Maslow Project | Help for homeless youth and their families

Reflection on the YOU Summit, by James R., Client & YAC Member

Meredith Morgan — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:34:04 +0000

James is a member of Maslow’s Youth Advisory Council, where youth voices help shape our work.

In November, a few members of our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) attended the You Summit, a statewide gathering focused on youth leadership and advocacy. For James, the day sparked growth and a new excitement for advocacy. In his own words, below, he shares his experience.

James (center) bringing energy to the YOU Summit

Capybaras. Cute, cuddly, fuzzy, all words you could use to describe the creature. When I received the phone call that I was to attend this ‘YOU seminar’ I was skeptical. What could capybaras possibly have to do with youth advocacy? It turns out the charming allure of a fuzzy creature turned out to be well worth my time.

Before this seminar, I feared I was in over my head. I’d never worked with youth before, let alone advocated for them on such a large scale.

How and what could I learn from something like this?

As I scanned over the worksheets we were given, I realized that I didn’t know what I was doing, and I worried that maybe it would be difficult for me to succeed in this adventure.

But my fretting was useless. As the session began (fashionably late), the speaker Jo was very clear about what we’d be doing and explained how we’d be doing it. I discovered that this ‘seminar’ was less of a seminar and more of a workshop. I thought we’d be sitting and listening to someone talk for hours, but I was surely mistaken.

Our activities were focused around problems our youth may be facing in the community, and how we could solve them. Building teamwork amongst our circle as we brainstormed how to tackle these problems.

Once the day was over, I found that I had much to learn. But it fascinated me, and inspired me to attempt to join my local youth advocacy council. I learned what these councils do, and how they provide for their peers. I also learned how to BE the one to provide to my peers. Speaking up for others and being a leader was a large focus of this workshop. Skills I realized I needed to work on.

I also learned how to BE the one to provide to my peers.

As my group gathered their things to leave, I realized… wait, where was the capybara?! I’d been tricked! Bamboozled! There was no capybara! But as I thought a little harder, I realized that maybe the real meaning of the capybara was the skills we learned along the way.

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Unseen to Uplifted:Why Rural Outreach Matters

Erin Zelinka — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 20:32:48 +0000

*Names changed to protect client privacy

In rural Southern Oregon, homelessness often hides in plain sight. When Maslow Case Manager Nicole first met Jacob through our school partnership, he said he was living in a trailer and doing fine. "I don't really need anything," he insisted.

“But you could just tell,” says Nicole. “He wasn't fine and there were needs that he had.” Maslow Case Managers are certified Community Health Workers skilled at recognizing the signs of youth homelessness, even when youth attempt to hide it, as they often do.

“But you could just tell.

He wasn’t fine and

there were needs that he had.”

The Intervention: Trust-Building Through Consistency
Rather than pushing, Nicole showed up regularly with food and genuine care. This patient approach worked, and Jacob eventually revealed his reality: his parent had died, and he was living in a tent with his girlfriend McKenna while they both tried to finish high school.

Despite their circumstances, Jacob and McKenna remained committed to their education, attending school regularly even while living in a tent. One request during a routine outreach visit stood out: "Could I have some cat toys for my cat?” Jacob asked. “He lives in the tent with us." Even facing homelessness, Jacob didn't ask for things for himself but for his beloved pet.

Escalating Support as Needs Grew
When McKenna became pregnant, the stakes rose dramatically. Living outdoors during a heatwave with no power, water, or cell service posed serious risks for delivery. The couple had a van but it had flat tires, leaving them with no transport to medical services.

"We had some scary moments where it seemed like she was going to deliver on the river," Nicole shared. "She was going into pre-labor with dehydration."

“We had some scary moments where it seemed like she was going to deliver on the river.”

Targeted Supports
Case manager support is highly individualized, supporting with the unique needs of a client’s situation. For Jacob and McKenna, Nicole’s targeted supports included:

Connecting them with local healthcare services and pre-natal care.
Educating the couple on labor signs and postpartum depression.
Repairing their van for reliable transportation.
Providing a car seat to safely transport the baby.
Securing a hotel in town before the due date.

