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Opening Doors: Dreams We Share
- The Canby Center
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
January invites us to reflect and dream—on where we’ve been, and of the future we imagine together. And this month, as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of the power of speaking our dreams out loud.
In his pivotal “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King named a reality many still experience today: “the lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity.” He also reminded us that change is more possible when we speak honestly about what is not yet right—and when we commit, together, to move toward something better.
In his sermons, King frequently preached that “Jesus reduced all of life to a double command…” and then he quoted Jesus:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30–31
At The Canby Center, our work is rooted in God’s love for our neighbors. We believe that when dreams for a better future are pursued together—in a safe, dignified, relationally-centered place—they become something we can step into together.
The Canby Center's service in our community is ensuring that relational poverty and material need are not islands.
Students are surrounded by consistent mentors who walk alongside them, encouraging their growth and helping them imagine what’s possible.
Families receive clothing that restores dignity and confidence.
Adults take meaningful steps in personal responsibility—learning, leading, and building stability for their households as they reach toward the future they envision.
And at the foundation of it all is nourishment.
We hold a clear dream for our Thriving Together members: that every individual and family has a reliable nutritional foundation from which to reach for their dreams.
That’s why our no-cost Market is consistently stocked with essential pantry staples like beans and rice—simple, sustaining ingredients that make daily life possible.
$2,500: the cost per month to keep our shelves for beans and rice fully stocked.
Ten: the number of supporters, like you, giving $250 a month to can cover this cost.
Over 350 families visiting us weekly, blessed by consistent nourishment.
Why Monthly Support Matters
Each week, more than 350 families partner with The Canby Center for food assistance and encouragement. Behind every reusable bag and shopping cart is a story of resilience and a desire for connection. And every single week, the cost of those essential staples lands directly on our budget. Join us to achieve this dream of constant abundance!
Set up your recurring gift today: https://www.thecanbycenter.org/donate
If you are already supporting our work with a monthly gift, thank you so much! Your faithfulness ensures we can reliably purchase these essential items at cost, keeping our Market stocked with what families depend on. Your gift doesn’t just fill a pantry—it opens doors to dignity, stability, and possibility.
If you find yourself blessed with abundance, would you consider increasing your monthly contribution? To increase your recurring gift today contact our team: info@thecanbycenter.org
Will You Join Us as a Monthly Partner?
When you become a monthly supporter, you join a circle of people committed to strengthening the wellbeing of youth and families right here in Canby. You provide a hand up in moments when it matters most. And you become part of the shared story we tell every time a family walks into the Market: You are not alone. We’re in this together.
A Hand Up: Not a Hand Out
Recently, the joy was unmistakable as families received brand new bicycles, thanks to the generosity of Canby’s Kahut Waste Services. These weren’t just bikes—they were symbols of momentum.
Thank you Kahut Waste Services of Canby!
A new set of wheels means more than transportation. It represents independence, opportunity, and forward motion. In the same way, The Canby Center’s consistent, wrap-around services are designed to help families gain traction—meeting immediate needs while also building pathways toward stability and confidence.
When a family gains momentum, dreams feel closer!
We're In This Together: Volunteers Needed
A family’s weekly shop time at The Canby Center Market is about so much more than groceries. It’s a place to feel seen, known, and encouraged. That experience is made possible by our dedicated Harvest Share Care Team volunteers.
Care Team members are assigned to a cohort of 10 member shoppers and serve onsite—greeting people by name, learning about their needs, offering prayer when appropriate, and being the last smiling face on the way out the door.
Our Care Team is growing, and there is space for you! We are currently seeking to fill 20 volunteer time slots, 30 minutes each. You’ll receive training, ongoing support from our staff, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with community members.
Contact Christina to learn more: christina@thecanbycenter.org or 503-263-1130.
Joining the Team: We're Hiring
As we dream, we’re growing—and hiring! If you share our vision for dignity-centered, relational solutions, you're invited to explore these two open positions.
Please join us in prayer as we seek the right people for these two roles. And consider sharing these opportunities with your personal and professional networks as we seek the leaders God is preparing for this work. Thank you!
Family Programs Coordinator
This position plans and oversees programs that strengthen families, including Quest Youth & Family Mentoring, Family Strengthening Classes, and seasonal family events. The role works closely with the school district, churches, and partner agencies to deepen impact.
Thriving Together Coordinator
This role oversees all aspects of the Thriving Together program, serving 300+ members. Responsibilities include intake and orientation, member care, financial classes, participant compliance, and ensuring a dignified shopping experience—while upholding TCC’s mission, vision, and values.
Learn more and view full job descriptions at www.thecanbycenter.org/employment.
In Step With Staff
We are delighted to welcome Chelsea Caldwell to The Canby Center team as our Director of Communications. Her experience, team fit, and personal faith stood out from among 80 applicants!
Originally from North Carolina, Chelsea earned her BFA in Marketing and Design from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. With over a decade of marketing experience, she has helped organizations establish strong branding and grow to the next level through strategic and creative solutions.
We’re grateful to have her voice, creativity, and leadership helping tell the story of how doors are opening every day at The Canby Center.
Building For Tomorrow: Learning
From the very beginning of our facility expansion, we held a clear dream: to create classroom spaces that would inspire growth, connection, and possibility. Since taking occupancy in October 2025, our dividable classroom—able to seat up to 80 people—has been doing exactly what it was designed to do: inspire learning and serve the evolving needs of our community.
Tutoring: eighteen students currently receive one-on-one after-school tutoring, supported by accessible storage, a large whiteboard, and comfortable, ergonomic seating that helps students focus and thrive.
Leadership: our Board of Directors gather in this space for energizing training sessions and strategic planning meetings—dreaming boldly and stewarding the future of The Canby Center.
Faith: a prayer ministry and local faith community meet here weekly.
Dignity: classrooms have also flexed to meet an immediate need for clothing distribution space (as remodeling continues in our site’s original building). In a single week, 221 families selected essential clothing items like coats and pants.
This is what it looks like when dreams are built with intention—spaces that adapt, serve, and open doors to learning, dignity, and a stronger tomorrow for our community.
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