CCC

Ed Blackburn's Response to April 6th Oregonian Article

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:38:00 GMT

Open Letter from CEO Ed Blackburn to our supporters:

I take very seriously the trust that you place in our organization, and would like to share some information with you in the spirit of transparency about an issue that was addressed in a recent Oregonian story.

Although the headline of the story was, “Big Nonprofit’s Legal Director Was Not A Lawyer,” Central City Concern was not in fact seeking to hire a lawyer when we hired Mr. Brian Lee. Mr. Lee was originally hired as a paralegal through a temporary staffing agency to work with outside legal counsel. Throughout Mr. Lee’s tenure at our nonprofit agency, Central City Concern continued to retain the services of established Portland-based law firms including Stoel Rives; Ater Wynne; Bittner Hahs; Schwabe, Williamson and Wyatt; and others. While the article gave the impression that Mr. Lee represented us in litigation, that was not the case. He served as our staff liaison to the various law firms mentioned above.

Shortly after being hired as a paralegal, Mr. Lee was promoted to Contracts Manager, a position where his standing as a licensed attorney was still not a necessary consideration because he was not authorized to give legal advice. He was a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law. Months later, when Mr. Lee was promoted to become our Director of Legal Affairs, his bar status was not an immediate issue because the position description required:

• A Juris Doctorate degree;
• 5+ years of pertinent related legal experience; and
• Admission to or the ability to be admitted to practice law in the State of Oregon

It is true that we relied upon the temporary staffing agency to verify the facts stated on Mr. Lee’s resume, including his assertion that he was a practicing attorney in the state of New York. It is also true that for a time, we believed Mr. Lee’s assurances that he had passed the Oregon State Bar. I deeply regret this error.

Once I realized Mr. Lee had misrepresented himself, I immediately terminated his employment and reported his conduct to the Oregon State Bar and to Central City Concern’s Board of Directors. We then hired outside legal counsel to determine that none of Mr. Lee’s work for Central City Concern jeopardized any of our transactions. Central City Concern’s financial records and transactional documents are also reviewed by our lenders, and are independently audited every year. At no point has there been any indication of malfeasance by Mr. Lee or any other Central City Concern employee in any of those areas.

Immediately after ordering Mr. Lee’s termination, I ordered an internal review of the credentials for each of our Directors to ensure no other credentialing problems existed. No other issues were found. In addition, I ordered a review of our protocols for verifying credentials across the entire organization, both at the point of hire and when existing employees are promoted, and took steps to make our process even more rigorous. When a job offer is extended for any position at Central City Concern, a member of our Human Resources Department personally verifies an individual’s:

• Eligibility to work in the United States;
• Required education, directly with schools or through a clearinghouse called Pacific Screening;
• Licenses and/or professional credentials required by the job description, directly with each issuing body;
• National criminal history checks, as well as a special in‐depth criminal history check for employees providing services to vulnerable mental health clients;
• Urine analysis results to test for illegal drug usage; and
• Mandatory communicable disease screening

An employee may not begin work until the above steps are satisfactorily completed.

For all of our health care positions, Central City Concern’s Business Office checks the National Provider Data Bank for a history of actions taken against a given provider. On an employee’s first day of work, our Business Office also verifies each provider’s eligibility to bill for services, and enrolls them with the insurance companies we utilize. Thereafter, on a monthly basis the Business Office checks the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Provider Exclusion Database to ensure that all of our health care providers continue to maintain eligibility to bill Medicare and Medicaid. On a monthly basis our Human Resources Department also checks to make sure all expiring licenses are renewed. Central City Concern’s Credentialing Policy has been posted on the Job Section of our website. I invite you to review this policy and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with me.

In addition to the internal audits I’ve described above -- and due to the diversity of services we provide and the vulnerability of the population we serve – Central City Concern is subject to regular operational and compliance audits by federal, state, county, and city government agencies. These audits regularly examine all of our services and practices to ensure that we are providing high quality care while operating within federal and state guidelines. In the past 12 months alone, our programs have been audited by 23 different government agencies. We rarely receive findings from these audits, and when we do we take them very seriously and respond promptly to fully resolve any identified problems.

