June 27, 2024 – [Lane County, Oregon] — Bridge Lane, a dynamic new program dedicated increasing the economic well-being of communities across Lane County, announces a series of in-community events and initiatives aimed at empowering community members, organizations, and businesses with resources, support, and new opportunities.
Bridge Lane’s mission is to bridge gaps by providing essential resources and support to create stronger communities. Driven by inclusivity, collaboration, and fun, Bridge Lane stands as a beacon of community engagement.
Empowering Communities Through In-Community Events
Bridge Lane’s events aim to enrich lives and enhance opportunities across Lane County, facilitating access to vital
resources such as healthcare, childcare, education, veterans services, LGBTQ resources, tribal resources, youth support, senior care, disability support, re-entry resources, job search support, vocational training resources, employment, and entrepreneurial resources. Find a listing of participating organizations on our website, http://www.bridgelane.org.
These events, held quarterly in both rural and urban settings over the next two years, will start with the inaugural event on July 17, 2024, from 2 pm – 7 pm at Oakridge High School in Oakridge, Oregon. Future events will be held in Cottage Grove, Junction City, Florence, Veneta, Blue River, Springfield, and Eugene, with dates announced on the Bridge Lane website http://www.BridgeLane.org.
Convening Benefits Navigators for a Closed Loop Referral System
To ensure comprehensive support, Bridge Lane is convening Benefits Navigators to implement a closed-loop referral system. This system will streamline the connection of individuals with appropriate resources and services, ensuring continuous follow-up and support.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Bridge Lane is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as ongoing principles. The organization aligns services, fosters partnerships, and embraces diverse perspectives to ensure equal opportunities for success and community empowerment.
Community Engagement Activities
Active community participation is encouraged through various engagement activities, including volunteer opportunities, tabling and participation at community events, and collaborating to address local challenges and create lasting change.
Funding
Collaborative EDO, contracted by Lane Workforce Partnership, serves as the convener of the Benefit Navigator
consortium. The Workforce Benefits Navigators program is funded by a $10 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This initiative is part of the broader Future Ready Oregon package, a $200 million investment passed by the Oregon State Legislature in 2022 and primarily administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Bridge Lane invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to join its mission of creating thriving communities. For more information and to get involved, visit http://www.BridgeLane.org.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
