looking Glass are able to find success in their individualized education plans. Her impact resonates beyond the classroom and the numerous special education meetings she has attended. We at Looking Glass thank Jennifer for all her hard work and dedication over the years.”
Jennifer has gone above and beyond her duties in her work with Looking Glass schools.
“She makes herself available for consultation regarding current students and referrals and is knowledgeable about which students would be “fits” for our therapeutic environment,” said Center Point School Director Lynda Whitener. “This past spring Jennifer expressed wanting to experience some of the good and positive things we highlight in our newsletter and we arranged to have her visit/observe one of our Community Matters classes at the Food for Lane County Youth farm; she and the teacher reported that it was an enjoyable experience for Jennifer and the students as they were able to proudly show her the work they do with our community partners.”
To wrap up the event, a video was shared of a recent success story from the New Roads School where Jane recently completed her GED despite the trauma and challenges she has dealt with in her young life thus far.
Brittany Quick-Warner, Looking Glass board member and Eugene Chamber of Commerce President, encourages event attendees to donate.
And Looking Glass Board Member and Eugene Chamber President Brittany Quick-Warner solicited donations from the attendees, who gave generously in support of Looking Glass programs. Looking Glass is very thankful for this outpouring of financial support.
And to all of our amazing corporate sponsors who made this year's event possible: Chambers Construction; Moss Adams; OnPoint Credit Union; Twin Rivers Plumbing; B\VAL CPAs & Advisors; Hamilton Construction; Oregon Pacific Bank; Hearing Associates; Eugene Grocery Outlet; Claim52 Kitchen; John Hyland Construction; Summit Bank, Washington Federal Bank, Douglas Fast Net, and Heritage Bank.