Grants Pass Now

Karen Caskey, Welcome Home Oregon

There aren’t very many children who dream of becoming convicted felons, of getting off a bus one day with a clear plastic bag that contains everything they possess, newly released from prison with nowhere to go to, and a record that may prevent them from almost all forms of gainful employment. Despite the lofty dreams most people have as children, this stark scenario becomes the reality of approximately 150 adults per year in Josephine County alone. Quite often addiction, domestic violence, or other non-ideal situations have complicated the issue, making future success even more difficult.

So how wise is it to release these people with felony backgrounds into our county with no resources?

Michelle Bolas did not think it was a very good idea at all. She was an original member of the faith based program called Welcome Home, in San Diego. It was one of the first programs in the United States to work with prisoners before they were released, allowing for a smoother transition back into society by finding out what the concerns, needs, and available options would be. Michelle learned the ins and outs of the grant writing and researching available resources, and in 2004 she decided to team up with Karen Caskey here in Grants Pass and being a similar program for inmates being released into Josephine County.

This was the beginning point of Welcome Home Oregon. Karen had the fiscal knowledge needed for the program, and Michelle had the experience. Modeled after the San Diego pilot, this program exists to provide re-entry support to people who are transitioning back into the community after serving a prison term. The majority of those who are newly released have little or no family support, no clothes, no food, and nowhere to live, yet they are expected to not only survive by legal means, but succeed. Those who run the program not only understand the needs of newly released prisoners, they have been there themselves. Karen remembers being released from prison in 2001, and she also remembers her strong desire to change and do something different with her life. Unlike many, she had a college education and some family support, but she knew she was among the lucky few, and strongly felt the need to do something for those coming out of the system and into Josephine County without any resources. Not only would it help those in need, it would reduce the risk of further crimes being committed in the county, so she went full steam ahead with her goal.

Welcome Home Oregon (WHO) is now a full fledged 501 C3 organization that Community Corrections contracts with for services. WHO regularly sends out questionnaires to prisoners who are nearing their release date, meant to assess how successful the release will be. Participation is completely voluntary. About two-thirds return the form, which asks questions such as who will be picking up the inmate at the gate, if they plan to look for work, whether they have clean, safe housing, and if they have physical, emotional, or mental health concerns. Once the incarcerated person returns the form, Karen, Michelle, and their group of volunteers kick into action. Sometimes the inmate only requests a phone call or a message to be sent to a loved one, but quite often they are in need of much more. For example, they might not have so much as a pair of pants that fit, let alone a place to stay. WHO now has one transitional home for women and two for men, along with being in touch with others who are willing to rent to those needing a second chance. United Way helps provide emergency food and shelter, while Goodwill of Southern Oregon provides clothing vouchers for one set of clothes, and sometimes a second set for those needing clothes more suitable for job interviews. The Gordon Ellwood Foundation helps provide ID, as it is impossible to become lawfully employed in this country with proper identification.

As wonderful as it is to have most of the basic needs met, there is one problem that continually arises, and that is the issue of transportation. Bicycles are sorely needed, but it is rare for them to be donated to Welcome Home Oregon. With soaring gas prices, the average person newly released from prison is going to have a better chance of keeping a job with affordable transportation, and bicycles can very often provide that for them.

Michelle and Karen remain hopeful about the future of WHO and the clients they continue to serve. Occasionally they run across people who feel that helping convicted felons is a waste of time, but Michelle and Karen patiently remind them that by helping ex-convicts help themselves, they are also helping the community by deterring future criminal acts and reducing the rate of recidivism among those released from prison and into Josephine County. These rates are drastically reduced when a person knows a community is supporting them, when they have access to group meetings, job skill programs, and other resources that teach them how to be self sufficient. Karen points to herself as living proof that many prior offenders can change drastically for the better when they are taught coping skills and know that they have someone who cares about their success. Welcome Home Oregon was started by ex cons and addicts, so they know what the needs are and the group itself is proof that WHO practices what it preaches. They are intent on helping people stay out of the criminal justice system, and believe that everyone in Josephine County wins when this goal is reached.

Welcome Home Oregon continues to prove that when a community puts a little bit of faith in innate worth of human beings from all types of backgrounds, great things can happen. Their slogan is “Restoring Hope to Individuals - Creating Healthy Communities” and thanks to the kindness and generosity of many people in Josephine County, WHO continues to live up to their slogan.

Dennis Webber, Senior Pastor of Parkway Christian Center

“We strive to be involved in our community as a partner with those people who are striving to improve the community and the lives of the people in it. ” — Dennis Webber, Senior Pastor of Parkway Christian Center.

Dennis Webber has been the senior pastor of Parkway Christian Center for the last fourteen years, with a prior six year involvement as youth pastor from 1980 through 1986. His statement, quoted above, exemplifies Parkway’s mission to see as many people as possible find a life changing experience through Christ. The church is going about this mission in a variety of ways.

One of the most popular programs hosted is called “Celebrate Recovery.” This support group is designed to bring together those who are struggling with different types of problems. The invitation to join is open to those who wish to find freedom from harmful habits to painful situations and everything in between. By providing a safe and supportive atmosphere, this program seeks to help people realize there is hope. Transformations are rarely instantaneous, but with the proper tools they can be achieved at a higher success rate than for those who go it alone.

Pastor Webber’s enthusiasm for the ministry is shared by Jeanette Webber, who is the Music Director of Parkway, and also Dennis’ wife. When she isn’t leading the sanctuary choir and worship team, Jeanette stays busy organizing special presentations and coordinating the bell choir. They are currently working on “Reclaiming the Arts” - a concept that includes worship and the encouragement of others through art - a medium that many churches in recent times have all but abandoned.