The Outcome
Today, Jacob and McKenna have welcomed a healthy baby boy, and Maslow has secured stable housing for them with continued case manager support.

Jacob is completing his final school credits while developing employment skills. McKenna graduated high school and is focusing on her new role as a mother.

“Thank you so much for the help,” Jacob wrote to Nicole recently. “We really like the place you picked out. It’s very homey and has lots of kids roaming around. You could tell a lot of the people here are in the same boat as us which helps us feel less judged.”

“Thank you so much for the help.

We really like the place you picked out.

It’s very homey and has lots of kids

roaming around.”

Maslow Project's youth-centered approach meant meeting Jacob and McKenna where they were and understanding what they needed most.

Thanks to you, our supporters, this family is safe and on a path to long-term stability.

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Summer Fun Fridays: Making Memories & Smiles

Erin Zelinka — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 20:23:55 +0000

For homeless youth, summer can be a particularly challenging time. School, a source of stability and support for many, is out of session, leaving them with fewer resources and increased vulnerability. Maslow Project's Summer Fun Fridays program offers a vital lifeline, providing fun activities, a free meal and a sense of community for these young people.

“What I love most about Summer Fun Friday is the community. It's so great to see Maslow Project Youth gathering together for an event.”
— Jaerod & Ana

Summer Fun Fridays offer a safe and supportive environment where youth can escape the stresses of homelessness. These events provide positive social interaction, reduce risk behaviors, improve mental health and increase engagement with services.

This year’s activities include potting plants, a reptile show, jewelry making, board games, haircuts, science experiments and our annual backpack giveaway.

THANK YOU to our business sponsors (featured on page 4) who have supported these weekly events that are making memories and smiles these kids will never forget.

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Anna’s Story: School For the First Time

Erin Zelinka — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 22:08:38 +0000

The joy on 7-year-old Anna's face is because she is going to school, for the first time ever!

“This is the best day of my life!” Anna said. “I am so happy I get to go to school and see other kids."

Anna’s family is homeless, in a rural town here in Southern Oregon, and she missed out on kindergarten and 1st grade due to the barriers her family experienced.

But now, because of your support, Anna’s path is forever changed.

Her Maslow Case Manager, Nicole, built trust over time and arranged for Anna to get to her 2nd grade class every day.

Instead of continuing in the cycle of poverty, Anna is now on a totally different path. A high school degree is the #1 factor in preventing adult homelessness, and Anna is on her way to achieving that, with case management to support her with basic needs, barrier removal and academic progress.

She is so happy, and her teacher says she is thriving. Anna also received one of this year’s backpacks filled with school supplies, funded by donor and sponsor support.

Anna’s mom told Nicole, “You’ve helped me and my family in so many different little situations making life a little bit easier for me and more comfortable for all three of us. Thank you so much. You truly do make a difference, so you know.”

YOU make a difference. The donations you send make a difference. They give backpacks. They give meals. They give clothing and hygiene items. They give transport. They give shelter. They give a future and a chance for children like Anna.

Donate Today Donate Today

“This is the best day of my life! I am so happy I get to go to school and see other kids."

July 4-7, 2024 Cooling Shelters in the Rogue Valley

Erin Zelinka — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 19:18:11 +0000

Ashland Severe Weather Shelter

What: Due to continued high temperatures in the forecast, the Ashland Severe Weather Shelter will be opened. This is a low barrier, no frills shelter for anyone needing to get out of the heat.

Where: 2200 Ashland St, Ashland OR 97520

When: Thursday, July 4th through Sunday, July 7th, from 12pm - 7pm

Medford Severe Weather Shelter

What: The Medford Cooling Shelter will provide water, restrooms, popsicles, snacks, and a cooling area with water for pets.