Central City Concern also has an exemplary history with financial management, including receiving clean, unqualified financial audit opinions from external auditors for over 10 years. It is important to note that we have achieved these results during a time when we have increased our impact in the community dramatically; expanding both the scope of our services and the number of individuals and families we serve.

It is my sincerest hope that we will continue to earn your trust as we work together to end homelessness in our community. Thank you for your support and commitment to our worthwhile mission.

Sincerely,

Ed Blackburn
Executive Director
Central City Concern

Kimberly's Story

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:56:00 GMT

When Central City Concern gave me housing, healthcare, and addiction treatment services, they didn’t change the world. But for my daughter and me, the whole world changed.

In December 2006 I was pregnant, homeless, and addicted to drugs and alcohol. I wasn’t feeling very merry or bright about the approaching holidays.

The gift I wanted more than anything? Change. And I wanted it desperately.

A friend told me about the Letty Owings Center, a program run by Central City Concern that provides housing and healthcare for pregnant women who are homeless and struggling with addiction. I got in, and by March 2007, I was clean and sober. For the first time in a long time, I was living in a safe, stable, supportive environment surrounded by people who wanted me to succeed. In August 2007, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

In April 2008, I moved out of the Letty Owings Center and into Central City Concern’s alcohol- and drug-free family housing. Over the next three years, Central City Concern gave me the support I needed to stay sober through their Recovery Mentor Program, get job training through their Supported Employment program, and be a good mom.

Central City Concern gave me the gift of change I so desperately wanted five years ago. Now my daughter and I have our own place. I have a job that I love and I’m off all public assistance. And this year, I’m looking forward to the holidays.

I am so grateful for the support I received from Central City Concern. But I know there are hundreds of people out there who are still struggling like I once did. This holiday season, you can help by supporting Central City Concern with a gift of $500, $250, $100, or whatever you can afford. To make your gift on our secure, online server, click here.

Please make that gift today. The need for your support has never been greater.

Salina's Story

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:45:00 GMT

Central City Concern brought an array of service to Salina Perez -- beginning with Letty Owings Center and Alcohol/Drug-Free Family Housing to Supported Employment services. See how we never gave up on Salina and how far she has come. (This video was shared at our annual Working Our Way Home luncheon.)

http://www.youtube.com/centralcityconcern#p/a/u/0/uJBe4t1HfU0

This is my story...

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:54:00 GMT

Thank you for visiting this website to learn more about how Central City Concern helped me turn my life around.

Arrogant, unstable, unwilling to change.

High school dropout. Cocaine addict. Hustler and thief.

Chronically homeless. A drain on society.

That’s how I’d describe myself up until Thanksgiving 2008, when Central City Concern gave me one more chance to turn my life around.

I’d run away from home at age 10 and starting using drugs at about the same time. Between the ages of 12 and 44, I’d been arrested almost 200 times—126 times in Portland, alone. I’d spent 32 years living on the streets, been through four rehabs, and made countless trips to jail.

I was exhausted. And I was ready for something different.

I first became a client of Central City Concern in the Fall of 2006. CCC offered me a safe place to live and a case manager to help me get pointed in the right direction. I wasn’t particularly grateful for the help, at first. In fact, I continued to cause trouble for two more years. But Central City Concern never gave up on me.

In March 2009, I got a room at The Estate, one of several CCC buildings dedicated to housing people who are newly engaged in treatment and recovery. Shortly thereafter, I was hired on as a “barrel pusher” for the Clean & Safe program, where I started to gain job skills and earn a reputation as a dependable employee. I worked my way up, becoming a janitor through CCC’s Business Enterprises program.

Now I’m the Weekend Supervisor for the Clean & Safe program, a father to my children, and a mentor to other addicts struggling to get clean and off the streets. I’ve got my driver’s license, I’ve paid off my debts, and I’m planning on enrolling in community college so I can continue to advance professionally.

None of this would be happening for me without Central City Concern. I’m in the mainstream for the first time in my life.

