After 3 months of not making house calls and more than a year without access to a crisis bed for youth, the Crisis Response Team from Looking Glass is once again able to go out in-person and assist a youth in crisis and help get them transported to the Jasper Mountain Safe Center Crisis Bed for a 72-hour crisis stay. The Crisis Response Team consists of a multi-agency collaboration between Looking Glass, Jasper Mountain and the Child Center and has been in operation in Lane County for at least 15 years.
Youth Corps Summer Crew Helps Saves Endangered Plant Species
Since 1990, Looking Glass' Lane-Metro Youth Corps has coordinated work crews year-round, giving paid work experience each summer to Lane County youth and helping to make improvements to a variety of local natural resources and natural habitats. As this year’s crew experiences come to a close, the Army Corps of Engineers is thankful for the impact Looking Glass crew members have had on the indigenous plant life they’ve worked to restore near Fern Ridge and nearby wetland areas.
“Looking Glass has been a huge help to us!” said Adam Kotaich of the Army Corps Engineers. “Covid really short staffed us this year, so having their help has been tremendous.”
Housing Resources - Success Story (VIDEO)
Looking Glass has provided housing assistance for youth since 1970 through various programs including providing rental assistance funds for security deposits, renters insurance and, in some cases, covering monthly rent for up to 2 years. We recently sat down with a current housing client, Jordan, and his case manager Jack and other Looking Glass staff to hear how these programs work and the impact they can have. (VIDEO)
Counseling Program's BIPOC Support Groups
Happening at Looking Glass:
Looking Glass Counseling Program received a grant from MHS 20 Funding through Lane County HHS and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) health equity grant funds that funded Black, Indigenous, and persons of color (BIPOC) support groups, which allowed us to host 10 sessions of hourly long Zoom Telehealth meetings. Both facilitators identify as BIPOC, to help assist in cultivating an inclusive environment. This support group is open not only to Looking Glass clients, but to community members, as well.
Center Point School Graduation
Center Point School held their physically distanced graduation in the parking lot behind the school on Friday, June 18th. We held an individualized ceremony for each of our 4 graduates with their families in attendance. William’s graduation is highlighted here. Center Point School Director, Lynda Whitener made opening statements. “About 25% of students in the U.S. do not graduate from high school because of the commitment and hard work that it takes; you should feel so proud of yourself for accomplishing this, despite all of the challenges you have faced.”
Riverfront School Summer Program
Looking Glass Riverfront School is pleased to announce that we will be offering a Summer Enrichment Program for 4j students. Students in grades 9 – 12 can sign up for one or more courses. There is no eligibility requirement to participate. Credit will be granted in Language Arts, science, social studies, health, applied and fine arts, PE, and electives. First Aid/CPR certification will be available as well as a limited number of paid summer work experience slots.
Center Point School Students Learn Stop Motion Animation
Using an iPad and the app Stop Motion Studio, Looking Glass’ Center Point School students are designing, directing, and producing their very own motion pictures. “I wanted to teach some kind of filmmaking class, so when I saw this stop motion animation iPad application I thought it was great because the students can build it with their hands, they didn’t have to have specific drawing or tech skills,” explained Lin Boyea, Educational and Behavioral Specialist at Center Point School and the creator and teacher of the class.
Peer Support Specialist Spotlight
Looking Glass Counseling Program is excited to have received funding from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for a grant that will enhance our counseling service offerings by integrating a strengths-based, trauma-informed Youth Peer Support Program. This funding allows the Counseling Program to directly support those who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many socio-economic and cultural barriers for people of color to receive social services, including mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment.
Counseling Program Spotlight
The Looking Glass Counseling Program is here to support you! All of our therapists have transitioned to working with clients via telehealth with limited in-person services. The last year has been filled with many uncertainties, which can cause high levels of stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression. If you are looking to inquire about our counseling services, please call our office at (541) 484-4428. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking services, please call (541) 246-2256.
GED Program Accepting Students
Looking Glass’ Riverfront School GED program offers a flexible, individualized and self-paced opportunity for young adults in Lane County to earn their General Educational Diploma (GED). Although school looks different due to COVID-19, the GED Program is excited to offer these classes and one-on-one learning opportunities to any 18-24-year-old in the area who wants to enroll. Students can join the program at any time due to its flexible timeline.
Health Occupations Training Program Seeking Students
The Looking Glass Riverfront School Health Professions Program, funded by the Oregon Youth Development Council as a multiyear grant, offers a unique opportunity for Lane County youth who have interest in learning about basic healthcare systems while earning college credit (for no cost!). Despite the challenges Covid-19 presents, the health classes offered from this program are available to Riverfront students as well as any 18 to 24 year-old in the area who wants to enroll. Courses will begin when Riverfront’s comprehensive distance learning school resumes on September 8th.