Where: 324 W 6th St, Medford OR 97501

When: Thursday, July 4th through Sunday, July 7th from 12pm - 8pm

Flyer attached

Grants Pass Severe Weather Shelter

What: With the forecast showing triple digits towards the end of the week, MINT will be opening up Parker's Place as a daytime cooling shelter for our unhoused friends! We will have water, snacks, and activities (movies, puzzles, books, etc.)

Where: Parker's Place, 218 Redwood Hwy, Grants Pass, OR 97527

When: Thursday, July 4th through Sunday, July 7th from 2pm - 8pm

Summer Fun Fridays! (Maslow Clients Only)

Erin Zelinka — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 23:26:51 +0000

Summer Fun Fridays are here! (Maslow clients only, please.) Maslow youth and families, come join us for free food and fun activities happening nearly every Friday this summer! See the flyer below for the complete schedule of activities. Spanish below (español abajo).

Could you imagine being homeless, pregnant and isolated?

Mary Ferrell — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 22:24:25 +0000

With all the new growth and bright colors surrounding us, we were inspired to share a happy story to show you what your support helps us accomplish. We hope you enjoy.

Could you imagine being homeless, pregnant and isolated?

Natalie was sitting in a parking lot in early December 2021. Cindy, a Maslow Project case manager, was simultaneously going about her day. Cindy saw Natalie and could tell she needed help. Cindy and Natalie began making conversation. After some pleasantries, Cindy asked if Natalie could use anything. Natalie said, “a tooth brush”. After more conversation, Natalie confided in Cindy. She shared that she was living in her bus in a remote location in Josephine county. She was 7 months pregnant, and her partner had abandoned her. Natalie was working but couldn’t afford to go to the doctor or pay her phone bill. She was very scared to become a new mom in these conditions with no support.

Cindy sprang to action addressing Natalie’s immediate needs. Maslow helped with basics, including hygiene, food, a working phone, and prenatal appointments. That was all achieved within 24 hours, but, the support hasn’t stopped there. Maslow continues to connect with Natalie. Cindy worked closely with Brandy, a case manager in Josephine County, to support Natalie. They have since enrolled her in health care, obtained identification, initiated housing navigation and continued providing basic needs.

Over the course of one month Natalie began to relax and enjoy her pregnancy. This February, Natalie gave birth to a healthy baby boy. She was also surprised to find out her housing applications had gone through and she was approved and ready to move into her new home when she exits the hospital with her son. The Maslow team couldn’t be more excited for and proud of Natalie! Brandy and Cindy stand by offering continuous support to Natalie and her son to assure long term stability and success.

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Gathering of Goodness Saturday July 3rd Benefits Maslow Project

Frank — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 22:32:52 +0000

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Southern Oregon University Students Hosting Fundraisers

Frank — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 19:24:13 +0000

When Southern Oregon University Professor Emily Reeder reached out about her students hosting fundraisers, I wasn’t sure what the class had in mind. We sat down together via Zoom and I updated the class on what Maslow Project’s been up to since the pandemic began last March.

We talked about the educational challenges the students in our community face, and about the devastation the wildfires left behind, and what the future might hold for our community. The students followed up with intelligent questions, patiently listening and brainstorming how they might make a difference for our community.

After that Zoom, I had no idea what the students might come up with! Some time passed and a trickle of emails came in with hints about what they were creating.

Today I have not one fundraiser, but FIVE to share with you! The class divided into groups, each creating a unique fundraiser for Maslow Project!

Art Auction - (open for two weeks February 21-March 7) As art is added to this virtual auction you can post a bid and win beautiful pieces.

Merchandise Store - purchase t shirts, mugs, masks, sweatshirts and proceeds will be donated to Maslow Project.

St. Patrick's Day Slime Making - via zoom with tutorial on February 27th 4-6pm. Fun for kids!

Silent Auction - Feb 22nd through the 27th

Animal Showcase - make a donation and submit a photo of your furry friend and you’ll be entered for a chance to win.

It’s been wonderful working with these creative and thoughtful students, please consider making a donation to a fundraiser of your choice and help support these students, and our community in need.

