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Together At The Center
Remember when you were a “new kid” at school? I do! It was high school “hell-week” for all of us on the football team. What’s worse than twice-a-day football practice in 110-degree heat? Doing it without a friend. There I was, a 140-pound fullback and I didn’t know a soul when suddenly another player said to me, “Hi. I’m Clay.”
They say if you need a friend, be a friend. Clay has been a good friend.
Clay was with me when I was on the brink of dropping out of life.
Clay was with me during a mountainside-blizzard when I gave my life to God.
Clay and I recently sailed to Catalina Island with another buddy from high school, Jason.
My daughter just got her driving permit. I wonder what friends she’ll make in high school who will stick with her over the next thirty years. In a recent conversation as she drove us to her school, I offered some advice: Be a friend. I thought about Clay and Jason, the friends who helped me get through the hard times.
Canby needs a friend. Did you know, the need for meals we provide is up more than 25% in the last 12 months? We are looking for a few more Friends of Canby who will link arms with us by giving $100 or more per month.
Locally engraved, this quality YETI travel mug is our expression of camaraderie when you become a Friend of Canby. After the first three monthly gifts of $100 or more, we will recognize your support by sending one to you - our way of saying “Thanks, friend.”
Together, we can be the friends that Canby needs. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of so many in our community — just as Clay and Jason have done for me. Let’s link arms and create something meaningful, one friendship at a time.
Building For Tomorrow
Our latest time-lapse video captures all the work required before the foundation is poured for our new facility! With plans for an elevator, showers, and both walk-in freezer and refrigeration, there’s a lot we have to get just right. When asked to describe the most rewarding aspect of this construction, here’s what Director of Expansion, Mark Smith, said: "For me, the focus is on the other side: the people. We're building with a purpose that's focused on renewing dignity for people who can find a community of support in this place with well-designed spaces."
Together We Learn
A middle school student, we'll call Isaiah, was really struggling. According to a teacher, his behavior in class was disruptive; to some it came across as bullying. Like other 7th graders facing difficult life challenges, Isaiah seemed desperate to be noticed. Isaiah was invited to be a mentee in Quest, The Canby Center’s youth and family mentoring program and began attending Quest's weekly mentoring sessions.
Monthly “Family Night” events (pictured) offered Isaiah, his parent, and mentor regular opportunities to connect and learn side-by-side. After several months, something incredible happened; Isaiah had made friends in Quest. Amazingly, he began to behave well at school so he could actually learn during class time. Once the most disruptive student, Isaiah was making friendships with the classmates he overwhelmed just months before.
Isaiah’s story is a compelling indication of the way lives can change with a community of support like Quest. As we pray for more mentors, consider if being a youth mentor is an opportunity God is calling you to explore. The number 1 limiting factor for Quest is the availability of mentors. We currently have a waitlist of students, handpicked by teachers and administrators, who are eager to participate!
In Step With Service
Our team is growing! This summer we were pleased to hire BJ Quimba into the position of Development Officer for The Canby Center. In this role, BJ will connect with donors to share the story of what God is doing through TCC’s data-informed and relationship-based methods of poverty alleviation. With over 20 years of experience in advancement, marketing, and pastoral care, BJ excels at making meaningful connections. He holds a bachelor's degree in Education and Theology from Multnomah University and he enjoys exploring local trails with his family. Welcome, BJ!
We’re In This Together
With construction on The Canby Center’s expansion underway, now is the perfect time to lend a hand. By purchasing a personalized brick, you will being making a physical, measurable difference paving the way for youth and families striving for a brighter tomorrow. Each brick will be incorporated into the expanded facility, designed to renew dignity and inspire learning. Customize your brick with a special message—whether it's honoring a loved one, leaving a family legacy, or sharing an encouraging scripture.
Proceeds directly support our Capital Campaign, bringing us closer to completing this transformative project!
A Hand Up, Not a Handout
Thanks to your generosity, over 400 students received new backpacks and essential school supplies since our August 28th event. And behind each backpack is a story. A young student, we’ll call Everett, dreamed of starting school with a backpack featuring his favorite superhero. But for a family already struggling to make ends meet, finding a quality backpack like that seemed out of reach. That’s where TCC lends a hand. By providing quality backpacks and school supplies at no cost, we help students like Everett not only feel prepared but also more engaged in learning. When you donate, you’re not just giving a backpack—you’re inspiring confidence, improving class attendance, and fostering social development.
And guess what? Everett found his dream backpack, donated by someone in his community (maybe you!) who truly cares about his future. THANK YOU! Your support makes a lasting difference!
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