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.

 

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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If you  live in Portland, you’ve likely driven by the Sally McCracken Building at NW 6th & Everett in Old Town, perhaps never knowing that Sally McCracken is a real person! 

She is one of Central City Concern’s founding board members and a friend for many years. We are pleased to be honoring Sally (as well as longtime board member Dean Gisvold) at our Working Our Way Homeluncheon on Nov. 9, 2010. The luncheon benefits self-sufficiency programming at CCC; you may buy your ticketshere.

Here’s some background on Sally:

Sally has been a committed volunteer all her adult life. In the late 1960s when her children reached school age, she expanded her volunteer life to embrace community action. She joined the boards of a church community action program (East-CAP), then the board of PACT (now known as Portland Impact, but then was part of the “War on Poverty.”) In 1976, Sally was chairing the PACT board and also the Emergency Helping Agencies Committee (EHAC) of the Tri-County Community Council. In EHAC meetings the needs of the Burnside community came into focus and several meetings were held to see what could be done. As a result, a small group of Portland civic leaders formed the Burnside Consortium in 1979 and it later became Central City Concern.

Sally served as CCC board chair for seven years and spent many hours working with the agency’s executive director, navigating complex governmental requirements and always scrambling for the next dollar. She retired from the CCC board in 1990. Among her other volunteer activities are the Oregon Community Foundation where she served for 11 years as a board member (two of those as chair) and where she still serves on some committees as well as chairing the Giving in Oregon Council.

Currently she is a member of the Joseph E Weston Public Foundation Board, an Emeritus Board Member of the Ford Family Foundation in Roseburg and an Emeritus Trustee at Reed College. In addition, she is a former board member of the University of Oregon Foundation, the Providence Medical Center Advisory Board and two State Commissions. Sally has received many honors for her contributions including the 1985 George A. Russill Community Service Award and the 1998 Aubrey Watzek Award. She was declared a “Model Citizen” by the Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Commission, when she ended her term at CCC. In 1991, CCC persuaded Sally to allow it to name a building after her – today, the Sally McCracken Building houses 95 very low-income individuals as well as the agency’s administrative operations.

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At a November 9th luncheon, CCC will proudly honor Dean Gisvold, one of our longest serving board members.  Tickets are available now.

Dean Gisvold is CCC’s third board chair and has served as chair since 1987. A senior partner with the McEwen Gisvold law firm, Dean has over 40 years of professional expertise in real estate law and is a member of the prestigious American College of Real Estate Lawyers. He has helped guide Central City Concern through many housing development projects, expansion of services and organizational improvements.

Dean is also a founding board member of the statewide Network for Oregon Affordable Housing, a past president of the Irvington Community Association (ICA) as well as current board member, past chair of the Portland Public School Board, past chair of the Multnomah County Library Advisory Board and past chair of the Downtown Plan Advisory Committee, nationally recognized with the Rudy Bruner Award for excellence in urban planning. Dean was also honored with the George A. Russill Community Service Award in 1990. Dean and his wife Susan were early advocates for improving childbirth education and allowing fathers in delivery rooms; they were also active leaders in a variety of parent organizations supporting local schools.

In 1968, Dean was elected to the Model Cities board, where he worked on school and neighborhood issues. He is presently on the Rose Quarter Stakeholder Advisory Committee. In a 1985 address to a graduation class, Dean shared a favorite quote from Harry Truman with students: “My father used to say that a man ought to leave the world a little better than it was when he came into it, and if that can be said about me, I guess you’ll have to say I lived a successful life.”

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Each year, Central City Concern raises funds to help parents in our FAN housing program provide their children with needed school supplies, backpacks and clothing.  This year, we’re working to get approximately 200 children ready to learn.

These eager students live in CCC’s alcohol and drug-free housing with their parent(s) who are working to rebuild their lives.  The majority of these parents are working or attending school in order to attain stronger employment. They are barely making ends meet but long to give their children equal footing when the school year starts. With proper clothing and supplies, these children have an equal chance at success.

We were stunned to learn that the average family will spend $606 per child to get their child ready for the school year! Our families surely cannot afford such luxuries.  Central City Concern gladly accepts donations via our secure website as well as in-kind items delivered to our administrative office, 223 NW Sixth Avenue & Everett.  Gift cards, especially to stores that carry both supplies and clothing, are very welcome and also can be directed to our administrative office. Thank you for considering helping a needy student this fall!

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