Updates from Looking Glass
The 4th annual Socktoberfest sock donation drive resulted in thousands of pairs of donated socks for New Roads homeless youth program. The October-long donation drive included donation locations at all Lane County area Bi-Marts, local Windermere offices, Macy’s at Valley River Center, Heritage Bank NW, all PeaceHealth hospital locations locally and also a special drive done by the UO Softball team.
After two years of virtual breakfast events, the 10th annual Looking Glass Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures fundraiser was held in person and was a huge success. Roughly 90 people gathered for a lovely breakfast at Venue 252 in Eugene on Tuesday, November 15th in support of Looking Glass. SEE VIDEOS>>>
Dr. Patrick Luedtke, Lane County’s Senior Public Health Officer, as well as the Chief Medical Officer for the department of Health & Human Services, served as the keynote speaker at this year’s Looking Glass annual board meeting, held Wednesday, November 2nd at The Graduate in Eugene.
This year’s meeting also included a recognition of a longtime supporter of Looking Glass, Linda Hamilton, who was presented with the Looking Glass Community Leadership award for her ongoing stewardship and advocacy.
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.