I know there are countless other people out there like me who still need help. On any given night, approximately 2,500 adults—some with young children—are sleeping in shelters or doorways in the City of Portland. Nearly all of them are suffering from mental health problems, alcoholism or drug addiction. Some are victims of domestic violence. Some are military veterans with PTSD. Some have had experience with the legal system.

They all deserve the same chance I got to get on their feet.

That’s why I’m asking you to make a donation today to Central City Concern of $250, $100, $50, or whatever you can afford. You can click here to do so.

Thank you very much for supporting Central City Concern and giving others like me the chance to turn their lives around, too.

Sincerely,

Darrell W.

P.S.: For more information on who is homeless and why, please visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness website’s FAQ page.

From Homeless to Working! We Celebrated at City Hall!

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:14:00 GMT

at left: Selena, happy customer employed (and promoted) at Burgerville with her supervisor
Daniel Cogan.

I want to congratulate the 200+ individuals who turned out Wednesday night at City Hall to celebrate the accomplishments of the 460 customers of the Employment Access Center (EAC) who became employed in 2010. Customers were placed in jobs across 15 different sectors in 53 zip codes with an average hourly wage of $13.46.

above: David Wynde at left, Rachel Beaudoin in center with her supervisor and manager from U.S. Bank

It was a remarkable event that was organized and orchestrated by the entire team of 24 staff at the EAC and Kathy Pape. Ed Blackburn, Commissioner Nick Fish , Mayor Sam Adams, Customer Walter Ryce, Customer Rachel Beaudoin and U.S. Bank Employer and Vice President David Wynde all spoke so beautifully about the importance of employment in recovery and ending homelessness.

Jennifer Wilcox then handed out 91 graduation and outstanding achievement certificates after which everyone enjoyed a large spread provided by VOA’s food services. May next year be as bright as 2010!

Rachel Post
Director of Supportive Housing and Employment
Central City Concern

CCC Team Joins 2010 NAMI Walk!

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:56:00 GMT

I wanted to place a well deserved shout out to our CCC 2011 NAMI walk team. This year we were festooned in beautiful vibrant yellow and orange t-shirts, carried multi-colored signs and radiated lots of enthusiasm. We clearly had a presence on the waterfront.

Our participants included; 16 staff, 6 consumers and 5 volunteers. Several people walked over to our table to pick up signs to carry in the walk in support of CCC.

A special thanks to Jenni Eldredge, Cheryl Zechman, Chris Colburn and Maria Gargano who comprised our illustrious planning committee. Thanks to Nic Granum who drove the RCP van for the 2nd year in a row.

And thanks again team CCC for all your support.

Walkers for the CCC 2011 Team

Erika Armsbury and daughter Zara Hayes
Anne Holcombe
Laura Brown
Katie Hainley
Richard Braucher
Linda Golden
Claudia Krueger
Cheryl Zechman
Michael Mellick
Laura Nelson
Hydee Rickert
Seiza the Fairy deTarr
Maria Gargano
Jenni Eldredge
Nic Granum
Kathleen Roy
Anne Clark
John Harlan and son (Criminal Justice)
6 fabulous consumers

Kathleen Roy, LCSW
Assistant Director of Mental Health

Why We Walk for NAMI!

Mon, 09 May 2011 19:14:00 GMT

On what we hope will be a sunny Sunday on May 22nd, more than 30 of our staff members, clients, providers and friends from the 12th Avenue Recovery Center will join hundreds in the community for the NAMI Northwest Walk. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a strong advocate for people with mental illness in the community, working to reduce stigma and isolation, and providing support to family members as well as professionals in the field.

The 2011 event marks the third year of an official Central City Concern team and every year we draw more and more participants. Each walker joining our team will receive a CCC 12th Ave Recovery Center t-shirt. We will provide transportation to and from the walk from the Recovery Center location. Click here to register for the walk today!

There are a number of compelling stories from people in our community about why they participate in this walk - check it out here. Join us!

