Finding Hope
By Rogue Retreat
Finding HopeOct 06, 2020
Finding Hope Podcast- Stan's Experience
In this episode you will hear directly from Stan Littrell about his experience that he had this January at Roosters Restaurant here in Medford, Oregon. In January of this year, Stan was visiting Roosters Restaurant when he experienced a heart attack. In this interview, Stan talks about his experience and how his life was saved because someone knew CPR and it saved his life.
This was a scary experience for Stan, but we are grateful for the person that saved his life. Because someone was trained we still get to share this life with Stan. Stan's testimony drives home the importance of why CPR and First Aid training is important in every day life and in the work that we get to do.
Please take moment to listen to our friend Stan's experience and let this be a reminder about the importance of CPR training.
Finding Hope Podcast- Meet New Finding Hope Co-Host- Scotty W.
In this episode you will meet Scotty, who is the lead peer and training specialist for Rogue Retreat. We are grateful to have Scotty on the Finding Hope and Hope University team and we are excited to have have his passion help us tell Rogue Retreat's message of hope.
Finding Hope- Jeremy's Story- Summit House
In this episode you will meet Jeremy who lives at the Summit House (Men's Shared Housing), which was created in partnership with the Livability Team, City of Medford CHOP, and On Track. Please listen and learn about Jeremy and his journey. Jeremey's story is another reminder of why we do this work and why supportive housing and shelter is such a vital piece to building community and family.
Finding Hope- Mike's Journey to Rogue Retreat
In this episode Stan and Scotty interview an amazing gentlemen named Mike who has come through Rogue Retreat's sites and services. In Mike's words you will learn about his story, the work he did and how he overcame the well of addiction and homelessness. We love stories like these because it reminds us why we do this work and why hope is such an important ingredient to change our lives and overcome the well of addiction homelessness.
Gaining Access to Prescription Labels through the Lens of a Blind Person
October is Medication Safety Awareness for the Blind Month.
Studies show that about 25% of the blind community are homeless. Many of us are born with impaired vision or develop vision issues at some point in our lives. For those of us who don’t have 20/20 vision, we’ve all had that bad day where our glasses cracked; where perhaps our contact lens fell out, or we lost a vital vision aid and had to make do without it for a short time.
It can be extremely difficult to function with blurred vision. When our vision isn’t clear, mundane tasks like sending an email or cooking meals are much more difficult. But there’s a drastic difference between a day at work without your glasses and a life on the street with hindered vision
In this episode you will meet Jenna Reed from En-Vision America. Founded in 1996, the cornerstone of En-Vision America is based on one single premise: to provide those with vision impairment equal access and greater independence through technology.
https://www.envisionamerica.com/
Homeshare Oregon- Find Out Why Home Sharing is the Housing Solution that Brings Oregon Together!
In this episode of Finding Hope Podcast you will meet, Tess Fields from Homeshare Oregon. Home Share Oregon brings the classic community tradition of home-sharing into the modern age!
People of all ages and lifestyles are choosing to invite a roommate to build community and prevent going it alone.
Our area faces big challenges, from housing insecurity to social isolation. Now you can be part of the solution while creating a new friendship and a new stream of income from your home.
Our special partnership with Silvernest means that your roommate matching process is easy and secure. We’re with you every step of the way, including:
- Assistance creating a profile and listing
- Landlord tools and templates
- And more
To learn more please visit:
https://homeshareoregon.org/
Finding Hope Podcast- HIP Housing
In this episode you will learn about HIP Housing. For more than 40 years, HIP Housing has demonstrated its strong commitment to helping people in San Mateo County to live better, more independent lives. HIP Housing is uniquely knowledgeable about San Mateo County, and uses that expertise to further its affordable housing and human potential mission on behalf of families and individuals in need.
With its unique Home Sharing, Self Sufficiency and Property Development programs, HIP Housing is a leader in providing creative affordable housing solutions for people in San Mateo County. HIP Housing’s self-funding operating model maximizes existing housing stock and ensures that every dollar donated goes directly into programs that positively impact people’s lives.
This Homeshare Model is now being developed in Oregon by Harbor of Hope. Please stay tuned for their future podcast.
