Due to the tremendous support of the community, The Catherine Creek Community Center, operated by the Friends of the Historic Union Community Hall was purchased in February 2021.
During the last ten months of property operation, multiple building improvements have occurred. Property improvements include: a new Parsonage House heating unit, an ADA bathroom (funded by the Grande Ronde Hospital Community Benefit), new curtains, metal roofing repair, side railing, painting, cleaning and more.
In addition, the Board has supported the development of programs including: A Community Resource Center open Tuesdays and Fridays, a Food Pantry on the third Friday of the month, a Senior/Community Meals program occurring on the second Friday of the month, a Youth Club occurring Thursday Evenings and a Memorial wall.
New partnerships have led to Kids in the Kitchen by the OSU Ag Extension Office and Health Adventures by South County Health District. Community and Civic groups meet in the building and the Carpenter’s House hosts a Sunday Service.
The Catherine Creek Community Center has staff ten hours a week supporting the Community Resource Center (funded by the Oregon Community Foundation). Partners are addressing some large renovation projects including: roof water drainage (Wildhorse Foundation and The Kinsman Foundation), Electrical Repair (Oregon Cultural Trust) and multiple building renovations (supported by the Ford Family Foundation).
2022 will be an equally busy year as the Board of Directors works to assure that the building renovations are addressed. Spring will see Palmer Roofing improving an internal gutter system. Bids are being accepted until December 15th 2021, to update knob and tube wiring in the Chapel and address additional electrical issues on the property. A large grant from the Ford Family Foundation will be used to secure the stained-glass windows, update doors, improve the kitchen, remove a large tree, secure bricks and more.
A Community Engagement process is currently underway with the support of Ducote Consulting funded by a Ford Family Foundation Technical Assistance Grant. This process will help our Board assess community needs and develop community led programming. The same process will be used solicit regional service partners to bring resources to Union.
New programming for 2022, scheduled to-date, will include participating in The Big Read in collaboration with The Union Carnegie Library, Arts East and Fishtrap.
While several large hurdles have been achieved, there is more work to be done to assure that Union has an active and responsive Community Center. There are a number of ways that you can support our work.
Donate your time (teach a class, volunteer)
Donate
Participate in our newsletter by emailing: cccenter667@gmail.com
Purchase items from our store or use our Amazon Smile link
Look for our membership program beginning in 2022
Come to our events!
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