Music & Magic Raises Funds for LOC's Transitional Housing

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:17:00 GMT

Last Thursday, nearly 100 of Letty Owings Center's closest friends gathered to raise funds for Laura's Place - a transitional housing option for graduates of LOC. The evening was a great success with more than $40,000 raised! We'd like to thank generous major donors NW Natural, Providence Health Plans and George Anderson, in-kind donors Wilfs Restaurant and Sysco Portland, and the many individuals in the audience who pledged the support of the program! Also thanks to the wonderful Brad Mersereau for his jazz piano and Adam the Great magician. It was a musical and magical night for all!

Click here to view a few photos from the event!

Help Letty's Babies (and Moms) Begin Their Lives Anew...

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:57:00 GMT

Join us on Thursday, April 21st at 5:30 p.m. at Wilfs Restaurant for an evening of Magic & Music! Beverages, hearty hors d'oeuvres, jazz piano by Brad Merserau, magic by Adam the Great. This event benefits Laura's Place - a transitional housing option for women who have completed treatment at LOC, but who still need support to maintain their success. Laura's Place has provided stability and promise for LOC clients since it opened in 2008. But the cost of running Laura's Place is not covered by traditional funding sources -- come have some fun with us and help us keep Laura's Place a vibrant option for self-sufficiency.

Online ticket purchasing now available. Click here.

One great loss, many enduring lessons

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:10:00 GMT

Recently, Central City Concern grieves the loss of a very special friend, Hal Saltzman. From the beginning, Hal was part of the family. When we weren’t discussing Central City Concern’s Veterans programs, we discussed local and national politics, sports and, of course, family. Hal is survived by Ruth, his wonderful wife and best friend of 57 years, and four children, Debbi, Cindy, Stephen and David. Although Hal was a successful businessperson, professional pitcher, Marine captain who served twice (once in World War II and the Korean War) and dedicated civic leader, family was his first priority.

His many values, and order of those values, were always reflected in our conversations. The last time Hal and I spoke on the phone, he asked me the same five questions he always asked:

What’s new at Central City Concern?

How are you?

How is the running?

How is your boyfriend?

Do you have “plans” (insinuating marriage, of course)?

He always began with business, and ended with family. All of it was important to Hal.
Hal was an extraordinary person with deep character who positively impacted lives. At Hal’s memorial service, various loved ones spoke about Hal’s compassion, strength and upstanding moral character, all of which affected his family members and friends. One man said Hal was his mentor for over a decade, and it was from Hal who he received the soundest advice. Hal Saltzman created, and hosted, Central City Concern’s Veterans’ Celebration Picnic held in June these past few years. On average, 100 Veterans representing over 300 years of military experience, attended the picnic. The Veterans enjoyed a picnic lunch and music from the 60s and 70s performed by The Shwing Daddies. It was an opportunity for everyone involved to stop and appreciate the individuals who have done so much to protect our country and freedom, some at a high expense. Hal reminded us of what was truly important, and he lead by example.

Success is defined in many ways. Hal was an incredibly successful person, and not because he always “won.” Like everyone, Hal suffered his own hardships. However, he handled the ups and downs of life with a grace that few can claim. He embodied an optimistic yet realistic spirit, compassion for others and drive to be the best form of himself, whatever the task or goal. The following Ralph Waldo Emerson quote reminds me of Hal. It reads:

“To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”

If the terms in Emerson’s quote are the barometer, Hal was an outstanding success. He will be gravely missed by Central City Concern. He was a teammate, leader, strategist, volunteer, donor, advisor and friend.

The world is indeed better because of you, Hal. Thank you for your many enduring gifts.

Holiday Reflections from a Community Volunteer Corps Participant

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:09:00 GMT

Last Thursday we spent the day at the Hollywood Senior Center, where we are always greeted with smiles. The first thing I noticed was the exercise class that was going on in the big area. It was nice to see seniors taking care of themselves.

We were able to help the Center with their holiday set-up. They had a party to get ready for and we were there to make sure the place was ready. We trimmed the tree and hung decorations throughout the Center. We were able to help with every request. I organized things in their Thrift Store while others cleaned the kitchen, cleared leaves off the roof, cleaned up outside, organized magazine racks, and did general clean-up.