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Propel Charity Golf Classic supports Maslow Project

Frank — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 23:10:44 +0000

Recently I had the pleasure of chatting with Katie VanBuskirk and Kourtney Doughton both with Propel Insurance . If you’ve been following Maslow Project for a while, you may be familiar with our posts of thanks to Propel Insurance and to Greg King who pops in periodically to say hello and present us with a generous donation.

The funds from Propel are raised at their annual Golf Tournament. For over a decade the Propel Charity Golf Classic has provided non-profits funding to provide much-needed services to the community. As you can imagine, 2020 proved a challenging year for many organizations. Many fundraisers found themselves in a challenging spot knowing the community is experiencing a time of great need - but regular fundraising methods were off the table.

Propel and generous sponsors and donors chose to put the community first in 2020. Forgoing the annual Golf Classic in person, Propel successfully raised THOUSANDS of dollars with the help of their generous funders. $8,850 of the funds were generously donated to Maslow Project!

When I asked Katie and Kourtney how this was possible, they shared with me the sentiments of those generous donors who made this gift possible:

“I’m happy we can help and to see that Covid isn’t slowing your efforts to support such a great cause!” – Chairman, Insurance Carrier

“It was our pleasure to contribute and we appreciate all the work your team puts into organizing.” – Sales Executive, Financial Partner

“Thank you to you and all of our Propel friends for the communication and your tireless time and effort to such worthy causes in the … area. It is a testament to the type of organization Propel Insurance is. Covid-19 has affected so many in so many ways and this is just one more. Please keep (our) sponsorship and contribute as a donation to the organizations you had lined up this year.” – Vice President, Financial Partner

“We’re certainly sorry to hear about the Propel Annual Charity Golf Classic being canceled but agree it’s the right thing to do considering the increase COVID cases. Of course (it) makes sense to keep the check and allocate it to the intended charity recipients.” – Vice President, Insurance Carrier.

Propel continues to grow and add charities to their already generous list, and we find ourselves so grateful to be included. We are honored and would like to express our utmost thanks for the generosity of Gregg King, Propel, and the Golf Classic sponsors made possible in this challenging time for our community.

Thank you, and we look forward to the Propel 2021 Golf Classic!

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Turn on AmazonSmile to generate donations for Maslow Project

Frank — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 08:49:36 +0000

AmazonSmile is a simple and no-cost way for you to support Maslow Project and now it works in the Amazon app for iPhone and Android!

If you aren’t yet an AmazonSmile member, sign up at smile.amazon.com. Just sign in with your Amazon credentials, and you will be walked through the process.

Amazon will ask you to choose your favorite charity. This is where you search for and choose “Maslow Project”

Step 2: Open the Amazon Shopping app on your phone

If you don’t have the app already, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Step 3: Open Settings within the app

Open Settings by tapping the three horizontal lines at the top left and tapping “Settings.”

Step 4: Tap AmazonSmile

Step 5: Tap the button for “Turn on AmazonSmile”

You’ll need to follow the three-step setup process. Note that Amazon requires you to turn on notifications to be able to use AmazonSmile on your phone.

Step 6: Make note of your renewal date

Amazon asks that you renew your AmazonSmile donation every six months. This is easy but required. When six months are up, you’ll have to choose your favorite charity again. If you don’t, purchases made until you do will not count.

Step 7: Confirm that AmazonSmile is active before your next purchase

Look for AmazonSmile at the top of the app as you browse. You’ll also see your chosen charity on the confirmation screen.

Through AmazonSmile, Maslow Project will receive a donation of 0.5% of your eligible purchases at no cost to you! Over time, these small donations add up and help Maslow Project a lot.

For additional information about AmazonSmile and detailed instructions on how to quickly get signed up, please click on the link below:

Sign-up for AmazonSmile

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Maslow Project receives a grant from the OCF

Guest User — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 17:18:15 +0000

For Immediate Release: December 15, 2020
Contact Person: Corrie Sommerfeld, Development Director
Phone: 541-608-6868

Maslow Project receives a grant from The Reed and Carolee Walker Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.

