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Disability Studies

Internship Site List

Internship Forms

Find the forms you’ll need to get credit for your fieldwork along with the step-by-step instructions for completing them.

Internship Forms

Internship List

Approved sites:

Sites that require director approval:

Arc Lane County

The Arc of Lane County helps children, youth, and adults who experience disabilitiesm, and their families live full and meaningful lives in their community. The Arc is partners with Food for Lane County, Centro Latino Americano, the United Way, the Community Alliance of Lane County, Trillium, and other governmental and non-profit organizations to provide a full spectrum of wrap around services.

Address: 4181 E Street, Springfield, OR 97478

Contact: Kaleigh Morrow, HR Specialist 

Phone: 541-343-5256 (ext. 106)

Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm

Opportunities:

1. Families Connected/Familias en Conexion 

Families Connected helps families who are raising a child (birth to 18 years) with a disability. Familias en Conexion is a network of parents who are Spanish-speaking and who are also raising a child with a disability

  • Connect parents with other parents so they feel less alone.
  • Provide resources, training, and fun family events.
  • Create more welcoming and accessible communities for families experiencing disability.

2. CARES Center 

The Arc CARES Center provides resources and support for community members experiencing food insecurity and those having difficulty meeting basic needs such as clothing, housewaes, pet food, diapers, etc. The CARES team focuses on providing items specific to the needs of individuals by taking into consideration food allergies, cultural, and personal preferences. 

  • CARES Center Food Pantry (Tues & Thurs, 2:00-6:00pm weekly) 
  • Food box delivery throughout the week for those unable to travel to the site 
  • Collaboration with the Lane County Diaper Bank to provide supplies to families. 

3. ESTEAM Youth Program

ESTEAM is an integrated after school program for children and youth ages six to 13 years who want to explore and discover the world around them through science, technology, engineering, art, and math. As a field study intern, you help youth: 

  • Discover their strengths and interests and learn new skills. 
  • Enhance critical thinking skills by learning how to identify, analyze and solve problems
  • Make new friends in a supportive environment

ESTEAM program generally follows the Springfield School district calendar and schedule. Youth programs are open full days on school in-service days. Mon-Fri, kids arive from Springfield schools after 3:00 each day, 3:00p-6:00p. 

4. JumpStart Preschool 

The JumpStart Preschool Programs provide children ages three to five of all abilities with high-quality learning opportunities. JumpStart is staffed at a 1:4 ratio by a certified preschool specialist who focuses on creating a welcoming, safe, and nurturing environment inclusive of all abilities. Staff receive additional training in person-centered thinking, behavior supports and social-emotional skill development.

  • As a field study intern you support children  to explore, learn, develop, and grow. 

JumpStart preschool is open Mon-Fri 7:30a-6:00p.

How best to contact them: Please send an introductory email to Kaleigh.marrow@arclane.org to introduce yourself, your academic program, and a copy of your resume.

Training required: The Arc requires interns to complete an agency background check and orientation prior to interacting with program participants.

Background check required: Yes

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Bridgeway House

Bridgeway House serves the needs of children with autism and related abilities while educating and supporting their families. They serve hundreds of families every year. Their programs help children meet the challenges of living with autism as well as help their parents and caregivers manage the stresses of raising children with disabilities.

Address: 555 East 15th Ave., PO Box 10639, Eugene, OR 97440

Contacts:

Phone: 541-345-0805

Hours: Mondays-Thursdays 8-11 and 12-3

Opportunities:

Bridgeway School provides teenagers with autism an individualized education preparing them to respond with their abilities in our community. Bridgeway School offers individualized support so students can learn more effectively.

Bridgeway School includes: Licensed special education teachers, autism consultants, modified curriculum, one-on-one instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, behavior plans, assessments, small classrooms, sensory-friendly environment and playground.

How best to contact them: Email Akiko Kato, akiko@bridgewayhouse.org.

Training required: On-the-job training in behavior management, confidentiality, diverse ability characteristics, boundary setting, etc.