You could tell that the seniors really appreciated the help. They always interact with everyone and seem to enjoy our group’s age range. When we left they were extremely thankful.

I think we made their day. That’s what Community Volunteer Corps is about – giving to all.

Chris O.

Community Volunteer Corps provides meaningful volunteer opportunities to people in CCC housing. Over a three-month period, participants volunteer for 80 hours learning new skills, improving work habits and preparing themselves for permanent work. Successful completion earns people a small stipend, a letter of recommendation, a graduation ceremony and connection to CCC’s Employment Access Center services.

North Staff Join Community Volunteer Corps in Service Project at the ReBuilding Center

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:09:00 GMT

Fifteen staff members (plus a consultant and the bus driver!) from North joined the Community Volunteer Corps (CVC) team at the ReBuilding Center on Friday, December 10th. CVC provides meaningful volunteer opportunities to CCC clients. Over a three-month period, they volunteer for 80 hours learning new skills, improving work habits and preparing themselves for permanent work. The program recently surpassed 16,000 hours of service to community.

Click the photo gallery for more images from the afternoon.

For the past three years, North, a Portland ad agency, has opted to do a half-day service project instead of a lavish holiday party. Working with CVC participants, the volunteers transferred huge piles of wood siding and moved dozens of sinks onto new shelving at theReBuilding Center.

“It was great having North join us,” said Adrienne Karecki, Director of CCC’s Business Enterprises that operates the CVC program. “We love seeing local businesses engaged in community service over the holidays. The ReBuilding Center is one of our many non-profit partners and we were delighted to give them an extra dose of help this month.”

Central City Concern Celebrates the Season

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:09:00 GMT

Central City Concern greatly appreciates the generosity of individuals, businesses, families, church and school groups during the holidays. Some donate to Central City Concern as a holiday tradition, others are adopting a child for the holidays for the very first time and some are motivating others to get involved through creative events. We’d like to take a moment to highlight a few projects and say thank you to all who get involved during this busy time of year!

Jake’s Hosts Lunch for 12th Ave. Clients
For the second consecutive year, Jake’s Famous Crawfish hosted a lunch for 30 clients and a few staff members from our 12th Avenue Recovery Center program the day before Thanksgiving. John Underhill, General Manager of Jake’s, calls it one of their greatest holiday traditions. “Business is fun during the holidays, but this is really special for us.”

Coats & Soap Drive
Our 12th Avenue Recovery Center has launched a Coats & Soaps drive to provide needed new clothing including scarves, hats, gloves, raincoats, underwear, t-shirts, men’s large coats and basic toiletries for clients throughout the winter months. Email 12Donations@CCConcern.orgif you can help!

Thanks to Moule!
All customers who bring in a coat or a pair of boots to donate before December 11th will receive 20% off a new coat or boots. This is applicable on all coats and boots in Moule’s Pearl District location, 1225 NW Everett Street. Items brought in must be in good, wearable condition, clean, no holes or stains and presentable to someone in need.

Adopt-a-Child
For many years, CCC’s Family Alcohol & Drug Free Network Housing (FAN) has brought the joy of the holidays to children living in these 88 units of housing throughout the city. Parents of these kids are working hard to stay on track with their sobriety, employment or education so that they can create better lives for their families. Three giving options include:

    * gift cards (always in style!);
    * donated new clothing for children ages infant through 16;
    * adopt a specific child and receive a “wish list” for your shopping adventures.

Get involved and direct any questions to Holly at holly.redeau@ccconcern.org.

Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s Coffee at the corner of SW Broadway & Washington has chosen Central City Concern as the benefiting non-profit for their special Christmas Eve partnership. Head to this Peet’s for a FREE drip coffee or tea all day on Christmas Eve. Instead of paying for your beverage, Peet’s asks that you contribute to their donation jar for Central City Concern. If the jar hits $1,000 by the end of the day, Peets will match it, dollar-for-dollar! They’ll be open 5:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to help with your last minute shopping.

