There’s a unique sound that comes from a community coming together – conversations shared over a meal, laughter in the hallways, volunteers serving side by side, and neighbors finding connection and belonging. This month, as services reopen and our building fills once again with the rhythms of daily life, we are reminded that community is one of God’s greatest gifts.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Throughout this season, we have witnessed the beauty of people supporting one another through celebration, service, connection, and generosity. The sound of community is more than activity – it is the sound of lives being strengthened together.
To: Celebrate
There’s so much to celebrate this season at To:gether Canby. After years of dreaming, planning, adapting, and waiting, Harvest Share, lunches, clothing, and laundry services have all officially reopened.
Welcoming our community back into the building for these expanded services has been an absolute joy. Day by day, the spaces have filled with conversation, connection, and neighbors caring for one another. The sound of doors opening, meals being shared, washers running, and neighbors gathering is something we have looked forward to for a very long time.
For many of us, the noise and hustle and bustles of a full building may seem like a small thing. But after years of limitations, it feels like a milestone worth celebrating. These services are about far more than meals, showers, or clean clothes – they create opportunities for dignity, belonging, and community. Seeing our building once again serve as a welcoming hub for our neighbors reminds us why this work matters and gives us great hope for what comes next.
To: Serve
One of the most meaningful ways to get involved is by serving alongside us. As our lunches, laundry, and clothing services continue to grow, so does our need for caring volunteers who can help create a welcoming and dignified experience for every neighbor who walks through our doors.
Whether you’re helping prepare and serve lunch, assisting with laundry, organizing clothing donations, or greeting guests at the front desk, every volunteer plays an important role in making our community stronger. To learn more about volunteer positions and sign up, visit togethercanby.org/volunteer.
Looking for a special summer opportunity to invest in local students? We also have volunteer opportunities available with CREATE Summer Camp. From supporting activities to helping create a fun and encouraging space for kids, volunteers are essential to making camp a memorable experience. To learn more about volunteering with CREATE and sign up, visit togethercanby.org/summer.
To: Connect
We had the privilege of honoring the volunteers who served in our youth programs throughout the school year. Through After School Tutoring, Quest Mentoring, Reading Mentors, and Backpack Buddies, these dedicated individuals made a lasting impact on local students and families.
At our volunteer appreciation breakfast, Stacy Ackerman, Counselor at Baker Prairie Middle School, shared a powerful reminder of that impact. Recalling a conversation with a student, she shared the quote: “The best thing you did for me [as my counselor] was to refer me to Quest.”
Moments like these remind us that consistent encouragement and meaningful relationships can make all the difference. We are deeply grateful for every volunteer who invested in the next generation this year.
To: Give
The work of To:gether Canby is, in part, made possible because of the faithful support of people who believe in caring for our community. One of the most impactful ways to support this mission is by becoming a Friend of Canby through a recurring monthly gift.
Monthly giving provides reliable support for programs and services throughout the year, helping us meet needs, plan for the future, and continue serving our neighbors with consistency and care.
