ACCESS Building Community

ACCESS Builds Community

We provide food, housing, warmth and other essential services to Jackson County’s low income children, families, seniors and people with disabilities.

As the Community Action Agency of Jackson County, OREGON, ACCESS has been helping Jackson County residents break the cycle of poverty since 1976. With a focus on education, ACCESS helps people through economic crisis by guiding them through changes in habits to help them become self-sustaining. ACCESS currently serves local residents through 15 programs designed to address problems from one-time emergencies to longer-term issues.

541-779-691

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Medford Gospel Mission

The Medford Gospel Mission is an arm of the Rogue Valley’s churches, reaching out for more than 50 years to provide meals, shelter, clothing and Christ- centered hope to men, women and children in need in our community.

Located 125 W. Jackson St. Medford, Oregon 97501

541-779-1597

http://medfordgospelmission.org/

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NAMI Southern Oregon

NAMI of Southern Oregon is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org), the leading grassroots organization dedicated to providing education, support and advocacy for people with mental illness and their families. We are an all volunteer organization that offers help and hope for recovery.

Mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.

Mental illness affects everyone. Nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year. Regardless of race, age, religion or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults and one in ten children across the United States.

NAMI-SO has helped hundreds of people in Jackson and Josephine Counties who are struggling with the challenges of mental illness through our Medford Resource Library, presentations, classes, support groups, partnerships and community events. Services are offered at no charge.

http://www.nami-so.org

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Down Syndrome Association of Southern Oregon

The Down Syndrome Association of Southern Oregon is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide the means necessary to empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential. DSASO provides support and resources for persons with Down syndrome and their families. Additionally, DSASO seeks to provide the broader community with information and education to increase awareness and foster positive attitudes regarding people with Down syndrome.

We welcome new and expectant parents, not so new parents, individuals with Down syndrome, friends, family, educators, medical professionals and anyone seeking information about Down syndrome to explore our website! You will find helpful information, activities and resources to enlighten and encourage you on your journey to build positive relationships with, and support for, the unique person in your life who has Down syndrome.

For more information please call 541-776-9805 or visit http://www.dsaso.org

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Roc Food Pantry in Grants Pass

Reaching Our Community

ROC is a rapidly growing food distribution center in Grants Pass, Oregon serving low and no income families as well as working families who, for whatever reason, are trying to make ends meet. We provide delivery service to our homebound seniors and disabled clients, a first in Josephine County, as well as supplemental Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to help families during the holidays.

For more information please call 541-476-3344 or visit http://rochome.org

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Sweet Stuff! Custom Cakes and more!

Custom Cakes and More!

We here at Sweet Stuff work to make each special occasion cake or dessert the best we can. We really believe in making each and every order special and unique, trying hard to really get what the customer wants in it. Be it a birthday cake for someone who loves high fashion, or a child who has an imagination and wants a pirate, princess, pony theme all in one cake, or a wedding cake in a steam punk theme for 20 or 500 people, we work with every person to get them what they want and within the budget they have. We can do wedding, baby or bridal shower, birthday, bachelor /bachelorette cakes, desserts, cupcakes, custom cookies, cake pops, and much more. We can work with any theme and with most budgets. Desserts for that special dinner or event is no problem and we offer a long list of things to choose from. We do offer Gluten Free and Vegan items.

With over 32 years of professional baking experience acquired here locally in the Rogue Valley, we are always doing our best to keep up with current trends and techniques to create personal, one of a kind cakes. We were at the Ultimate Bridal Show this last October and will be at the Southern Oregon Wedding Show this upcoming January at the Medford Armory, with all kinds of information about what we do, in particular, wedding cakes, and will have lots of samples for everyone to try. We are currently booking into the 2016 season already, so if your interested in booking with us for an upcoming event, please get in touch as soon as possible by email, phone, or Facebook message.

