.png)
At The Center
Understanding differences is key to a healthy and unified community. The Gini Index or “Gini Coefficient” (GC) is one way income distribution is measured across a population. Higher GC = greater wealth inequality (high-income individuals receiving much larger percentages of the population's total income). The coefficient ranges from 0 to 100 percent; zero percent represents perfect equality - all people earning the same amount - and 100% representing perfect inequality.
The highest-scoring country in the world for income inequality at 62% is South Africa; the lowest-scoring are Baltic countries at about 0.23%. In 2022, America’s score was 49%. That’s the highest it’s been in 50 years and categorically places our country as a place where income is not well distributed.
At The Canby Center we believe in systems that connect us to one another. When youth and families come to us for practical help, we extend respect, dignity, and a space at the table. No special nametags; no privileged parking spaces. No gold star or favors based on economic standing. We envision and create a community where our economic differences don’t restrain our connections.
In America, the gap between the wealthy and poor is significant. The disparity isn't necessarily the problem, unless you're less fortunate. The real trouble is the unwanted consequences of a prosperity gap:
crime is common when the income gap is wide,
a high GC score is associated with more social unrest when above 40%, and
high-score countries tend towards economic and political instability.
America was born out of a revolt against Great Britain’s massive class divides. It’s not surprising that when the poor perceive things to be particularly not fair and not sustainable, unity unravels. While The Canby Center isn’t a perfect picture of united community, we try!
We believe everyone has something to offer. We believe that the wealthy as well as the poor grow in connection when they enter relationship together. The Canby Center is a place where that happens every day we open our doors.
Cooking Up Community: Cougar Style
Canby High School (CHS) students are giving back by cooking a big meal served at The Canby Center (TCC) each week as part of our daily lunch offering to the community. Emily Ross, Culinary Arts Teacher at CHS, leads the program where Culinary 2 students prepare these meals with ingredients we eagerly provide. “Students are excited to cook TCC meals,” Emily says, and they take pride in knowing their skills are helping feed hungry people in our community.
Emily describes how, “TCC days stretch students outside their comfort zone,” because relying on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients requires some flexibility about following recipes - something that students take quite seriously. But by learning to make substitutions and "wing it" a little, "they’ll go home and make something from what they have.” When you're feeding a family on a budget, that's a great skill to have! This partnership is a picture of how shared resources can offer the community more than just a meal. Thank you, Emily and Culinary 2 students, for your service!
Create. Courage. Connect.
This summer 55 kids had an extraordinary experience at the Create Summer Theater Camp, a partnership between TCC and Canby Alliance Church. The camp uses theater as a tool to communicate the God-given value of each individual. Students and volunteer leaders developed theater skills, grew in faith and friendship, and presented their progress to family and friends in a final day performance.
The Canby Center’s Executive Director Ray Keen was recently interviewed by Brad Layland, Chief Executive Officer of The FOCUS Group which provides fundraising counsel to nonprofits. According to Brad, “Ray Keen exudes wisdom and compassion. Advice to his younger self? ‘Get to know the Lord, yourself, and those you serve.’" Listen in on the whole conversation to learn more about Ray’s journey and current work:
Building for Tomorrow
The Canby Center is expanding to meet growing needs in our community. This expansion is happening right here on our current property, next to Canby High School. Last month, crucial in-ground utility work was underway.
As you drop off donations of new backpacks, clothing, or food, your safety is our priority. Please be cautious when entering and exiting our parking lot and say “Thank you!” to the Canby-based excavation crew. Together, we’re raising more than a building; we’re raising families out of poverty.
In Step With Service
This summer we’re pleased to welcome Sheri Philips as our newest addition to our Board of Directors. After a 20-year career in nonprofit leadership including Rescue Mission ministry, drug abuse prevention, and higher education, Sheri transitioned into spiritual direction and has been offering this gift to Christ-followers since 2013.
Building for Tomorrow
Immerse yourself in the excitement of the construction happening on site with this recent time-lapse footage! A heartfelt thank you goes to the construction crew whose dedication to our community shines through in ways big and small.
On a hot August day, hours before The Canby Center's doors opened, a member of the construction crew was spotted handing out cold bottles of water from their own supply to the individuals waiting at our front door. It’s moments like these - when our shared values of dignity and compassion come together - that make this project truly special.
Check out our progress!
Comments