Hello All --

Wow. This will be the last Ambassador e-newsletter of 2020. Kinda hard to believe!

This is a photo of (most of) our staff team. This is what "normal" has looked like this year-- connecting via screens, or, if we do get to be in person, with masks and at a safe distance. Our team has been flexible, focused, and incredibly dedicated. We're really proud of them and of each youth and family, who has navigated the pandemic and experiences of homelessness. So far all our staff and youth have stayed healthy. We are truly grateful for this.

I've felt odd wishing joy and cheer at the end of such a challenging year, but, really, we need to hold to those emotions now more than ever. I'm thankful for the passion you each share and hope you stay safe, and feeling connected in our "new normal" ways this month. Our community is strong and kind -- thank you for being a part of it! With Gratitude, from many --Hannah

P.S. Here are links to past e-news from October and November.

Meeting ID: 863 1044 4602

Passcode: Ambassador

This summer, the newest Next Step site was announced in partnership with First Christian Church in Corvallis. Here is the original newspaper article about this program growth. Our first residents have now moved in and we're officially piloting our Tiered Housing plan! If you know anyone in need of housing, here's more information about our process and program:

Tiered Housing Model Basics: There are three possible "tiers" that youth can enter, depending on skills and need. This model will allow youth to gradually become more and more independent, with self-sufficiency being the ultimate goal.

Participation: All residents of this collaborative housing model will agree to

Screening/Application: This is not an emergency shelter program. Youth between the ages of 18-22 who are currently homeless or at risk of being homeless can find our Next Steps Housing application on our website to begin the process, which includes interviews, team reviews, and signing paperwork.

Thanksgiving & Christmas Day Meals are served at both shelters, as well as to-go meals. This year meals are being sponsored by Town & Country Realty, Ollerenshaw Wealth Management, Healing Motion Physical Therapy, and the Oregon National Guard. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Youth Holiday Wishlists will be collected starting after Thanksgiving. We allow each youth who is active in our programs to choose up to 3 items (valued at up to $50 each) and community members adopt, purchase, wrap, and deliver (us to) at least one of the items.

Community Fundraisers collect items for our programs. Much of what we use all year comes in during this season! If you are a part of a religious, social, or work group interested in collecting needed items, here are some much needed items!

Annual Financial Contribution means youth will continue to find safety, stability, well-being and positive connections. If you haven't already received Sav's letter in the mail, please let Hannah know! We're so proud of him and the many youth in our community who are working hard and finding help at Jackson Street to end their experiences of homelessness.

There's a special community fundraiser happening now at Broadley Vineyards! Purchase a $20 raffle for a yummy bottle; all proceeds come to us! Could be a win-win for all of us :) Ends Dec 14th.

A portion of **all sales, all the time** comes to Jackson Street Youth Services! Support this new business :)

Thanks to Jenny and Kela for spearheading this fundraiser, and to the many of you who pre-ordered a t-shirt and bought an extra (or few) so that staff could also have one!

We still have shirts available for sale -- $25 per shirt and proceeds benefit our programs. Contact Elijah for available sizes, payment, and delivery plans.

Last Tuesday was a National Day of Giving that broke records for us at Jackson Street. Thank you to those of you who helped begin our giving season so brightly!

HONOR ROLL OF AMBASSADORS

[listed in alphabetical order by last name]

Becky Asebedo

Eric Aguinaga, Board Member

Jennifer Beaumont

Hannah Blicher

Tasha Brandon

Marlene Brown

Glen Burnett

Ellen Carlson

Kate Conolly, Board Member

Brandy Cordeiro

Robbie Cox

Allyson Dean

Sarah Devine

Linda Douglas

Larry Eby

Lynn Egli, Board Member

Roberta Egli

Peter Epp

Sandee Ferguson

Jan Filley

Catherine Fisher, Board Member

Kate Fountain

Ken Galardi

Shanna Grimes

Gabe Gurule

Mica Habarad

Greg Hamann

Rita Hamann, Board Member

Heather Hayes

Faith Heidtman

Alan Helfen +

Andrea Holmquist

Amy Johnson

Laura Kadelbach

Parnell Kelley

Graham Kislingbury

Darlene Kolb

Kevin Kryger

Dave Kullowatz

Gary Lasater, Board Member

Connie Lenderman

Ed Lenderman

Dina Lindquist

Kela Lynn, Board Member

Torri Lynn

Royce Markley

Joy Massey

Melissa McNulty +

Dena Minato

Alicia Moselle

Karen Nibler

Jacob Oliver

Laura Palma

Sami Pulver

Don Rea, late honorary member

Joel Rea

Cliff Roberson

Larry Roper

Bobby Samai

Jenny Scheele

Matt Shumski

Elizabeth Sonstegaard

Amy Spangler, Board Member

Tina Springer

Sarah Steen

Ed Sweet

Felicia Sweet

Carrie Thompson

Christine Webb

Bill Whitley

Jo Zimmer

[listed in alphabetical order by last name]

Jonathan Champney +

Stacey Doerner

Rebecca Simmons

Alden Sosnovske +