Looking Glass CEO, Chad Westphal, cuts the ceremonial ribbon in front of Looking Glass’ new Rural Program building during a grand opening celebration on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
After several years of start and stop fundraising, Looking Glass staff members and supporters gathered to celebrate the recent opening of a newly renovated building in Cottage Grove. The previous program facility was located just down the street from the new location but was roughly 4 times smaller. The larger space will allow for broader services and offerings to youth aged 11-21 in rural Lane County including laundry, showers, a large beautiful kitchen and space for on-site therapy.
The gathering took place on Thursday, January 16th with donors and community stakeholders and included a ceremonial ribbon cutting with the help of the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce.
“Looking Glass Community Services has proudly supported youth and families in Cottage Grove and surrounding rural areas for over 20 years,” said Looking Glass CEO Chad Westphal. “Our drop-in center, outreach work, and access to treatment are just a few of the services we offer that assist youth in achieving a positive life trajectory. Our newly renovated facility would not be possible without the support of community partners, City leaders, County leaders, State leaders, private individual donors, and private foundations. We thank all of you and we are honored to be given the opportunity to expand our capacity to serve individuals in rural Lane County.”
Looking Glass is incredibly thankful to the large group of donors who supported this capital campaign, which took place from 2019 to 2024 and was interrupted by Covid and delayed by skyrocketing construction costs. Dorman Construction completed the project with architectural work done by Arbor South. Twin Rivers Plumbing provided the plumbing. All vendors donated at least a portion of services.
Donors who contributed to this project were thanked on a large plaque presented at the grand opening celebration.
Outreach workers at the Rural Program interact with youth daily in the Cottage Grove area and work in collaboration with area high schools. Current drop-in hours at the new site are Monday through Friday from 2:30pm to 5:30pm but those hours will increase as word spreads of the new building being open and therapy services at the program increase. More information as well as photos and a facility walk-through video can be found here.
Looking Glass Rural Program staff members jump for joy during the grand opening celebration gathering for the new building.