Background check required: Yes

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Bristol Hospice

Bristol Hospice cares for people at the end of life in their homes and in its Springfield facility.

Address: 1077 Gateway Loop B, Springfield, OR 97477

Contact: Katie Desautels, volunteer coordinator

Phone: 385-415-4776

Hours: Vary

Opportunities: Provide companionship to people at the end of life.

How best to contact them: Call or email volunteer coordinator, or fill out online form.

Training required: Training/orientation is required and can be done online or in person.

Background check required: Yes, along with reference check, drug test (not testing for marijuana), TB test, N95 respirator fitting, and proof of vaccinations.

Volunteer application: We first interview, then invite individuals to apply. Download internship information.

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Camp Wamp

Camp Wamp, located near North Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras, is a place where kids with physical challenges have the week of their life in the great outdoors. Sleeping outside under the stars is a magical experience. The kids of Camp Wamp leave having learned to face life with a new sense of self-reliance, ambition, optimism, and adventure. Most of these kids are also quick to say that Camp Wamp was the, “Best Week Ever”!. 

Address: 225 Cal Road, Soda Springs, CA

Contact: Max Park, Camp Director

Phone: 847-815-8758

Hours: 9:00a to 5:00p EST

Opportunities: Get into nature and make memories that will last a lifetime for you and your camper. Camp Wamp has many intern opportunities. Be a counselor, or a CIT, volunteer, lifeguard or kitchen staff.

How best to contact them: Email Max@wamplerfoundation.org

Training required: We will train you. We like to hire people with outdoor rec training, nursing students, speech pathology students, teachers etc.

Background check required: Yes

Volunteer application: Find the Volunteer Application Here

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Circle of Friends

Circle of Friends was founded on one simple concept: youth with severe disabilities and challenges are just like anyone else–they deserve opportunities. Through resources, support, training, and a community built on compassion, the goal is to break the cycle of isolation for these individuals and the people who love them. Circle of Friends School is a nonprofit organization that provides youth with severe disabilities and their families with a variety of programs in the Lane County area.

  • How does Circle of Friends School describe complex needs? A significant disability or a combination of disabilities that substantially impacts a person’s physical ability, communication skills, or intellectual ability and as a result, interfere with their ability to participate in childhood experiences and daily living activities without the use of specialized mobility or medical equipment or communication systems. These disabilities can be compounded by medical challenges.
  • Disabilities that are included but are not limited to orthopedic impairment/physical disability, visual impairment/low vision/blindness/cortical vision impairment, deafness/hard of hearing, significant intellectual disability, and genetic disorders.
  • Currently Circle of Friends School’s specialized activities are being designed to meet the needs of our most vulnerable population and prioritizing youth with physical disabilities.

Address: 116 N 6th St.

Contact: Jenn Davis

Phone: 541-321-0107

Hours: 8 am-4 pm, Monday through Friday (All national holidays are observed and there are occasional non-school training days). Community events typically occur on weekends or non-school days and times vary between 8 am-5 pm. Seasonal camps typically occur during school breaks such as spring, summer, and winter break and hours vary between 8 am-4 pm.

Opportunities:

  • Monthly family-friendly events through partnership with city recreation programs.
  • Seasonal camps: Circle of Friends offers quarterly camps during school breaks in spring, summer, and winter that provide youth-centered activities specially designed for youth ages preschool through middle school.
  • Circle of Friends School provides an alternative education placement for grades K-8 that provides appropriate programming in a supported community of professionals. 
  • Academic school year is from September through June. School hours are 8:20 am-3:20 pm, Wednesdays 8:20 am-1:50 pm.

How best to contact them: Phone or email. In-person visits to see the program are available upon request.

Training Required: In-person or online orientation and internal paperwork process (waivers, agreements, releases).

Background check required: Yes, there is volunteer clearance required.