To learn about HIP Housing and their Homeshare Program please visit their website at:
https://hiphousing.org/
Harold and Betty - Rogue Retreat's Founding Members - Ep. 60
Harold and Betty are both key founding members of Rogue Retreat. Harold is still an active case manager who works with our participants daily. Betty Wolff has a huge heart for our mission at Rogue Retreat. She volunteered her time and resources to help Rogue Retreat when we were struggling to keep the lights on back in the early days.
Watch the video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/r5J-MmHpsyA
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RogueRetreat/
Visit us online at www.RogueRetreat.org/
What's New At The Thrift Shop - Jana Stanley and Monie Lapizco - Ep. 59
All profits from the Thrift Shop are used to provide each adult individual in our housing programs with a case manager who acts as a coach and mentor to help them find their strengths, address their barriers and accomplish goals that lead to success in their lives.
Volunteers are needed to join us. All shifts needed, whether you can offer 1 day or can commit to a weekly shift. Call the Thrift Shop today to discuss how you can help!
Thrift Shop Contact Information:
Phone (541) 499-0067
Address 1116 N Riverside Ave, Medford, OR 97501
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RogueRetreat/
Visit us online at www.RogueRetreat.org/
La Clinica Is For Everyone - Bob Baumann and Rosa Reyes - Ep. 58
La Clinica serves all people in the Rogue Valley, especially those who face barriers to care. They commit to engage everyone in a welcoming, respectful, and loving way and to maintain the dignity and value of all people. La Clinica has been an amazing partner to Rogue Retreat and this community. They truly have a heart for the work they do and are a huge asset to our community.
Find out more about La Clinica at https://laclinicahealth.org
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RogueRetreat/
Visit us online at www.RogueRetreat.org/
Hip Housing - Empowering People To Live Happier - Chris Sturken - Ep. 57
Find more about Hip Housing at https://hiphousing.org
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RogueRetreat
Visit us online at www.RogueRetreat.org
The Man Behind Clean Sweep - Todd Diehl - Ep. 56
In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, Todd Diehl Clean Sweep Manager, Clean Sweep is one of our social enterprises that works to provide job skills training while generating funds for Rogue Retreat. Rogue Retreat participants can volunteer to help clean the streets of Medford. Todd has been a great resource for Rogue Retreat and we are happy to have him on the team!
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RogueRetreat
Visit us online at www.RogueRetreat.org
A Vision for Rogue Retreat - Chad McComas - Ep. 55
In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, Rogue Retreat's Executive Director Chad McComas joins us. He talks about the history of Rogue Retreat, our mission, and touches on his vision of the feature for Rogue Retreat.
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RogueRetreat
Visit us online at www.RogueRetreat.org
Santa Claus is Coming To Town - Krystal Perkins - Ep. 54
In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, Rogue Retreat marketing and procurement specialist Krystal Perkins tells about her new Christmas business venture, she reached out to her connections at the North Pole to coordinate with Santa Claus to make home visits to kids this holiday season. Not only is Santa coming to neighborhoods around Southern Oregon, but he is taking Christmas Eve to visit our Rogue Retreat properties.
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RogueRetreat
Visit us online at www.RogueRetreat.org
A New Way of Policing - Cpl. Randy Jewell - Medford Livability Team Ep. 53
In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, Cpl. Randy Jewell from the Medford Police Department's Livability Team joins us to talk about the partnerships that the livability team has, as well as, talk about how Medford is taking a different approach to homelessness and policing.
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RogueRetreat
Visit us online at www.RogueRetreat.org
A Growing Organization - Where Rogue Retreat is Now - Matthew Vorderstrasse - Ep. 52
In this episode of the Finding Hope Podcast, Matthew Vorderstrasse joins us as a guest to talk about Rogue Retreats programs and the opportunities we have to give and support.
Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RogueRetreat
Visit us online at www.RogueRetreat.org
Finding Hope Episode 51- Pallet- Changing How Communities Develop Shelter Programs
Last month, Rogue Retreat was blessed to receive ten, 64 sq. ft. cabin-style shelters from Seattle-based Pallet. The shelters are being prioritized for the medically vulnerable and senior population at the Temporary Urban Campground. These shelters will allow their occupants the ability to find stability, access services, and begin their reintegration into society.
Made of a durable aluminum frame and insulated composite walls, the prefabricated Pallet shelters can be assembled in as little as 30 minutes each. Each shelter is equipped with a locking door, bed, openable windows, heating, air conditioning, and storage.
