Parent embracing a child in a comforting hug

April is a significant month for child safety and well-being. As the flowers bloom and the days lengthen, we also raise awareness about preventing child abuse and neglect. In Oregon, this critical mission is championed by our staff at Parenting Now, who are dedicated to supporting families with young children. Let’s delve into the statistics and explore how Parenting Now plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our most vulnerable members of society.

The Numbers Speak:

In 2019, 17.5 children per 1,000 were victims of abuse or neglect in Lane County. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for protective measures and support systems.
The Oregon Child Abuse Prevalence Study (OCAPS, 2019) sheds further light on the issue. It estimates that a staggering 24,000 Lane County youth have encountered child abuse, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence. Additionally, nearly 100,000 Lane County adults have faced similar traumatic experiences.
Challenges and Opportunities:
While the numbers are sobering, they also serve as a call to action. Parenting Now offers evidence-based parenting programs that empower parents with knowledge and skills. These programs focus on positive parenting practices, child development, and effective communication. By equipping parents with tools to navigate challenges, Parenting Now helps reduce the risk of abuse and promotes healthy family dynamics.

Safeguarding Children at Risk

Parenting programs lead to positive changes in parenting practices. Parents who participate in these programs are more likely to use non-violent discipline methods, reduce yelling, and enhance their emotional regulation skills. Parenting Now’s programs are accessible to all families, not just those identified as high-risk for child maltreatment. This approach eliminates stigma and ensures that every parent can benefit from support. By reaching a broad population, they contribute to preventing abuse across diverse communities.

Parenting Now: A Beacon of Support

Parenting Now is more than an organization; it’s a lifeline for parents. Parenting Now provides parenting education, support, and resources to families with young children. Our vision? That all children are raised by nurturing, skilled parents.

How Does Parenting Now Combat Child Abuse?

Parenting Groups: In these groups, parents learn how to create loving relationships with their children. Dr. Jaylynn Kao, MD, emphasizes that these groups normalize parenting challenges, showing parents that what they’re experiencing is often okay. Michelle Crespino, a parent, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that she felt less alone after joining Parenting Now.
Evidence-Based Curricula: Parenting Now equips educators with evidence-based curricula and enrichment materials. These educators, armed with knowledge, empower parents to navigate the complexities of raising children.
Community Investment: Former University of Oregon President David Frohnmayer aptly describes Parenting Now as a “community investment of the most priceless kind.” By supporting strong families, Parenting Now ensures that nurturing family life becomes every child’s birthright.

As April unfolds, let’s honor Child Abuse Prevention Month by recognizing the tireless efforts of organizations like Parenting Now. Together, we can create a world where children thrive, families flourish, and abuse becomes a distant memory.
For more information about our groups and enrollment, please visit us here: https://parentingnow.org/parents/

Food Boxes

Food distribution centers are uncertain if they will be providing holiday-type food.

Food for Lane County Food Pantries
Call for nearest food box distribution site: (541) 343-2822
Eugene/Springfield Food Pantry Directory• Rural Food Pantry Directory
Burrito Brigade
Phone: (541) 632-3239
Food Pantry Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: You can pick up a free food box at Sonrise Christian Church, 1300 Irvington Drive Eugene, OR 97404.
Go onto website to sign up for a 5-minute food box pick-up slot. Registration for the week opens on Sunday evening, so please check the website. Please fill out the form to signup for food box delivery.
Questions? Email: info@burritobrigade.org or call 541-632-3239.
Catholic Community Services
Phone: (541) 345-3628
Food Pantry Hours: The Food Pantry is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Regular office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Except Thursdays, we close at 3:30.
Locations:
Eugene Site: 1464 West 6th Avenue, Eugene
Springfield Site: 1025 G Street, Springfield
COVID-19 Response: Pre-made bags of food are available.
Community Food for Creswell
Phone: (541) 870-2252
Location: Cobalt Building, 364 Cobalt Lane, off N. 5th/N. Harvey Rd., Creswell
Food Pantry Hours: Every Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Closed on Thanksgiving). Income-eligible customers may receive fresh produce, canned and packaged foods, as well as frozen meat each week as needed. Grab and Go Meal Boxes are also available at the Food Pantry. Covid-19 Care Bags are also available with masks, hand sanitizer, and information on vaccinations.
COVID-19 Response: We ask that our customers form a vehicle line that begins at our entrance at 364 Cobalt Lane and runs eastward to First Street. Our staff will provide instruction regarding entrance to the parking lot, hands-free intake, and food loading while customers remain in their vehicle. We will be wearing face masks or shields and sanitizing our hands frequently.
Cottage Grove Community Sharing Holiday Food Box
Phone: (541) 942-2176
Location: 1440 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove
Office Hours: Mondays 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Food-Box Distribution Hours: December 20th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Applications Available: Nov 1st – Nov 24th. Applications are required for the annual Holiday Food Box and Tree of Joy programs. Proof of income will be needed! Pay stubs or award letters for social security will be accepted. A self-attestation paper can be provided to those with no income. Delivery of food boxes will be available as well. Applications are available online, by calling 541-942-2176, or filled out in person at the location listed above.
Junction City Local Aid
Phone: (541) 998-3992
Location: 210 E 6th Avenue, Junction City
Food Pantry Hours: Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursdays 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., and last Saturday of each month 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
COVID-19 Response: We offer hand sanitizer for our guests to use. Our staff and volunteers follow food handling best practices, including frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Maintaining a safe environment in our pantry is of the utmost importance. This is why we must ask all clients who are ill to please stay home (even if they don’t have COVID-19). Folks can arrange in advance for an authorized representative to pick up their monthly or weekly food items for them. Just give us a call and we can help you make the necessary arrangements.
St. Matthews Episcopal Church – Food Distribution
Phone: (541) 689-4010
Location: 4110 River Rd, Eugene
Food Pantry Hours: November 20th and December 18th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Starting in January, they will resume with the last Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
In response to COVID-19: Everyone must maintain 6-feet of distance from each other. PRAY BiG Pantry is now operating a shopping style pantry. Masks are required. Physical distancing strictly enforced. Sorry-no use of the restroom.
Veneta/Elmira Kiwanis Holiday Food Box and To-Go Meals
Phone: (541) 935-4555 Ext. 100
Food Box: Love Project Food Pantry takes applications for a Drive Through/No Contact distribution of food boxes. More details on the location and time of distribution are available on the applications.
Applications: Available December 1st. Pick-up at Rays Food Place or Banner Bank (same parking lot) 25013 OR-126, Veneta, 97487
Food Box Pick Up Date: December 18th