We are also here to help out the other bakers in the area by selling baking, cake decorating, and candy making supplies at our booth currently inside the American Mercantile, at 1314 Court St. in Medford. We have everything from individual cake boxes and boards, to cake pans, chocolate candy molds, flavorings, food coloring, edible images, and more. We rent out cake pans, and cake/cupcake stands, and can print out custom edible images. We also sell our homemade buttercream frosting, fillings, and pre-made cake pop balls to order, so all the customer has to do is have fun putting their creation together. We offer custom private, individual, or group classes as well in baking and cake decorating. Call or email for information as each class is customized to the level of experience and techniques wanted to learn. Prices do vary according to class size and structure.

If, however, you just want a decadent salted caramel brownie to munch on or a cupcake to treat yourself with, we operate a booth at the Medford Growers and Crafters Market during the spring/summer and into the beginning of fall, season. You can also find our sweet treats at several other locations, like the Pit Stop Espresso in Ruch and at Fox Run Farms on Jacksonville Highway. But, you can always give us a call, or email us, at least a week in advance, to order a custom creation just for you!

541-772-4439

www.sweetstuffcake.com.

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BABY RHYME TIME

BABY RHYME TIME is at 11:00am on Thursdays!

Baby Rhyme Time a socialization group for new parents with very young children (newborn up to 24 months). The group meets weekly at the Grants Pass branch of Josephine Community Library.

The one-hour group provides opportunities for new parents and their babies to meet other families and to learn through sharing ideas and play. We start out singing nursery rhymes with the babies and toddlers for about 20 minutes. Singing nursery rhymes and reading to infants and toddlers enhances their early literacy skills and supports the growing bond between parent and child. The remainder of the hour is spent playing and socializing.

Baby Rhyme Time was designed to give new mothers a place to get together on a regular basis for socialization and support. One in four new mothers suffer from depression, anxiety or panic disorders before or after their pregnancy. Symptoms may include trouble sleeping, crying, irritability or nervousness, changes in appetite, feeling fearful and lack of interest in the baby, family or friends. Many new mothers are socially isolated in the first few months after their baby is born, which can contribute to postpartum symptoms. Getting together with other mothers is a great way to alleviate social isolation. Dads and grandparents are welcome to come too. The group is free and meets every week.

Please NOTE: Baby Rhyme Time meets prior to the opening of the library to the public. Participants must enter through the back door of the library (on the West side) and follow the signs to the children’s library.

Find us on Facebook at Baby Rhyme Time – Grants Pass.

For more information contact:

Kelly Carter, LPC of SOESD/Early Childhood Services, (541)956-2059 x 4726

Bo Alderton from the Family Support & Connections program, (541) 474-3101 x232.

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THE BUG MAN COMETH

Interviewed and written by Lois Pierce

Natural History is an important part of ANY science program and it’s been brought to the Southern Oregon area for 7 years by a very POPULAR company that caters to ALL ages at ALL locations.

BUGS-R-US Educational Services provides hands-on fun and education to 5 counties in 2 states. Its owner, John Jackson, has done over 3000 programs in the past 7 years to over 160,000 visitors and is still going strong.

John contributes the success of BUGS-R-US to that simple fact that ”People like to be entertained, educated and grossed out every chance they can get.” And that’s what he does with 15 different topics ranging from the most popular “BUGS and BUGS AS FOOD” , “WORMS and COMPOSTING” to “OWLS and OWL PELLETS” and the new “NATURAL HISTORY of the OREGON TRAIL.” “Every program we teach is just a big show-and-tell….the audience gets to touch EVERYTHING and that’s what makes it stick in their minds.”

BUGS-R-US Educational Services has worked for retirement communities, day-care centers, schools, churches, birthday parties, fund-raisers, Parks and Rec., Scouts, Homeschools, Garden Clubs and the list goes on. They have turned ALL of the 15 topics into Birthday themes. Your child’s Birthday Party can feature unique, unusual entertainment that is educational as well!