“Pallet provides safe and secure shelter that moves people off of the streets and into stability immediately -- and then on to permanent housing,” says Amy King, Pallet Founder and CEO. “Whereas permanent housing and mass shelters can take years to construct, we can shelter a person experiencing homelessness the same day we arrive on site.”
“We are truly grateful for this amazing donation. Our community is working to recover from a devastating loss and these shelters will save lives” says Chad McComas, Executive Director at Rogue Retreat. “Our medically fragile and seniors that are at risk will be placed in these desperately needed shelter units, and given wrap around services to help them move forward into more permanent forms of housing and shelter. We are honored to get to partner with Pallet, The Livability Team, the City of Medford, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, St. Vincent De Paul, Medford Gospel Mission and many more to help make shelter available to our communities most vulnerable.”
To learn more about Pallet please visit the following link:
https://www.palletshelter.com/
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Finding Hope Episode 50 Part 2- Trace Your Roots with the Jackson County Genealogy Library
Thank you for joining us for our 50th episode of Finding Hope. It is hard to believe that we have published 50 episodes already and to celebrate this special occasion we have turned this episode into a 2 part series.
In this series you will learn about the Jackson County Genealogy Library and the importance of understanding your heritage. This was a fun interview and we are grateful that Stan had the inside scoop on getting it coordinated.
To learn more about Genealogy Library please check out the link below:
Please share!
Finding Hope Episode 50 Part 1- Trace Your Roots with the Jackson County Genealogy Library
Thank you for joining us for our 50th episode of Finding Hope. It is hard to believe that we have published 50 episodes already and to celebrate this special occasion we have turned this episode into a 2 part series. In this series you will learn about the Jackson County Genealogy Library and the importance of understanding your heritage. This was a fun interview and we are grateful that Stan had the inside scoop on getting this interview coordinated. To learn more about Genealogy Library please check out the link below:
https://rvgslibrary.org/
Please share!
Episode 49- The Urban Campground and How it is Changing Lives
Hi Everyone,
In this episode you will meet Chris Hyde, the Manager of the Urban Campground at Rogue Retreat. Listen and learn about the impact the campground is having on our local community and how you can help up make it a continued success. "We are honored to get to partner with The Livability Team, the City of Medford, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, St. Vincent De Paul, Medford Gospel Mission and many more to help make shelter available to our communities most vulnerable." Chad McComas
Please listen and share!
Episode 48- How Cindy Helped Us Build Rogue Retreat
In this episode of Finding Hope, you will get to meet Cindy Van Camp, who just celebrated her 11 year Workiversary at Rogue Retreat. Cindy has been involved with Rogue Retreat since its inception in 1998 and spent a decade volunteering for our programs to help build them into what they are today. There are not many jobs at Rogue Retreat that Cindy has not held and we are truly grateful for the lasting imprint that she has left on this agency. We are forever indebted to the service that she has provided to help build our mission of providing opportunities for the homeless to have hope.
Please share!
Episode 47- Oregon Commission for the Blind
In this episode you will meet Jane Hagle from the Oregon Commission for the Blind and you will learn about their work to help connect our blind community to essential resources throughout the State of Oregon. Please tune in, listen, and share!
Thanks everyone!
Episode 46-Drop Your Bottles with Clean Sweep
In this episode you will meet Mary Cressler and you will learn about supporting our Clean Sweep program by participating in our Bottle Drop Fundraiser. Your support and participation is crucial in helping those we serve overcome homelessness and move towards self sufficiency. Please take the time to listen, learn, and share.
Thanks everyone!
Episode 44- Stan's Employment Journey
In this episode you will get to know our host, Stan Littrell better than you already do and you will learn about his journey of being born blind and navigating the job markets of today's society. In this episode you will get a birds eye view of his experience that has led him through multiple employment programs and ultimately brought him here to Rogue Retreat. We love getting work with Stan and we love getting to use his experience to help Rogue Retreat become a better agency for those that we serve.
Please listen and share!
Episode 45- Partnering with Rogue Retreat
In this episode you will hear from Krystal Perkins and you will learn about the wonderful partnership opportunities at Rogue Retreat. Please listen to learn how you can help provide opportunities for the homeless to find hope by participating in our Clean Sweep program and advertising in the Rogue Retreat Newsletter and Finding Hope Podcast.
Please share!
