Summer Community Picnic Project

Archived issue: April 2007

Each summer, our families look forward to participating in the summer picnic program. These picnics share an important message with our families: that they are a welcomed part of Benton County communities. It is our hope that that the picnic opportunities will help families feel more engaged in their community and increase understanding of available community resources. The face-to-face contact and informal socialization offer our young parents a safe and trusting way to accept needed supports and the children have a great time visiting area parks, blowing bubbles, and romping around.

For 2007, seven picnics are planned. Volunteers from civic and community groups serve food at the picnics and interact with families. These groups also pick up the cost of a portion of the food for a single event. Our program staff coordinate and attend each picnic and share educational and fun activities with families during the picnic. The picnics offer families a chance to practice newly learned parenting skills, provide avenues for healthy bonding, and help families network with community members and other young families. Last year, each picnic had an attendance of over 50 children and adults.

Dedicated efforts from our many volunteers and financial and in-kind support from local businesses, civic and social service groups and individuals all help ensure the continued success of our programs, including the summer picnic project. The Parent Enhancement Program appreciatively acknowledges the support of these sustaining efforts through community displays, our agency newsletter and on our website.

Picnic Dates (tentative)	Volunteering Community Group
June 20	Kiwanis Club of Corvallis Sunrisers
July 11	Philomath Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Strengthening Rural Families
July 25	Zonta Club of Corvallis
August 1	OSU Student-Parent Association
August 11	OSU Football Team
August 22	Altrusa International
September 5	Parent Enhancement Program- Board of Directors)

Star Business for 2007 Child Abuse Prevention Campaign
Adkins and Associates
All About Kids
American Dream Pizza
Anonymous business donor
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
Brad Johnson Signs
The Chippery
Consumers Power Inc
Comcast
Deb Carriere, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ed’s Couch Country and Furniture
Evanite Fiber Corporation
Farmers Insurance, Hank Beuttel, Agent
First Alternative Co-op
Gaffney Construction
Gathering Together Farm
Henderson’s Office Systems
Hewlett Packard
Keller-Williams Realty, Sue Long
Mid-Valley Gravel Co.
Northwest Hairlines
Office Furniture Concepts
Oregon State University-Department of Human Development and Family Sciences
Pampered Chef, Amy McCormick, Distributor
Pepsi-Cola of Corvallis
Safeway – Philomath Blvd.
Samaritan Health Services
The Swanson Agency, Inc
Timberhill Place
Town and Country Realty
Umpqua Bank
Valley Catering
Wells Fargo Bank

Our campaign is still in progress. Other businesses that partner with the Parent Enhancement Program as part of this campaign will be added to this list. Thank you businesses!