Volunteer application

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Connections NW

At CNW, we currently serve six counties across Oregon, including Lane County, where we offer services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Our caregivers, known as DSPs (Direct Support Professionals), provide personalized, one-on-one, in-home care to our clients. Our flexible scheduling options make us an ideal choice for students balancing work and studies.

Specifically in Lane County we specialize in providing services to, for the most part, children with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities). Each child we work with has unique needs, and we have tailored personalized plans to meet their individual needs.

Address: 500 E Hancock St. Newberg, OR 97132

Contact: Tiana Gilyard - Lane County Recruiter

Phone: 971-281-1046

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Opportunities:

  • Prospective candidates can apply directly through our website, initiating a brief phone interview upon application review. Following the interview, successful candidates receive an offer letter and a link to commence the onboarding process. During onboarding, they undergo a background check and approximately 8 1/2 hours of paid remote training, paid at the $24/hr rate. Upon completion of training and background checks, they participate in a meet and greet session to acquaint themselves with potential customers. If the meet and greet is successful, they are matched with the customer and that would be their customer for their time here at CNW.
    • Schedule: Typically 2/3 p.m. to 8/9 p.m. (weeknights and weekends and occasional mornings)
    • Pay Rate: $24/hour

How best to contact them: Phone call or email

Training Required: Yes, 8 ½ hours of paid remote training

Background Check Required: Yes

Volunteer Application

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Early Childhood CARES

A University of Oregon program, Early Childhood CARES provides early intervention and special education services to infants, toddlers and preschool children in Lane County. Over 1600 children with developmental delays or disabilities are served each year. Services include parent consultation, parent-toddler groups, specialized preschools, consultation to children in community preschools or child care, and speech, physical, and occupational therapy.

Address: 1500 W 12th Ave., Eugene, OR 97402

Contact: Jeanine Taylor, program and internship coordinator

Phone: 541-735-1766

Opportunities: Classroom assistant, assists teachers in preschools, or parent-toddler groups

How best to contact them: Call or email Jeanine Taylor

Background check required: Yes

Volunteer application

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Hilyard Community Center Adaptive Recreation

Recreational and social activities, including sports and fitness, art and cooking classes, dances and group outings, for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities.

Address: 2580 Hilyard St., Eugene, OR 97405

Contact: Carly Schmidt, program supervisor and facility manager

Front desk phone: 541-682-5311

Office phone: 541-682-6365

Hours: Program hours vary but can be found in the Adaptive Rec section of the Eugene Rec Guide on the website.

Opportunities: Assist with activities. Programs offered year-round. Many weekend and evening opportunities. Hilyard Center also offers a formal Therapeutic Recreation Internship. For this internship, summer applications are due in February and fall applications are due in May.

How best to contact: Phone or email

Training required: Supervisors provide an orientation and training manual prior to the start of the internship.

Background check required: Yes

Volunteer application

Internship information

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Lane Independent Living Alliance (LILA) 

LILA Peer Support Club

The LILA Peer Support Club (a mental health disability drop-in center) is staffed 100% by Mental Health Peers. Our aim is to have a safe gathering place where people can come to socialize and access resources. We offer recovery-based groups and workshops for members looking to gain, regain, improve, or support life skills that lead to more independence. It is a Peer-run center, where members are equals. Members discuss and vote on planned activities, classes, groups, rules, etc. The Club is a place where respect and inclusion are taken seriously. Members listen to one another and offer acceptance, friendship, information, and support. The Club is a safe haven, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Attendance and participation are entirely voluntary. Members are free to come and go, free to choose how to spend their time, and free to determine their own level of participation and interaction. The Club is also a place of hope and focuses on members' strengths and abilities. Members are encouraged to move toward independence and renewed meaning and purpose in life.

Address: 990 Oak Street, Eugene, OR, 97401

Contact: Scott Lemons, slemons@lilaoregon.org

Phone: 541-607-7020 (ext. 36)

Hours: 11am-5pm, Mon-Fri

Opportunities: One can gain skills in peer support, learn about the disabilitycommunity and consumer-directed services. You will have the opportunity to create a curriculum that will benefit consumers (Members) of the Peer Support Club.