Episode 43- Born into this work with Christopher Janisch
In this episode you will meet Christopher Janisch, Marketing Specialist at Rogue Retreat. You will learn how Chris was born with a direct connection to Rogue Retreat, how his relationship grew and developed over the years, and how he developed a passion for marketing and video.
Today, Christopher contracts with Rogue Retreat as our Marketing Specialist and is an owner of Giant Haus where they: Help Southern Oregon with Digital Marketing, Social Media, Graphic Design, Photo, and Video. Whether you’re a large company or you’re running a business alone, they can help. Check out the link below and contact them for a free consultation!
Please share!
Episode 42- How Jessica Found Her Passion at Rogue Retreat
In this episode you will meet Jessica Cowles, Rogue Retreat Property Manager. You will learn what brought her to Oregon and how she found her way to her work at Rogue Retreat. It is an honor to have her and her passion as part of our team.
Please listen, learn, and share!
Episode 41- Shannon Holland- Providing Food and Hope
In this episode you will meet Shannon Holland, Kelly Shelter Kitchen Manager and Rogue Retreat Alumni. Please listen and learn how you can get involved to help provide food and hope to those that are working to overcome homelessness.
To help with shelter and campground meals, please contact Shannon at 541-499-0880 or by emailing her at shannon@rogueretreat.com.
Episode 40 - How Donnie Found His Way to Rogue Retreat
In this episode you will meet Donnie Harper, Rogue Retreat staff member and alumni. You will learn about his journey that led him to Rogue Retreat and the passion that he has found for his work at the Kelly Shelter.
Episode 39- Providing Peer Support with Justin Hon
In this episode you will meet Justin Hon, who works as a Peer Support Specialist for Rogue Retreat. In this episode you will learn what drew him into this work, how he manages his work life balance, and what inspires him to keep giving back. Justin is an amazing individual that touches many lives. Thank you for helping people find their hope.
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Episode 38- Heather Returns Home
In this episode you will get to know Rogue Retreat's first paid employee, Heather Hassett. You will learn how Heather became connected to Rogue Retreat and how she helped plant and nurture the seeds that led us to creating Hope Village and the Kelly Shelter. Heather will be returning to Rogue Retreat in August to help coordinate our new housing and shelter developments. We are excited to publish this interview and to have her come back home to Rogue Retreat to continue doing her life changing work. Please listen and share!
Episode 37- Phil Johncock and the Grants Pass Warming Center
In this episode you will meet Phil Johncock and you will learn about the work that was done recently with the Grants Pass Warming Center through our partnership with UCAN. Phil has had an amazing impact on Rogue Retreat and the unsheltered communities of Southern Oregon. Learn about what drew him into this work and how he developed his relationship with Rogue Retreat.
Please listen, learn and share.
Here is a link to our YouTube channel, where you can find video updates from Rogue Retreat.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBfH5xNO2sthjNsFdV4qVkw?view_as=subscriber
Episode 36 Part II- Medford City Council President- Kevin Stine
Please check out Part II of our podcast interview with Kevin Stine. Learn about what drew him into public service, helping the homeless, his accomplishments as a City Council Member, and his vision for the future of Medford.
Episode 36 Pt. 1- Medford City Council President- Kevin Stine
Please check out Part 1 of our podcast interview with Kevin Stine. Learn about what drew him into public service, helping the homeless, his accomplishments as a City Council Member, and his vision for the future of Medford. We will publish and release the second half of his interview next week.
Please share!
Episode 35- Susan Szczesniak and FFR 2.0
In this episode you will learn about Susan Szczesniak and her work within the Foundations for Recovery program at Rogue Retreat. One year ago, this month Foundations for Recovery and Susan, became part of the Rogue Retreat family. Please listen to learn about her passion for working with those struggling with addiction and the future changes that will be coming to the Foundations for Recovery program.
Episode 34- How Julie Brown is Driving RVTD Forward
In this episode you will meet Julie Brown, the General Manager of Rogue Valley Transportation District, and you will learn the steps that they have taken to help keep the Rogue Valley moving forward while protecting us from the spread of COVID-19. To learn more about RVTD and how to use or support their services please follow the link below. Please share!!
Episode 33- How Foundry Village Will Provide Hope to the Homeless in Grants Pass
In this episode you will meet Doug Walker, one of the original Gang of 4 that is responsible for bringing Foundry Village into existence in Grants Pass. Please listen and learn about Foundry Village and how you can help make this a reality.