Both are thrilled to be a part of this thriving ministry and take joy in seeing broken lives healed. Parkway Christian Center is a church which is not only interested in what can be done within their building, but what can be accomplished to help people in the community throughout their whole lives. They fully understand the complexity of people, and that by having a person who is healthier physically and spiritually, they help build a strong community. Therefore, Parkway commits to a number of activities in Grants Pass. They provide Reading Buddies and Special Friends for local elementary schools, and are a founding sponsor of the Rotary Duck race, which raises funds for children and family initiatives. For children in the Josephine County foster care system, there is Royal Family Kids Camp. It runs for one week in the summer, and enrollment is open to any foster child whose case worker and care provider has approved attendance for.

Grief Share is yet another program that is well received. This support group offers workshops and classes, from a biblical perspective, for those who have lost a friend or family member (whether recently or in the past) and would like help in learning how to cope. They also offer a Divorce Care program, which provides seminars and a support group for those who are experiencing a divorce or separation. The concept behind these intense groups is healing through mutual support which is based on biblical ideals for how to handle difficult situations. Sometimes it’s as simple as knowing it’s okay to grasp at a lifeline, or as difficult as learning when it’s time to let go. Pastor Dennis’ “life message” is a teaching found in 1 Timothy 4:16, and teaches individuals to watch what they say, do, and tell others, because if a person is right with Christ, they will not only be able to keep themselves safe from falling spiritually, but they’ll be able to help save others as well.

Giving financial support for other charitable networks such as the Gospel Rescue Mission, Grants Pass Pregnancy Care Center, Faith House, and the ROCK, to name a few, is yet another way Dennis Webber and his church are reaching out to others. Amazingly enough, it doesn’t end with Grants Pass. They support a number of missionaries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. For those who are looking for a church home, Parkway Christian Center has a potpourri of choices. Sunday morning services are held at both 9 and 11 in the morning. There is a nursery, and there are special classes for kids, teens, and young adults. There are women’s meetings on Wednesday’s, a men’s breakfast on Thursdays, and much, much more. There’s something for everyone, and everyone who wants to join in the team will have something to do. For newcomers and those interested in the church, there is a free lunch held with staff members in order to people to the facility and answer any questions.

Parkway Christian Center is located at 229 NE Beacon Drive. For more information call 541-479-2639, or visit them on the internet by clicking this link: http://www.parkwaycc.com/

Reverend Doctor James Boston and wife Pam St. Luke Episcopalian Church

An archbishop of Canterbury in the middle the twentieth century said, “The church is the only organization that exists primarily for the sake of those who are not part of it.” Many find this to be true, including St. Luke’s Episcopalian Church’s Reverend Doctor James Boston. He and his wife Pam have been contributing to our community for over twenty years and have participated in and organized a variety of programs to help citizens of Grants Pass.

Father Jim Boston has been Reverend of St. Luke’s Episcopalian Church for more than twenty years. Father Jim and Pam have been wonderful influences in the community for this time. They are involved in a number of programs, starting with the Christian Service Network. The CSN is an organization funded and run by the churches of our area to provide support to those in need. Weather it be a small amount of money to pay the electricity bill or a ride to Medford for a medical appointment, the Christian Service Network is standing by to provide care where it is needed most. Father Jim was appointed the first president of the CSN and it is not the only organization he has positively impacted. He is currently the Chairperson for the Substance Abuse Community Action Team. This is a group of both government and private agencies working together to reduce the impact that substance abuse can have on children and families. Also, contributions are put forth along with six to eight other local churches to gather a choir festival every year to sing about praise and love. St. Luke’s opens their doors every week to many twelve-step programs and other prevention programs designed to help struggling or at risk people in our community.  Together, Father Jim and Pam contribute their time and efforts to many other organizations, including the Food Bank, the Gospel Rescue Mission, Faith House, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul, just to name a few.

One avenue this duo is most interested in is global mission travel. The couple recently arrived back in the country from their mission to East Africa where they spread the gospel and visited churches all over. Father Jim and Pam were able to dedicate many hours of their time to clean and reestablish large libraries and gather resources for those in need. In the national paper called FACETS, which is the Newsletter of the Global Episcopal Mission Network, Father Jim Father Jim gives an inspiring article about his life as a child born into a Navy family and moving from place to place. This first sparked his love of travel and that emotion has led him to many wonderful experiences. He invites all people to include Christian sharing and learning in their travel plans. A small amount of research can yield large results in searching for foreign Anglican  worship, and Father Jim and Pam encourage this act as they have had amazing results and gratification from participating.

With so many organizations demanding Father Jim and Pam’s time, they still have room for more! Father Jim spends many hours each week visiting community members in the hospital when they are ill or having surgery and still has time to read all new publications to deliver inspiring sermons each week.

Father Jim is also the current Treasurer of the National Network of Episcopal Clergy Associations, which was formed in 1970 by a group of clergy who wanted to better their relationships and guidance to their ministries and also support other people with the same desires to achieve education, self-care, advocacy, and spiritual growth.  This is exactly what Father Jim and his lovely wife Pam are promoting today and will continue to inspire members of our community and people all around the world to do good for themselves and others.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is one of the oldest church buildings in Grants Pass and is a wonderful site full of local history. The cornerstone was laid in 1894 and in 1895 the first service was held even though the building was not completed until 1896. St. Luke’s has been remodeled many times to accommodate more members and achieved parish status in 1944.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is located at 224 northwest “D” street. The service schedule is as follows: Sundays, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays, 12:15 p.m. If you would like to become involved or want more information, please visit stlukesgrantspass.org.