About Us

Our History
Our food distribution efforts started when the Covid-19 pandemic affected many families within our area the summer of 2020. The Arc of Lane County, CALC and Food for Lane County came together to give out food boxes every other week during the summer. The need to increase our food distribution efforts were clear in our community and that is when we all three agencies decided to put resources together and that was the beginning of the CARES Center.
Our Approach
Our Mission
To assist our community with essential needs to alleviate stressors in their life.
Core Values

Integrity
We honor our commitments to those we serve. We strive to always do the right thing within our organization.

Compassion
We will observe, listen, understand, and assist those we serve. Our compassion allows us to understand when and where we can help.

Community
We are committed to bring a sense of belonging within our community. We are dedicated to creating a safe space where anyone can share connections.
Leadership

Russ COx
CARES Administrative Coordinator

RICO PEREZ
CARES Center Coordinator

Julissa Mendez
Bilingual Information and Operations
Partner Agencies

Arc Mission
The Arc’s mission is to advocate to enhance the dignity, expand the opportunities, and protect the rights of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Community Alliance of Lane County (CALC) Mission
CALC works to educate and organize for peace, human dignity, and social, racial, and economic justice.

Escudo Latino Mission
To provide support for the Latinx community by providing information in Spanish in regards to resources and agencies that help within the Lane County.

Food for Lane County Mission
Reducing hunger by engaging our community to create access to food.

United Way Mission
Our mission is to create opportunities for a better life for all.

Trillium
Our Mission is to listen to, respect and empower our members, in partnership with the provider community, to achieve better health by addressing their unique needs and eliminating racism and health disparities through innovative solutions.