Medford, OR- Maslow Project is the recipient of a $16,666 grant from the Reed and Carolee Walker Fund of Oregon Community Foundation to support youth and families impacted by wildfires in Jackson County, focusing on mental health services.

The mission of Maslow Project is to empower homeless youth to thrive independently through supports that stabilize and engage in all aspects of life.

About the Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships support Oregonians annually. For nearly 45 years, OCF grant making, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving – time, talent, and resources from many generous Oregonians – creates measurable change.

The Foundation makes grants through an application process that involves local citizens in the review and evaluation of requests for funds. Application materials are available through the Foundation’s Portland office. Individuals or businesses interested in establishing a fund may contact the Medford office at 818 W. Eighth Street, Medford OR 97501, 541.773.8987 or visit www.oregoncf.org

About Maslow Project:

Maslow Project is a non-profit organization serving youth and families experiencing homelessness in Jackson and Josephine County. Maslow Project connects nearly 3,000 youth and families with basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene), educational supports, case management, and more every year.

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Finishing Strong - What can we do Together?

Guest User — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 17:16:49 +0000

2020 has been a real challenge for so many people, and in spite of that, really positive things have happened too- and that is because of our generous community and people like you!

► 111 students re-engaged in their education

► 93% of high school students who experienced homelessness last year - graduated on-time

► 343 family members found a permanent home

► More people are participating in case management than ever before - nearly double! This means setting and working toward their goals.

And we couldn’t have done it without you!

2020 challenged our region in ways we never expected, and your generosity exceeded the challenges!

We have so much to be grateful for - like our 2020 Holiday Program Sponsors! Thanks to community members’ generosity 75 children & teens had a Christmas morning they will never forget. Bicycles, Legos, highchairs, and more - we are so grateful for the gifts that brightened the holiday for so many.

If you joined us for Giving Tuesday you’d recall Mary’s take away as we step into this new year:

2021 will bring funding instability for Maslow Project at a time when our community needs us most. As funding is uncertain or disappears - what will happen to the most vulnerable youth and families in our valley without Maslow Projects’ help?

Our community continues to need Maslow Project more than ever, and with your help, we intend to be there every step of the way. We’re at nearly 70% of our fundraising goal, and we know with your help, we can reach it; please make your year-end gift by clicking the donation button below.

DONATE DONATE

While we are all looking forward to 2020 coming to an end, we no doubt have hard work ahead of us; and with your help - we will enter 2021 prepared to rise to the challenge.

From all of us at Maslow Project,

Thank you & Happy New Year!

More Ways to help:

► Make a year-end gift - Donate now & maximize your impact by joining as a monthly donor. Up to 300 Dollars is tax-deductible for the 2020 tax season(see details)!

► Host a donation drive - learn more! Click here

► gifting stock? This form can help.

► Checkout & shop for the most needed current items on our Amazon Wish List - Don’t forget to use Amazon Smile too!

► Create a lasting legacy – add Maslow Project to your Will or Trust, contact corrie@maslowproject.com for more information.

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Maslow Project receives $10,000 from AllCare Health

Guest User — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 18:07:54 +0000

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Maslow Project receives $10,000 from AllCare Health to Provide Coronavirus and Wildfire Relief

AllCare Health is proud to support Maslow Project in their mission
to provide basic needs and mental health services for youth and families in Southern Oregon.

December 11, 2020, Medford, OR -- Maslow Project is proud to announce that it has received a $10,000 grant from AllCare Health’s COVID-19 Resiliency Fund to support mental health for homeless youth displaced by the wildfire.

Maslow Project is a non-profit advocacy agency serving youth and families experiencing homelessness in Jackson and Josephine County. Maslow Project provides wrap-around support services, basic needs, and support to help those we serve reach their goals and move onto a brighter future. The Alameda fires have displaced hundreds of students, and Maslow Project, with AllCare’s help, is prepared to provide mental health services, advocacy, and case management in addition to basic needs.

