Catholic Community Services of Lane County

Catholic Communit Services of Lane County is one of two recipients for the 2008 ORCC Dan Moriarty Community Partner Award.

Catholic Community Services (CCS) creates a safety net for the most vulnerable individuals in the community. They work with individuals and families; calling people of good will to join them in building a more just and compassionate society. Through their centers in Eugene and Springfield, CCS provides: thousands of food boxes each year; assistance with rent, utilities and housing; support services to young mothers and fathers; free clothing and referral services; as well as programs for homeless Latino families and residential services to mothers with small children exiting addiction treatment centers. The partnership with Lane Community College is an integral part of their efforts to provide needed services in the community.

Catholic Community Services has a long partnership history with Lane Community College through the Human Services and Cooperative Education programs. They are committed to giving student interns and volunteers an experience that is fulfilling, challenging, productive, and that also matches each student's individual interests, abilities, learning objectives, and career goals. Students gain knowledge and skills to address community issues and to serve those who are most in need. Simultaneously, students build confidence and enthusiasm about their work and volunteering.

This year during Lane Community College’s first co-curricular “Make a Difference Day”, Catholic Community Services gave Lane students and staff an opportunity to assist in their Food Room. The participants reported their gratitude for learning about the community need for food and for the opportunity to assist. One of Catholic Community Services strong areas of interest is developing new collaborative learning projects with Lane faculty, staff, and students. An area of future partnership with Lane students is in Catholic Community Services’ Springfield community garden which supplies fresh, organic vegetable to their Food Room. Opportunities would include garden design and implementation, as well as partnering with middle school and high school student volunteers.

Catholic Community Services has been a valuable partner to Lane Community College. Some Catholic Community Services staff have made presentations in Lane classes sharing information about community issues, addressing people in need, and facilitating the discussion and development of possible opportunities for students to assist in addressing those needs. Lane faculty have met with Catholic Community Services employees sharing ideas concerning developing service learning offerings. This continues to be a valuable partnership for Lane’s students, staff and the community.