To make a donation to support Foundry Village please visit:
https://www.foundryvillagegrantspass.com/donate
Thanks everyone!!
Finding Hope Episode 32- Legacy Giving with Mike McClain
In this episode you will meet Rogue Retreat Board Member Mike McClain and you will learn about building your legacy through Planned Giving. Please join us for this informative Podcast. It was our very first Podcast that we recorded via Zoom. Thanks everyone!
Episode 31- How George Jarvis Connected With Rogue Retreat
In this episode you will meet George Jarvis from Rogue Retreat and you will learn how his life lead him to this line of work, and how he developed his unique philosophies on life. Please listen and share!!
Episode 30- Consumer Credit Counseling's Support of the Homeless Community
Greetings Everyone,
In this episode you will meet Bill Ihle, Executive Director and CEO of Consumer Credit Counseling. Consumer Credit Counseling is a primary partner of Rogue Retreat and helps provide financial literacy education to all Rogue Retreat Participants. They are an amazing organization and the only non-profit credit counseling agency in the State of Oregon. Please follow the link below to learn more.
Episode 29- How Liz Helps Inspire Hope at Rogue Retreat
In this episode you will meet Liz Adams, the Program Director for Rogue Retreat. Please join us and learn about Liz's journey to Rogue Retreat and how she has helped shape our essential Supportive Services that are provided to Rogue Retreat Participants.
Special Episode- Stan Warren Littrell Receives Jackson County Community Service Award- 2017
In this special episode you will get to hear Stan Warren Littrell, the brain behind the Finding Hope Podcast receive the 2017 Jackson County Community Service Award for his time spent in service on the RVTD Board of Directors.
Episode 28- Meet Rev. Tom Sramek Jr. and Learn About His Work with Rogue Retreat
In this episode you will meet Rev. Tom Sramek Jr. from St. Marks Episcopal Church in Medford, Oregon and you will learn how he developed a passion for working with the homeless. Please share!
Episode 27- How Len Developed His Path to Partnering with Rogue Retreat
In this episode you will meet Len Peterson who works as a job developer for Voc Rehab and is the reason to blame for Stan working at Rogue Retreat. Thanks Len!!
Finding Hope Episode 26- How Lyndsey Found Her Hope
In this episode you will meet Lyndsey Hartwell and you will learn about her journey to Rogue Retreat and how she found her new heartbeat in life. Please share!!
Finding Hope Episode 25- How Rogue Tech Pros Got Rogue Retreat Online
In this episode you will meet Charlie Kirschenmann the owner of Rogue Tech Pros and how he came to work with Rogue Retreat and has helped guide us technologically speaking through our rapid expansion over the past couple of years. If you want to learn more about Rogue Tech Pro's please visit https://roguetechpros.com/.
Finding Hope Episode 24- Outsider Coffee- Combining two of our favorite things: Loving people & Coffee.
In this episode you will meet CJ McPhail and you will learn how he came to know the work of Rogue Retreat and the journey that led him and his wife Lindsay to creating Outsider Coffee where their mission is to wake people up to their greatness through daily inspirational calls to action so they can love themselves and impact their community.
To learn more about Outsider Coffee, please visit:
https://www.outsider.coffee/?fbclid=IwAR2k83kOq2xHTWBqMXpXciEDGB6Rl0R97If5sM0fjWAlAfKmxB1AGtlWins
Finding Hope Episode 23- How Clean Sweep is Cleaning Up Our Community
In this episode you will meet Chris Hyde, the coordinator of Rogue Retreat's Clean Sweep job training program and you will learn how Clean Sweep is impacting the lives of the homeless and how individuals and businesses can partner with Clean Sweep to help make an impact.
Finding Hope Episode 22- How Rogue Retreat Hit a Home Run with Joan.
In this episode you will meet Joan, and you will learn about her diverse career background from working as the Accounting Controller for the San Francisco Giants all the way to becoming Rogue Retreat's Billing Specialist. You will also learn about her work with the Ashland Rotary and Rogue Retreat Alumni.
Finding Hope Episode 21- How Terry Found Hope
In this episode you will meet Terry who also happens to be a Rogue Retreat Case Manager. You will hear about her journey to sobriety and eventually coming to work and help change lives at Rogue Retreat. Please share!