AllCare’s COVID-19 Resiliency Fund was created to support community-based organizations such as Maslow Project. The goal of the fund is to help improve and stabilize the capacity of these essential community-based organizations and continue to promote health within the communities of our service region for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and as we prepare for the long-term effects. To learn more about the COVID-19 Resiliency Fund and other grant recipients, visit https://www.allcarehealth.com/about-us/covid-19-community-involvement.

Media Contacts:

Emily Baehr, Maslow Project

541-414-9661, emily@maslowproject.com

Josh Balloch, AllCare Health

(503) 508-5868, Josh.Balloch@AllCareHealth.com

About Maslow Project

Maslow Project is a non-profit organization serving youth and families experiencing homelessness in Jackson and Josephine County. Our mission is to empower youth to thrive independently through supports that stabilize and engage in all aspects of life. Maslow Project connects nearly 3,000 youth and families with basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene), educational supports, case management and more every year.

About AllCare Health

AllCare Health is an integrated health organization in southern Oregon, serving Jackson, Josephine, and Curry counties, as well as southern Douglas County. In a progressive model of care, AllCare Health provides technology and administrative support services for independent provider offices and insurance coverage for Medicare Advantage and Oregon Health Plan (OHP) beneficiaries, coordinating the care for our members’ medical, oral, and behavioral health services. AllCare Health is led by local physicians, many of whom have been working together to serve the community since 1994. For the more than 48,000 current members enrolled in various AllCare Health plans, this means simpler, more efficient care delivered by a network of more than 1,500 healthcare providers. As a Certified B Corp®, AllCare Health considers its impact on society and the environment during the business decision-making process, and has long recognized the real value in social, economic, and environmental concerns of its stakeholders, including its employees, customers, and community members. AllCare Health recognizes that building a strong and healthy community helps build a strong and healthy company.

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Giving Tuesday 2020, Stronger Together: Hope in Action

Guest User — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:56:54 +0000

Stronger Together: Hope in Action is Maslow Projects Giving Tuesday 2020 webinar. Our webinar was initially presented on December 1st, at 7 pm PST via Zoom. If you missed this inspiring event, the full recording is available below. Not only can you find the entire recording below, but you will also find all of the videos we shared during the presentation linked below in the synopsis. Enjoy!

Stronger Together: Hope in Action is Maslow Projects Giving Tuesday 2020 webinar. Our webinar was initially presented on December 1st, at 7 pm PST via Zoom....

The full presentation features guest speakers: Eric Maxwell, Maslow Projects Board Vice-Chair; Dr. Bret Champion, Superintendent for Medford School District; Mary Ferrell, Maslow Projects Executive Director; Roseanne Wyatt, Maslow Project Ambassador; and Michelle Blum-Atkinson representing The Blum Family Foundation.

After a charming introduction and welcome from Eric Maxwell, the engaging Dr. Bret Champion leads you through the changes COVID brought to the school year, and in his segment "…Can You Imagine?" Dr. Champion guides us through a series of thought-provoking questions on the challenges youth and families experiencing homelessness face during these educational upheavals.

Following our keynote speaker is Mary Ferrell, Maslow Projects Founder and Executive Director. Mary shares a client testimonial on his journey from homelessness, being housed, and losing it all in the Alameda fires in the fall of 2020. This emotional video is narrated in part by the client and Case Manager Kirstin Cronin. The individual video can be viewed here, on YouTube.

Following our client testimonial video, Mary shares all the ways Maslow Project followed safety guidelines and met our clients' needs during this challenging time. Mary reflects on the adaptations and creative problem-solving staff does every day to serve our community.

Meet the staff of Maslow in, ‘Maslow in Action’. This video clip shares a brief introduction to some of Maslow's team and how we serve the community. You can find this video in its entirety here, on YouTube.

