Family Day Center

Our Shelter To Go Year-Round!
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community partners, First Unitarian Church was able to assist 48 homeless families--including 116 children--between Nov. 2, 2009 and June 30. 2010. We never expected to see so many families, nor did we expect to find permanent housing for the majority of them: 70.8%. In addition to providing housing, we were connect families with important services such as Head Start, food stamps, clothing, free haircuts (thank you, Herrera's Hair Salon), and free medical care and screening (thank you, Karen Cameron!).

The incredible success of 13 Salmon Family Center was duly noted by our County Comissioners who, in turn, voted to give of a generous increase in our grant monies. This will allow us to make four important improvements:
1. Keep the 13 Salmon Family Center year-round beginning Sept. 15, 2010;
2. Hire a Program Director;
3. Increase staff pay by $1/hour; and
4. offer benefits for folks working 30 hrs./week or more.
We'd like to thank to everyone who helped out last year by volunteering, donating items or money, and supporting our families with children. In addition, we'd like to extend special kudos to Chris Dickey, Ginny McKee, Sarah Ferguson, Linda Craig, Dave Roberts and Claire Stock who faithfully oversaw this first year of operation. Together we are providing needed services and a loving respite to families in crisis.

Rev. Kate Lore and Goose Hollow Family Shelter Director Brandi Tuck (below) were recently asked to speak about the successful partnership of our two shelters at the Oregon Interfaith Summit on Homeless Children and Families. The event took place in Salem and drew 250 people from throughout the state who are alarmed by the escalating numbers of homeless children and youth reported by state agencies. Children made up 31 percent of Oregon’s homeless population this year, according to a one-night survey organized by the Oregon Housing and Community Services. This was up by 33 percent from the year before. The one-day event was hosted by the Ecumencial Ministries of Oregon and held at Salem First United Methodist Church on June 24, 2010.
kate_speaking

kate_n_brandi_on_panel

To volunteer at Thirteen Salmon Family Center go to www.goosehollowfamilyshelter.org

Click on “Volunteer” link at left of page and then scroll down to bottom of page.

I. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

pdf click here for Volunteer Form

1) Preschool activities: 10 – 11:30 a.m. , Monday through Friday
The preschool volunteer will provide a structured activity for the children. You will have the opportunity to teach arts and crafts, play games or provide other activities to help the children remain engaged and occupied. This time slot is not a daycare or baby sitting position. Parents are expected to be near by.

2) Afterschool Activity Host: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
The Afterschool Activity Host spends time with the children at the shelter when they return from school in the afternoon. This time can be spent helping children with homework if they have any, providing structured activities, or reading.

3) Lunch assistants: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday,
and 1:15-2:30 p.m. Sunday
The lunch assistants help in getting food and beverages out so that the families can assemble their own lunch. Lunch assistants will also help with clean-up. Our goal is, whenever possible, to use non-disposable items for meals.
After the meal is served, the meal providers will clean cooking ware and any additional items. Left over food can be stored in the refrigerator. Please make sure to label any leftovers with the date.

4) Saturday activities: Time (your choice)
On Saturdays, we have the opportunity to provide a variety of classes or workshops, such as Ready to Rent, computer skills, cooking/nutrition, sewing. It is hoped that volunteers will develop their own program, bringing in their own skill set to share with our guest.

5) Staff Homeless Action Group Info Table during Social Hour
on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays each month, in Fuller Hall. Sign up here.

II. DONATION WISH LIST

Thanks to everyone who has generously donated! Our rooms are equiped, and kitchen shelves are well stocked with food items for the time being.
Thirteen Salmon Day Center Needs
Right now a family needs a high chair for a child aged 8-12 months. If you have one, please contact Brandi Tuck or Allie Brucculeri at Goose Hollow Family Shelter (503-228-3195). As always, donations to the shelter are tax-deductible.
In addition, here are the kinds of items we always need:
Baby wipes
Healthy granola bars
Applesauce
Gallon jugs of apple juice
Paper Napkins
Canned Tuna Fish
Jam

Ongoing needs:
disposable diapers - baby wipes - art supplies - juice boxes - after school snacks - juice in gallon jars - granola bars - personal hygiene products - disinfecting wipes - napkins - travel size toiletries - printer paper - bus tickets - gas cards

Notes:

• Donations to Thirteen Salmon Family Center are tax-deductible and can be left at the church office or in the donation box located in Fuller Hall. Questions about donations should be addressed to Kate Lore.

• Thirteen Salmon will not have a clothes closet; however, if you have clothing you wish to donate, please contact Brandi Tuck or Allie Brucculeri at Goose Hollow Family Shelter (503-228-3195).