6,000
Three years ago if someone told me my most meaningful mentors would be formerly homeless, addicts, graduates of the state penitentiary – I would have said, not me. Too intimidating. Too scary. Too out of my comfort zone. Yet in August 2008, I was asked to do two weeks consultancy with CCC. After just one day, the spark ignited. Two weeks turned into two years.
The best perk of my job is realizing these individuals are some of the most interesting, creative, funniest, people I’ve ever met. The power of their will to completely transform their lives fuels me daily. Their stories and motivation to get up and out and onward when all odds are against them, is infectious.Â
It’s been my privilege to lead some of CCC’s programs that help connect these individuals to a second chance. Just nine months after we launched the Community Volunteer Corps, I’m proud to report that we’ve recently broken the 6,000 hour mark of dedicated community service to the Portland area. Within that number lies 50 graduated volunteers – each who have given 80 hours of volunteer service. Talk about a triple bottom win. Volunteers have regained their dignity, confidence, and fulfilled their desire to give back. CVC is another avenue of support to those we serve. And our community partners such as Portland Parks and Recreation, Free Geek and the ReBuilding Center have reported their parks are cleaner, their operations smoother, and that our volunteers are setting the highest bar.  What a gift. You should come to our next graduation – guaranteed to make your day. Send an email to admin@centralcityconcern.org to receive notice of our next one.
Adrienne KareckiÂ
PARTNERS:
Portland Parks & Recreation
Office of Neighborhood Involvement
City Nature
Habitat for Humanity
Pesticide-Free Parks
Free Geek
Community Reaps Our Produce & Shares (C.R.O.P.S.)
Peace Memorial Park Foundation
The ReBuilding Center
Hollywood Senior Center
Loaves & Fishes
Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation
Congratulations to you & all of your fantastic volunteers! Even if it was just one person who dedicated this time to make a difference in his life & the community, it would be great. But when the numbers add up to 6,000, the community really starts to feel the change. The community feels hope and inspiration. Thanks to you, your volunteers and partners, for organizing all this good will into action!
Inspiring work, Ms. Karecki!
What a great milestone! And speaking as one who has attended a volunteer graduation I can attest to the dignity and confidence that the participants have gained through giving back. It is an inspiring event in and of itself and totally made my day, so I heartily encourage anyone interested to attend future graduations.
I also attended a graduation, not knowing what to expect I didn’t bring a hanky.
It was very moving; the type of soulful comaraderie and pride these people gain from this
experience is just the half of it. it’s a wonderful program
What an inspiration! It’s always amazing what can happen when positive energy is focused to make ‘change’ a verb and not simply an idea. This program is such an asset to our community and I look forward to watching it do great things. Keep up all the good work!
Congratulations, Adrienne and all of CCc’s inspiring volunteers! Though I haven’t had the pleasure of attending one of your volunteer graduations (I would love to something though), I was deeply moved by the graduates I met working in your offices when you were kind enough to give me a personal tour. The uplifting and empowered community environment is impressive. I’m so happy to know the federal government has gifted CCC a substantial grant to continue your important work. Lastly, I want to say how touching it is to hear you speak of your own personal experiences with these amazing people who have risen themselves up out of and beyond extraordinarily challenging, difficult and underprivileged circumstance, to create fulfilling lives and meaningful contributions. They are true heroes.