Annual Springbrook Holiday Bowl -
December 10th, from 6 to 8 p.m.
For the third consecutive year, the alumni of the Hazelden Springbrook invite you to join them in an evening of fun and fulfilling the wishes of families in recovery. The annual Glow Bowling event in Tigard, Oregon includes pizza, beverages, dessert, bowling, and shoes. Guests are invited to bring a toy or donation for the Adopt-A-Child program at CCC. Hazelden is a national treatment and recovery center helping individuals, families, and communities struggling with alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and drug addiction transform their lives.

Emmanuel Presbyterian Providing a Holiday Party for Letty Owings Center Clients
This West Linn church is preparing for its 15th year of throwing a great party for clients of the Letty Owings Center and their children — a holiday meal, Santa and gifts for all! It takes an army of volunteers to make this happen. Their generous work is profiled in the winter issue of the Letty Owings Center newsletter.

Central City Concern Clean & Safe staffer honored at unveiling of Portland’s Third “Loo”

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:08:00 GMT

Central City Concern Clean & Safe staffer Rodney Haven was again given the honor of the first ceremonial flush. Rodney participated in Portland’ first public “loo” flush two years ago when it opened at NW Glisan & 5th Avenue. Formerly homeless and calling the shelter of the Ross Island Bridge “home” for some time, Rodney has worked with Clean & Safe for two years – taking care of the “loos” is his main job and he visits each of the public restrooms twice daily. He is also the first responder for emergency clean up needs in the facilities. Rodney disinfects the loos from top to bottom, removes graffiti, resolves clogs, disposes of trash and any drug paraphernalia and restocks supplies. “It’s a unique job,” he says. “There are details … around the edges, under the rim, odors….” Once a week, the facilities are pressure washed.

Rodney is one of more than 30 Clean & Safe staff members who keep the downtown area in order. In a recent 30 day period, Clean & Safe reported the following accomplishments:

• 2,080 graffiti tags removed
• 1,957 bags of trash removed
• 575 citizen cleaning responses
• 1,293 needles and items of drug paraphernalia removed
• 2,285 restroom inspections and cleanings
• 242 bags of leaves removed

The Portland Downtown Business Improvement District contracts with Central City Concern for the maintenance portion of its Clean & Safe program to address a 213-block area in central downtown and along the bus mall

Traci Manning to Serve on Portland Housing Advisory Commission

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:08:00 GMT

Central City Concern’s Chief Operating Officer Traci Manning is among 12 newly selected members of the Portland Housing Advisory Commission (PHAC). ThePortland Housing Bureau initiated an open application process for the new commission in October, and received more than 60 applications from a broad cross-section of the community. The Commission will advise PHB Director Margaret Van Vliet, Housing Commissioner Nick Fish and the Portland City Council on a range of housing policy and program issues.

Traci began her CCC career in 1993 as a receptionist. She quickly moved into fundraising and public affairs before settling into housing development work. Traci spent nine years working in this segment of the organization, and was directly responsible for the renovation, acquisition or construction of 7 buildings ($61 million), representing 770 units to the agency’s portfolio. She led financing, design and construction on all projects. Her passion and involvement in ending homelessness via increased access to affordable housing has had a substantial impact on the City of Portland’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness.

In 2008, Traci was selected for NeighborWork’s Achieving Excellence program, a collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School. This qualified CCC to compete nationally for a $100,000 James A. Johnson Community Leaders Program for leadership development. CCC was one of six affordable housing organizations to receive the James A. Johnson award.

Other committee members include:
Jesse Beason, Executive Director, Proud Ground
Andrew Colas, Principal, Colas Construction
Rey España, Housing Development Director, Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)
Deborah Imse, Executive Director of Metro Multi-family, represents owners of larger multi-family properties.
Marc Jolin, Executive Director, JOIN
Christine Lau, Chief Operations Officer, Asian Health & Service Center
Carter MacNichol, Principal, Shiels Obletz Johnsen, Inc.
Carmen Rubio, Executive Director, Latino Network
Tobias Washington, retired investment banking executive
Michael White, Chair, Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association and East Portland Neighborhood Office.
Brian Wilson, Executive, Kalberer, Inc.