How best to contact them: Please send an introductory email to slemons@lilaoregon.org to introduce yourself, your academic program, and a copy of your resume.

Training required: On-the-job training in behavior management, peer support, confidentiality, diverse ability characteristics, boundary setting, the social model of disability, the independent living philosophy, etc.

Background check required: Yes

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Lane School

Lane ESD program serving K-8 students with behavioral challenges.

Address: 171 City View, Eugene, OR 97405

Contact: Amy Moore, behavior consultant

Phone: 541-463-8500

Hours: Monday- Friday, 8:15 am-3:30 pm

Opportunities: Intern in classroom to support teacher and students

How best to contact them: Email Amy Moore

Training required: Orientation and training will happen the first week of internship.

Background check required: There is no background check. Participants will be required to wear a UO ID as verification.

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MindFreedom International

Interns will work remotely with nonprofit MindFreedom International (MFI) and their staff, the local grassroots affiliate MindFreedom Oregon, as well as Aciu! Institute, a local consulting group. Interns will gain experience with grassroots organizing, outreach initiatives, program management, and contribute to MFI and Aciu’s larger mission of advocating for human rights in mental healthcare.

Address: 454 Willamette St. Suite 216, Eugene, OR 97401

Contact:

Hours: Must commit for at least one full academic term (10 weeks) for a minimum of three hours per week.

Opportunities:

  • Hands-on work with MFI outreach initiatives (work with Oaks to build a Support Coalition of Affiliates, Sponsorships, and Campaign Action Teams (CATS).
  • Offer new solutions to social issues relevant to Acui! Institute’s mission statement, create digital social activist-oriented content.
  • Peer education regarding MFI’s Shield Campaign (supports human rights of folx in mental healthcare).
  • Assist in searching and applying for grants and other modes of funding.
  • Learn and experience the mental health system (a social change movement started in the early 1970s to deeply change mental health care for more humane and empowering options).

Background check required: Yes, must be able to pass a standard background check.

Volunteer application

Internship information

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Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp is a nonprofit that empowers children and adults with developmental disabilities through equitable access to the outdoors and recreation. Each summer, over 500 campers ages 12 and up spend a week at our fully accessible 22-acre campsite in the beautiful Mt. Hood National Forest. All of our programming, from arts and crafts and swimming to horseback riding, rock climbing, and zip-lining, are adaptable so campers can play outside and enjoy activities without limits. Camp fosters independence, promotes socialization, provides an opportunity for new experiences, and is a place for campers to experience freedom and acceptance.

Campsite address: 83500 E. Kiwanis Camp Road, Government Camp, OR 97028

Office address: 10725 SW Barbur Blvd. STE 50, Portland, OR 97219

Contact: Sarah Doty, assistant programs director

Phone: 971-230-2922

Hours: A two-week summer session. Four options to choose from between mid-June and mid-August. Specific dates can be found on our website or by emailing Sarah.

Opportunities: Work as a counselor for two weeks and be paired 1:1 with a camper each week, supporting their care, facilitating activity engagement, and creating bonds. Counselors work in a group of campers and counselors with two staff members and receive training and mentorship throughout their time at camp. Camp is an opportunity for counselors to learn new perspectives and ways of living and gain valuable transferrable skills that can be utilized in both personal and professional capacities, including collaboration, creative problem solving, effective communication, and compassionate care. Interested in a unique, immersive, and meaningful experience? Play with Mt. Hood Kiwanic Camp!

How best to contact them: Email Sarah

Background check required: Yes, must be able to pass a standard background check.

Training required: Online training modules and first day of the session

Volunteer application: Applications are typically open November-June and can be found at https://mhkc.org/counselors/.

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Oregon Supported Living Program Art and Culture Center

The purpose of the Oregon Supported Living Program (OSLP) Arts and Culture Program is to break down barriers to participation in the arts for people of all abilities and build bridges to a more diverse and inclusive community. We offer creative and cultural classes/workshops as well as facilitate mentorships and host exhibitions in our gallery. We also participate in cultural community events and First Friday Artwalk. Our program is for people with and without disabilities, 18 years and older.