Following the Maslow in Action video, Mary brings her presentation home, sharing the future of Maslow Project and the massive job we have ahead, how support from the community makes our work possible. Mary also addresses the struggles our services face in a time of budget cuts and potential funding losses.

Mary introduces Maslow Project Ambassador Roseanne Wyatt, who shares her heartfelt story on what inspires her to give. We hope you find Roseanne's story as inspirational as we did. Roseanne’s testimonial is available here, on YouTube.

Next up is Michelle Blum-Atkinson, representing The Blum Family Foundation. Her testimonial and personal history help shine a light on the differences Maslow Project makes for our community. Maslow Project is grateful for the support of Michelle and the support The Blum Family Foundation provides.

Eric Maxwell, Maslow Project Board Vice-Chair, wraps up the evening with a heartfelt thank you to the community, staff, and presenters.

We hope you enjoy this presentation and will share it with your friends and family. The work Maslow Project does in the community makes our community better for all, and we need each other more than ever. If you find yourself inspires to donate, please visit the Donate section of our website to make a gift, or use the ‘Donate Today’ button below. To maximize your donation, please consider becoming a Monthly Donor!

Thank you for all who attended, sponsored, and made Stronger Together: Hope in Action successful.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to our Platinum sponsors: Roseburg Forest Products and TC Chevrolet for their commitment to the community.

Special Thanks to Gold sponsors: Lippert’s Flooring, Tree Top, Oregon Pacific Financial, Grants Pass Toyota and to our Silver sponsors; Rogue Disposal, Seven Feathers Casino & Resort, Tom Randall State Farm, First Interstate Bank, Koenig Investments & Jackson County New Car Dealers Association.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

See you for Giving Tuesday 2021!

(hopefully in person! 🤞)

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Circus of Screams

Guest User — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 19:00:03 +0000

For many years the Circus of Screams Haunted House has been a supporter of our community. Circus of Screams has provided THOUSANDS of pounds of food to our food pantry. These non-perishable food donations provide an entry discount to those who revel in their spooky symposium, and provide our community in need with a meal they might otherwise not have - Thanks to your generosity.

Every October we are thrilled to be selected once again as a recipient of these food items as they provide the community with options, and particularly now, when our community struggles.

So please, if you haven’t yet, practice safe haunting -wear your spookiest mask, & stay 6 feet apart please! Make your reservation to visit the Circus of Screams & bring your non perishable food item for a discount at the door!

Visit http://www.circusofscreams.net/ to make your reservation today for a hauntingly great Halloween Weekend!

Thank you Julie for your ongoing support and care for our community.

Please help Maslow Project get the word out about the great things we’re doing in Southern Oregon by clicking on the links below and sharing this story with your friends!

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Save the Date…

Guest User — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 17:18:19 +0000

It’s about that time again, and Maslow Project is thrilled to be hosting Giving Tuesday again. 2020 is a little different, and to accommodate everyone’s safety – we’re hosting it virtually! If you haven’t come to our Giving Tuesday event in the past, you may be wondering – what is Giving Tuesday, and why does it matter to me?

For starters, Giving Tuesday is a global initiative of charity. December 1, 2020 is a day of collective giving and celebrating the good we can do together. It falls in a season of joy, mirth and giving – and we hope our celebration inspires these feelings too!

Our community matters. This is why we hope you will join us in our fight against youth and family homelessness. The Rogue Valley has seen incredible loss, and while the community has rallied around to provide basic needs at an incredible speed – we must approach this as a marathon and not a sprint. Housing takes time to rebuild, and Maslow Project intends to be there every step of the way as these family’s journey toward returning to a home.

We hope you’ll join us in this annual celebration of giving!

Re-visit www.MaslowProject.com for further updates as they become available.

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We Can Help

Mary Ferrell — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:52:54 +0000

Maslow Project is available to work with families (and older youth up to age 22) who have lost their housing. This includes folks from recent fires - in both Jackson and Josephine County. We have bilingual staff who can work with Spanish speakers - undocumented folks included.

