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Opening Doors: When Growth Happens
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Not all growth announces itself with fanfare or confetti.
Sometimes it looks like a hand for the first time in a financial class — asking a question that's gone unspoken for years.
Sometimes it sounds like a students reading out loud with new confidence, page by page.
Sometimes it feels like walking through a set of doors and realizing, I belong here.
At The Canby Center, these moments happen all the time. They may seem small at first glance, but together they tell a
much bigger story — one of steady progress, growing confidence, and lives being strengthened over time.
The path from dormancy to growth takes some time; but the results are stunning! In Isaiah 43:19, God says,
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Even in the wilderness. Even in the desert. God specializes in bringing growth where we least expect it.
Would we continue to be reminded that hope is not just a feeling, but a promise. A promise that growth is possible, that new beginnings can emerge from difficult places, and that joy can return no matter the circumstances.
A Hand Up: Not a Hand Out
At The Canby Center, we believe that lasting stability begins with knowledge and confidence. That’s why we partner with Embold Credit Union to offer monthly financial classes designed to equip our members with practical tools for everyday life. In these classes, participants learn about budgeting, managing debt, understanding credit cards, and building healthy financial habits that can support long-term goals.
For many, finances can feel overwhelming or uncertain. But these gatherings create a welcoming space to ask questions, learn new skills, and grow alongside others who are on the same journey. Step by step, our members are gaining the confidence to make informed decisions and take meaningful steps toward a more secure financial future.
Thank you Embold Credit Union!
In Step With Service: Reading Mentors
Each week, dedicated Reading Mentor volunteers show up to spend time with students — sometimes even twice a week — sharing the simple but powerful gift of reading together. These moments are about more than practicing words on a page. They’re about encouraging curiosity, building confidence, and helping students discover the joy that can be found in a good book. Over the course of the school year, it’s incredible to watch these relationships grow as 65 mentors and 96 students get to know each other and celebrate progress together.
This month brought an extra spark of excitement as every student also received a book to take home, helping them begin building libraries of their own. The enthusiasm was contagious — kids eager to flip through pages, show their new books to friends, and start reading right away. It’s a beautiful reminder that when someone invests time and encouragement, it can ignite a lifelong love of learning.
Building For Tomorrow: All Are Welcome
The Lobby is the first space guests and members encounter when they walk through our doors, and it’s been thoughtfully designed to be a place of welcome, connection, and belonging. Here, individuals are greeted not just with information, but with the assurance that they have entered a community that sees and values them. It’s a place where neighbors can meet with friends, sit and talk, and begin finding the support they need.
From this space, guests can get connected to the services and programs that best fit their needs, whether that means speaking with a team member, learning about resources, or using the available computers to search for jobs and complete applications. The Lobby serves as both a starting point and gathering place — an environment where practical tools and meaningful relationships come together to help each person take their next step forward.
We're In This Together: Serving Our Neighbors
As our Lobby and Market spaces continue to welcome more members and guests each week, we’re looking for volunteers who want to help these spaces feel warm and inviting. These roles help create the kind of environment where every person who walks through our doors is greeted with dignity and care. Whether you’re offering a friendly welcome, walking alongside members during their visit, or helping behind the scenes, each role plays a meaningful part.
Front Desk Support: Offer a warm first welcome by greeting guests, directing calls, receiving donations, and helping connect neighbors with the right resources.
Harvest Share Care Team: Build relationships with members by guiding their weekly Market visits and helping keep the space stocked and ready for families.
Warehouse Support: Help feed families by sorting donated food, checking quality, and organizing items so they can be shared with our community.
As spring arrives, it reminds us that hope grows when a community comes together. At The Canby Center, that hope shows up each week for our members — where they can access nutritious food, clothing, and other resources with dignity. Through programs like Thriving Together, families are able to choose items that help keep their households healthy, stable, and confident in all seasons.
You can help by supporting our market and allowing our community to thrive. By starting a monthly gift — or increasing your current one — you provide reliable support that allows us to fill our shelves with fresh, nourishing food for the families we serve. Just like spring brings new life, your generosity helps grow hope in Canby, ensuring that every visit is a reminder that our community cares.
In Step With Staff: We're Hiring
Please join us in prayer as we seek the right people for these three 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!
Hiring: Guest Services Coordinator
This position serves as a primary point of welcome for all who connect with The Canby Center, creating safe, dignified first experiences for guests, volunteers, and donors. The role oversees lobby, reception, and hospitality operations—from front desk engagement to food, clothing, meals, showers, and laundry—while empowering volunteers and helping craft the next best “yes” for families facing challenging situations.
Hiring: Family Programs Coordinator
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.
Hiring: Thriving Together Coordinator
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.
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