John updates the 15 topics on a regular basis and tries to keep them FRESH for new audiences. “We built the “NATURAL HISTORY of the OREGON TRAIL” program for 4^th graders but quickly found out that it appeals to older folks just because of the history factor.” And that’s how his audience base continues to grow.

John and his son, Will, usually work 7 days a week and have to buy the new year calendar VERY early. “Some of our clients like to book 9-12 months out so that means I can look at the schedule a year out and know I’ll still have a job”, John jokes.

BUGS-R-US Educational Services website… www.bugsrus.org … has details about all 15 of their programs along with photos and videos.

“It amazes me that I get to educate and have fun with my students and it’s not really work”, John says. “It’s just me having fun with friends.”

BUGS-R-US Educational Services can be reached at (541) 772-3281 or through their website at www.bugsrus.org

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Cyberbullying – what parents should know

Cyberbullying – what parents should know

As parents it’s our job to help our children develop into independent, confident, and self-assured young adults. The pressures and complexities of being a teen, and being the parent of a teen, couldn’t be more challenging. It’s hard enough for kids to find their place in the physical world and try to fit in, but the cyber world has added a whole new layer of concerns.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using digital technology. Cyberbullying most commonly involves the use of cell phones, but may also involve computers, tablets, iPods, gaming consoles and just about any device that connects to the “cyber” world. The actually bullying is facilitated through websites and applications such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Snapchat, and Kik Messenger. Common examples of cyberbullying include mean and threatening text messages, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Digital technology is not to blame for cyberbullying. In fact, digital technology and the power of the Internet have a very positive impact on learning, sharing of ideas, problem solving and staying appropriately connected with friends and family. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people. Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are the same. According to the US Department of Justice, kids who are bullied are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, have poor grades, skip school, have more health problems associated with the stress, avoid attending school, church, and social functions, and have lower self-esteem.

So what should you do as a parent to help reduce the risks of cyberbullying? The most important thing to do is talk with your kids about cyberbullying and other online issues regularly. You should also regularly look for opportunities to model and teach empathy. When we help our kids put themselves in another person’s shoes, they learn to be more sensitive to what that person is experiencing and are less likely to tease or bully them. By explicitly teaching our kids to be more conscious of other people’s feelings, we can create a more accepting and respectful community. Learn more at www.StopBullying.gov

Sergeant Colin Fagan

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Geocaching provides hours of free outdoor adventures for the whole family!

Geocaching provides hours of free outdoor adventures for the whole family!

By Alex and Amanda Smith

Geocaching has been around since 2000 and in recent years has expanded into one of the hottest family activities for all ages. Geocaching is a treasure hunt using GPS technology to find real life treasures hidden in plain sight all around the world and even in your own backyard! A GPS device or smart phone, a good pair of walking shoes, a writing tool, and a sense of adventure are all you need to geocache. It’s easy to begin. Go to Geocaching.com, set up your free basic membership (or for a small yearly fee become a premium member and have access to more geocaching options and possibilities), search your home address and let the adventure begin! Each cache will have a description of what you are looking for and sometimes a hint. You can also read the past logs of other folks who have found that cache. Once you discover the physical cache you will find a log sheet to write your geocaching name on. Then you can log the find online via smart phone or computer and share your experience with other cachers. Often, inside the cache you will find small tradeable items so make sure you have a trinket if you want to swap something! This is a favorite part of the game for young cachers. See Geocaching.com for more details on tradable items.

In beautiful Southern Oregon, there is no shortage of hiking trails, stunning scenery, and outdoor adventure. Geocaching takes people to places they have never been to or perhaps didn’t even realize existed right here is Southern Oregon! From the top of Mt. Ashland to the river banks of the flowing Rogue River and all places in between, there are hidden caches and treasures to be found.

Visit our website at www.sogeo.org or www.facebook.com/Southernoregongeocaching to learn more and see some of the fun things we have going on.

If you have any questions about current or upcoming exploration opportunities, email us at southernoregongeocaching@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you and sharing more about this amazing adventure for the whole family!

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