What do we do? We are a Case Management & Advocacy service - we also have basic needs like food, clothing, toiletries, showers, laundry - like many other places right now - AND we are resource navigators who can walk them through all of the systems they need to work through: emergency / safe shelter, education rights/options for their children, state and federal funding, OHP/medical care, mental health care, employment, transportation, re-obtaining personal documentation, talking to insurance companies, and whatever else they are dealing with.

We are trained to approach people with trauma-informed care and problem-solving.

We know we will not be able to solve all immediate issues. We get many requests for motel funds (or other major costs), and while we would love to be able to provide this, no one in our valley has long-term funding for this need, and there are few vacant rooms or housing anywhere in our area. That being said, we can work with their OHP CCO and other agencies to work together to support particularly vulnerable clients with medical needs who are unsheltered.

How can people connect? They can call our main line 541-608-6868 - that is how we screen and get folks to the right staff person to help them.

Visit SchoolHouse Connection for more information.

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Providing the supplies that students need to succeed going back to school in 2020

Mary Ferrell — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 07:41:09 +0000

Understandably 2020 has been quite the year for our students. School is challenging enough for young people experiencing homelessness and adding a pandemic to the mix… well, let’s just say it is HARD.

We knew this year would be different…what the school year might look like: an ever-changing landscape it seems. We knew now, more than ever parents would have a difficult time supplying the school supplies students need to succeed. We also knew we needed to keep our students and staff safe, and sadly we chose to cancel our annual Back to School BBQ, as well as the Customs for Kids Car Show that provides the funding for our school supplies.

While we were disappointed about the car show, and that we would miss the smiling faces at the BBQ – we knew students would still need school supplies, but how? We made a great ask, and you, the community responded!

Look what you made happen:

Our great sponsor Oregon Pacific Financial Advisors lead the charge with a generous donation followed by:

Rotary Club of Medford

Southern Oregon Fine Meats

Country Financial

Medford Kiwanis

Van Rowe Mechanical

Rogue Fare

Anonymous (Thanks - whoever you are!)

Punky’s Diner & Pies

Honorable mentions go to our wonderful volunteers who made the stuffing of these bags far more fun: Paula Carroll and Claire Harkins.

Despite not knowing what this school year will hold, we know, at the very least ,we have the tools to provide to help these students succeed – thanks to your help.

If this post inspires you to help, please consider making a donation, or join as a monthly donor to maximize your impact!

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Maslow Project Receives a $25,000 Grant From The Ford Family Foundation

Mary Ferrell — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 17:15:00 +0000

Medford, OR (8/10/2020) – Maslow Project is pleased to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from The Ford Family Foundation. These funds will support the creation of a full time Student Success Advocate role in Josephine County for our school-based programs.

Students in the Grants Pass and Three Rivers School Districts are in need of a Student Success Advocate. The role of a Student Success Advocate directly impacts the academic success and emotional wellbeing of students experiencing homelessness. They provide basic needs, advocacy, and act as a liaison between student and school resulting in improved graduation rates. Maslow Project is grateful to The Ford Family Foundation, and additional funders Cow Creek, Meyer and Miller for the funding of this position allowing us to better support the needs of students in Josephine County.

About Maslow Project

Maslow Project is a non-profit organization serving youth and families experiencing homelessness in Jackson and Josephine County. Our mission is to empower youth to thrive independently through supports that stabilize and engage in all aspects of life. Maslow Project connects nearly 3,000 youth and families with basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene), educational supports, case management and more every year. Learn about Maslow Project by visiting MaslowProject.com or call 541-608-6868. Follow us on facebook.com/MaslowProject for updates and more.

About The Ford Family Foundation

The Ford Family Foundation was established in 1957 by Kenneth W. and Hallie E. Ford. Its mission is “successful citizens and vital rural communities” in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. The Foundation is located in Roseburg, Oregon, with a scholarship office in Eugene.

For more information, visit https://www.tfff.org/

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