Holiday Meal Sites

Junction City Moose Lodge #2238
Phone: (541) 998-1164
Location: 427 Front St., Junction City
The Lodge is partnering with other local organizations for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner and other holiday activities. Call 541-998-1164 for information or visit their Facebook page for updates.
Veneta/Elmira Kiwanis Holiday Food Box and To-Go Meals
Phone: (541) 935-4555 Ext. 100
Location and Hours: To-Go Meals will be provided at the Fern Ridge Service Center at 25035 West Broadway, Veneta on Wednesday, November 24th between 2:00 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Holiday Gift Programs

1. S.A.N.T.A. Project (Sharing Among Neighbors Toy Appeal)

Phone: (541) 935-3282

Location: Veneta Elementary Gymnasium, 88131 Territorial Hwy, Veneta

No application is required. Participants must live in the Fern Ridge Area and proof of child’s age is required.Call for more details or visit their Facebook group for information on eligibility and requirements:

Distribution Time: Saturday December 11th at 9:00 a.m.

2. Cottage Grove Tree of Joy

Phone: (541) 942-2176

Location: 1440 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove

Starting November 1st – 24th, applications will be taken for the annual Tree of Joy program. Applications for Tree of Joy are in-person paper only at our office.

3. Toys for Tots

Want to volunteer? Please register on the website or contact us at EugeneT4T@usmc.mil.

Requirements: Toys for children up to age 13. Requirements: Proof of Lane County residency, proof that the child lives with you, and proof of child’s age is needed. We strongly suggest you do not bring children with you. Tickets are issued to minimize the wait time but are not required to receive toys on the dates of the distribution.

Acceptable Documents:For Parents: Local photo ID or photo ID with local mail (to show Lane County residency)

For Children: The first sheet of a medical card showing both the parent’s and child’s names, IRS tax forms, Renter’s Agreements, ODHS paperwork that includes both the parents and child’s name(s), any other legal document that includes the names of the parent(s) and the child’s name(s) and date of birth(s).

Eugene/Springfield

Tickets Distribution Site: 2525 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Eugene from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 17thToy Distribution Site: 3106 Pierce Parkway, Springfield, OR

Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th
- Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th

Oakridge

Toy Distribution Site: Oakridge Fire Station, 47592 OR-58, Oakridge

Tickets will be issued at the distribution site until December 10th.
- Toy Distribution from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th

Cottage Grove

Toy Distribution Site: Cottage Grove Fire Station, 233 E Harrison Ave.

No tickets issued for this distribution.
- Toy Distribution from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th

Florence

Toy Distribution Site: 2625 US – 101 Florence, OR

No tickets issued for this distribution
- Toy Distribution from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th

Please contact the organizations listed here to verify the information and obtain any updates.

This list was compiled by Community Partnership Coordinators: Maritza Herrera maritza.y.herrera@dhsoha.state.or.us and Tricia Merrick TRICIA.L.MERRICK@dhsoha.state.or.us. Updates? Please contact them at their email addresses.(Revised 11/21)

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Child Abuse Prevention Month: Empowering Families, Protecting Children