For many families in Corvallis, community support means more than just meeting immediate needs, it’s about belonging and hope. With services becoming harder to access and funding consistently reduced, schools play an increasingly vital role as a source of stability. Often, they are one of the few, if not the only, places where students and families can turn for help. Family Outreach Supervisor, Sarah Devine, works closely with local families and highlights how critical this connection is: “When people understand that this money is coming from actual community members who see them and recognize their right to live here, that is super powerful.” She explains that many families feel invisible in a town often perceived as wealthy and privileged, and the Foundation’s support sends a message that they are valued and included.

“I’m crying happy tears over here! You don’t know how much it means to us.” A mom receiving a laundry card and emergency clothing for her children

This sense of belonging can transform lives. One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, shared how the Corvallis schools and community helped her family during a time of homelessness. Here she found a network of support that went beyond the classroom, helping with housing, clothing, and medical needs. She credits this stability with changing her children’s outlook on school and their futures, giving them renewed confidence and hope.

Stories like hers show how meeting basic needs opens the door for learning. When children have stable housing, consistent access to food, and the ability to attend school every day, their capacity to learn grows exponentially. These essentials lay the groundwork for success in the classroom, allowing students to focus, participate, and thrive. Families and educators alike see the difference, and providing that stability is at the very heart of the program’s impact.

Sarah emphasizes that, beyond practical assistance, fostering hope is essential. “People are so highly attuned to where they are safe and where they belong,” she says. “That sense of hope and connection can be one of the most powerful things we offer.” In a community where poverty can feel isolating, knowing you are seen and supported can make all the difference.

The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation continues to play a vital role in creating this supportive environment, helping families overcome barriers and ensuring every child has a chance to succeed.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, last year we provided $95,000 in vital resources so students could arrive at school ready to learn.