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At The Center
When President Lyndon B. Johnson declared “war on poverty” he had in mind to apply technological leverage to the mechanics of poverty in America. Ringing in President Johnson’s ears were the words of President John F. Kennedy who used technology to put a man on the moon. President Johnson’s design of a social safety net to win the “war on poverty” had striking similarities to the Kennedy administration’s NASA, designed to win the space race. What the Johnson administration missed was this: some unintended consequences of applying mechanical solutions to relational problems. For example:
Impersonal Approach – When people are handled by machines, they become more machine-like, reducing their human dignity. (Think about how you feel when you call your bank, the IRS, or any large entity: “Press one (1) for a mind-numbing wait while we ignore your reason for calling.”)
Inflexibility – Government systems are notoriously inflexible, taking decades to adapt to evolving circumstances. Urgent needs and deep wounds aren’t helped by inflexible systems.
Reduced Accountability – The more American’s social safety net is systematized, the more challenging it is to understand it and hold anyone accountable for system outcomes.
Inattention to Results – Though there are warning signs that a mechanical system is failing, the more complex the system grows the less we pay attention to its outputs and outcomes.
By contrast, relational solutions to poverty bring about dynamic, human, and creative change. That’s why relationships are highly prioritized at The Canby Center. Poverty is a relational problem that requires relational solutions.
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.
Inspire Learning
Before August 15th, drop off a new backpack in a blue barrel at any of these locations:
The Canby Center between the high school and McDonald’s (681 SW 2nd)
Backstop Bar and Grill
B’s Bake Shoppe
Ebners Custom Meats
Jarboe’s Grill
It’s also easy to donate a tax-deductible gift for the purchase of backpacks through our website, selecting “Backpacks and School Supplies” as the designation: www.thecanbycenter.org/donate
Backpack sizes needed:
Medium (middle schoolers)
Large (high schoolers)
Together We Give: Donor Spotlight
Fresh produce donated by Martinez Family Farms ensures that The Canby Center’s weekly food pantry is stocked with colorful and nutritious food.
Known for their friendliness and unbeatable quality, Martinez Family Farms has been a fixture at many local farmers markets in the Willamette Valley.
Families in our Thriving Together program who are committed to reaching personal goals can count on a weekly bounty of beautiful, fresh produce grown right here in Canby, Oregon.
Thank you Marco and the team at Martinez Family Farms!
Images provided by Martinez Family Farm.
In Step With Service
John Burnham and his wife, Lynn, moved to Canby in 1991 from Wilsonville. Both originally from Oklahoma, they completed their college education there, with John earning a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. John spent 15 years in energy services and oil and gas exploration in Oklahoma before moving to Oregon. He furthered his education with a master’s degree from Oregon State University.
John retired after 23 years as the Director of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety at OHSU. In retirement, he played a key role in creating, passing, and implementing a $150 million health and safety capital bond for Portland Public Schools.
Our Board of Directors are men and women from diverse backgrounds are stewards of every dollar, meal, and backpack we receive. Did you know we’ve prioritized accountability through independently auditing since 2020 Together, we’re committed to the highest fiscal and ethical best practices.
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