Address: 110 E. 11th Ave. Suite C, Eugene, OR 97401

Contact: Sterling Israel

Phone: 541-636-3319

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm

Opportunities:

  • Assisting instructors in classes and workshops
  • Exhibition prep and installation
  • Studio prep and organization
  • Social media outreach and promotion
  • Gallery docent

How best to contact them: Email or phone

Training required: No

Background check required: Yes

Volunteer application: Yes, will send to candidates via email.

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Pearl Buck Center

Pearl Buck Center annually supports the efforts of about 700 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Eugene-Springfield area. Their programs include Pearl Buck Preschool, Community Employment, Supported Living, Life Enhancing Activities Program (LEAP), Project SEARCH, and Vocational Academy.

Address: 3690 W 1st Ave., Eugene OR 97402

Phone: 541-484-4666

Opportunities:

  • Working with adults
    • Support adults with intellectual disabilities in work, job training, and life activities.
    • Contact: Barbara Sloat, 541-484-4666, extension 5195
  • Working with children
    • Classroom assistants engage in activities with the children, facilitate small group activities, supervise playground/gym time, transition, and the arrival and departure of students. Note: Volunteers are never left alone with students and do not help with toileting.
    • Family-support interns accompany family support specialists on home visits.
    • Contact: Lise Schellman (she/her/hers), preschool and family supports director, 541-484-4666.

Hours:

  • Preschool: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 am-1 pm
  • Family Supports: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm

Background check required: Yes, but only for family supports. Fee is $3. The background check can be completed at http://www.oregon.gov/OCC/Pages/Online_application_informationpage.aspx.

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Willamalane Park and Recreation District

Inclusion Services covers many areas and departments at Willamalane Park and Recreation District. Inclusion Services assist with community members; employee accommodations are covered through Human Resources. Inclusion services is continuously expanding and serve departments such as aquatics, youth programs, Willamalane “Trips” programs, and our parks. Ages served range from 5 years to 65+ years.

Address: 250 S 32nd St., Springfield, OR 97478

Contact:

Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 am-5 pm. Hours vary.

Opportunities: In this internship, you will be able to experience hands-on opportunities ranging from working alongside those with disabilities in camps/after-school programs, observing 1:1 conversations, and helping to create individualized support plans for community members, collaborating on disability-centered activities for youth, de-escalation support for youth, and helping to identify and improve access for those with disabilities in the community. There are also opportunities for new projects and initiatives based upon interns’ interests and expertise. We welcome anyone looking to experience a wide-range of opportunities and exposure in a community-based, recreation setting. Neurodiverse interns and interns with all disabilities welcomed.

How best to contact them: The best form of contact is through email. Please follow up with a phone call, if needed.

Training required: No prior training is required.

Background check required: Yes. Provided by Willamalane.

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Diabetes Community Care Team

Diabetes Community Care Team (DCCT) helps people with all types of diabetes manage the challenges of living with a chronic disease and mitigates barriers to care including financial, psychological, and medical. DCCT provides: Education about management of this chronic health condition; access to medications and supplies regardless of employment and/or insurance status; and empowerment programs to develop the confidence and skills to manage diabetes successfully.

Address: 207 E 5th Ave., Suite 223, Eugene, OR 95401

Contacts:

Phone: 855-211-3228; 541-257-8553

Hours: Monday-Friday 1-5 pm; Saturdays by appointment

Opportunities:

  • Development (fundraising) interns.
  • Communications/media relations interns.
  • BETA Mentorship Program interns: If you are a UO student living with Type 1 diabetes, this is an ideal internship! BETA is a free 8-12 week mentorship program for children and teens with type 1 diabetes. Each participant has a mentor to provide education, support, and encouragement to those living with type 1 diabetes. The BETA mentors are college and high school students who live with type 1 diabetes. In addition to understanding what it is like to live with diabetes, our mentors also receive training and certification as diabetes paraprofessionals. The goal of the program is to help the mentee feel empowered and more comfortable living with and managing their diabetes while also building a supportive community.

