March Change for Good: Parker House Project
Homelessness remains a serious issue in Southern Oregon, and women—especially single women and mothers with children—face unique challenges when seeking shelter and stability. That’s where Parker House Project comes in.
As Ashland’s only transitional housing program specifically for women and their children, Parker House provides more than just a roof over their heads. It offers a path forward, providing support services, life skills education, and community connections to help families heal and rebuild.
This March, Ashland Food Co-op is proud to support Parker House Project as our Change for Good partner. That means when you round up your purchases at the register, you’re helping fund essential resources for women and children in need.
A Safe Haven and a Fresh Start
The journey out of homelessness isn’t just about housing—it’s about support, dignity, and opportunity. Parker House Project fosters a sense of community while helping residents develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive. Through programs focused on healing, education, and responsibility, women can rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.
More Than a Shelter—A Community
Parker House Project believes in creating moments of joy. For many of the children staying there, it’s the first time they’ve had a birthday celebration, a visit from Santa, or a family-style dinner. Simple things—like a shared meal, an art class, or a small holiday gift—can make a huge impact.
Transportation Challenges and Solutions
One of the biggest barriers for Parker House residents is reliable transportation. The nearest bus stop is half a mile away on a busy road with limited sidewalks. But thanks to the determination of Parker House staff and participants, they’re working with local transit agencies to bring a bus stop closer—making it easier for residents to get to work, school, and appointments safely.
A Thriving Community Garden
Spring is just around the corner, and Parker House residents and volunteers are ready to get their hands in the dirt! Their community garden provides fresh, healthy food and offers a therapeutic space for residents. Not only do they grow food for their own meals, but they also share their harvest with others in need.
How You Can Help
By rounding up at the register throughout March, you’re directly supporting Parker House's vital work. Every penny goes toward providing safe housing, resources, and hope for women and children in crisis.
Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for helping us Change for Good!
More Co-op News
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October is typically Co-op month, to highlight how differently cooperatives do business. But instead of talking about the 7 Cooperative Principles, or the ownership benefits of being part of the Co-op, we only need to look at the past four weeks to see what being a cooperative really means.
As part of the co-op family, you've helped the entire community immensely.
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Click here to watch the lecture at your convenience.
Password: p!=Fw6R7
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The Ashland Food Co-op is dedicated to helping our community and our staff rebuild after the Almeda Fires in early September.
For immediate support, the Co-op gave $1,000 to staff who lost their homes in the fires, as well as $250 for food and other household needs for anyone displaced due to a level 3 evacuation order.
Change for Good in September: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
For the month of September, Ashland Food Co-op shoppers can round up at the register to support Southern Oregon Land Conservancy. Since 1973, SOLC has been working on multiple fronts to improve land quality and conservation for humans and nature alike. Check out some of the projects below that SOLC has been working on recently. And mark your calendar for Saturday, October 24, as SOLC hosts an Open Lands Day hike and tour on the Rogue River Preserve.
Free Monday Night Lecture - Some Cool Science about Breathing
Join Kelly Martin as she explains how your breath impacts everything from ankle sprains to headaches. Learn why belly breathing isn't good for you, how to breathe correctly, and how to maximize lung health, improve posture, enhance walking efficiency, reduce anxiety, and improve sports performance.
Access the Zoom recording here.
Zoom access password: 2zu@KQWU
Chatting about community giving with JPR's "Jefferson Exchange"
Recently, Julie O'Dwyer, Ashland Food Co-op board vice-president, joined a panel of guests on Jefferson Public Radio's "Jefferson Exchange" to discuss how the pandemic has led to an even greater need for community giving and support of local non-profits.
Change for Good in August: KS Wild
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Get to know Ashland Emergency Food Bank
The sixth cooperative principle, "Concern for Community," has become even more important since the pandemic began and economies, locally and globally, started to constrict. To address this, the Board of Directors agreed in April to release 100% of patronage dividends and designate Ashland Emergency Food Bank as a donation option for those dividends - resulting in over $20,000 in donations. And with the early launch of Change for Good register round-up, AEFB was a natural choice to receive round-up donations.
July / August GM Update: Walking the Walk
I wrote at the beginning of the year that the Co-op model of business was a blueprint for the future. The concept of “planet, principles and people before profit” is a guide for how cooperatives can run a successful business that puts more back into the community and local economy than national chains, while using less resources and creating less waste.
2020 Co-op Election Results
2020 Co-op Election Results
Ashland Food Co-op owners voted for three open seats on the Board of Directors, and for ten non-profit organizations for the Change for Good register round-up program.
Click a name below to read more about that Co-op Board member.
A statement from the Board of Directors on racial justice
Dear Ashland Food Cooperative Family and Community,
Co-op Owners Step-Up to Support the Ashland Emergency Food Bank!
AFC and AEFB Press Release - Local Strength!
Release Date: 5-26-2020
In April, the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors announced to the community that the Co-op would be returning 100% of the 2019 Patronage Dividend to its owners. The 100% Patronage Dividend return to Co-op owners converted to over $628,000.
The Co-op Board felt in this time of great need it was not the right time for the Co-op to put away funds for the future, but rather to support owners fully so they may have more strength to weather these stormy times.
Free Monday Night Lectures - virtual and recorded
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While we miss seeing community members with a joy of learning showing up at the Co-op Classroom, we hope these recordings teach and inspire you.
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By Nina Friedman, Strategic Energy Management intern