How best to contact them: Email a cover letter and resume to JK Rogers at jessica@dcct.life.

Training required: Yes

Background check required: Only for BETA Program

Printable PDF DCCT Volunteer Application

BETA Program Volunteer Application

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First Place Family Center

Operated by St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County, First Place Family Center is a day center that assists and supports families who are low income, at risk of losing their housing, or are experiencing homelessness. Services help families meet their immediate needs as well as promoting self-sufficiency. Staff and volunteers help the families identify barriers to achieving independence and give resources needed to overcome those barriers. Each family develops an individually tailored action plan in order to move towards stability. Components may include job searches, GED Classes, locating affordable housing, drug and alcohol treatment, parenting classes, budgeting, and money management. Each family receives ongoing support and advocacy as they access housing, secure and maintain employment, and take the steps necessary to address issues that may have contributed to their homelessness.

Address: 1995 Amazon Parkway St., Eugene, OR

Phone: 541-342-7728

Email: askme@svdp.us

Main building hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 am-5 pm

Childcare hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am-12:30 pm and 12:30-3:30 pm

Opportunities:

First Place Annex Shelter: Faith communities offer a meal and overnight accommodations to families throughout the school year. Contact Hope Birrell, 541-505-0915.

  • Assist case managers by supporting families on-site to complete their weekly goals in areas such as rental and job applications, tracking job searches, collecting information for resumes, following up on obtaining rental/employment reference letters, etc. This would include supporting families to effectively use the computer to complete these tasks.
  • Direct floor support: A variety of tasks volunteers and staff provide to families on a daily basis.
  • Facilitate eight-session EMBR (evidence based mindfulness response) workshop for families. Requires interns with a psych, counseling, social work, or other trauma informed skill set.
  • Facilitate nine-session DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) workshop, pre-created with videos and worksheets. Requires intern with a similar skill set.
  • Supervise children during the two hour-long workshops listed above.

First Place Kids Early Childhood Program: Therapeutic drop-in and small group childcare address the needs of children who are experiencing homelessness in their early years. Note: First Place Kids requires a commitment of a minimum 6 hours per week for an entire 10-week term.

  • Contact: Matt Trimble
  • Training required: Interview first to identify areas of training needed
  • Background check required: Yes

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TransPonder

TransPonder is a transgender-founded-and-led nonprofit based in Eugene, Oregon, providing support, resources, and education for the transgender and gender diverse community, and our allies. We provide support meetings, socials, and special events for trans and gender-diverse folks (and allies) to connect, support, and be with one another; a dynamic and community vetted resource directory for local/regional trans-inclusive care providers; inclusivity trainings and consultation services to organizations and businesses through our Transgender Education and Awareness Services program. TransPonder’s vision and commitment is to:

  • Address root causes of discrimination in the trans/gender diverse community through an intersectional social justice lens.
  • Acknowledge the existence and harm caused by systemic racism and dismantle white supremacy within and outside of our organization.
  • Increase allyship and accomplices in the broader community through relationship building and education.
  • Foster leadership and skill building opportunities within the trans/gender diverse community across generations.
  • Promote access to health by fostering expertise in mental, physical, and spiritual healing communities.
  • Network with legal counsel knowledgeable about the trans/gender-diverse community.
  • Provide resource navigation support to address economic inequities, food and housing insecurity, medical and employment discrimination.

Address: 1185 Arthur St., Eugene, OR 97402

Contact: Gina Young

Phone: 541-321-0872

Hours: 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday

Opportunities: Open-ended. We have ongoing services, such as our queer and trans disability support group. However, students are encouraged to identify projects based on their interests and community needs.

How best to contact them: Email

Training required: Some basic training

Background check required: Not currently

Volunteer application

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