McCloud’s Community Resource Center Hosts Ice Cream Social at New Location

McCloud’s Community Resource Center has exciting news to share: a new location, a new program manager, and a successful community event to showcase it all. On Sunday, July 14th, the center invited the community to an ice cream social at their new facility, located at 304-A Main St, at the corner of Pine and Main St (formerly known as the Brown Dog Gallery) right across from the Mercantile.

The center’s new program manager, Chris Driscoll, was on hand to welcome visitors. The supporting advisory group, made up of McCloud residents, includes Judy Sarti, Linda Jett, Eileen Baur, Anne Mero (president), and Linda Allison (AARP assistant). As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the McCloud Community Resource Center is part of the Siskiyou Community Resource Collaborative.

The ice cream social served as an opportunity to introduce the new facility to the community and gather input on desired services. Visitors, including children, were invited to use stickers to indicate their preferred activities on posters lining the hallway. Popular suggestions included senior lunches, parenting classes, food commodities, cooking classes, support groups, financial workshops, and health/wellness exercise classes. For children, suggestions ranged from sports camps and tutoring to playgroups and reading/story time.

The Resource Center relies on donations, grants, raffles, and fundraisers for support. Community members can stay informed about upcoming events through Facebook and flyers posted around town. Anne Mero, the center’s president, shared the organization’s journey: “We worked out of our cars for three years before moving in with the chamber. Now we have our own building.”

The center’s office displays posters and pictures showcasing past activities, such as the 7th and 8th grade tea party, Trunk and Treat at Halloween, emergency food pantry, monthly parenting groups for preschoolers, and culinary classes in partnership with the high school.

The front office is designed to accommodate children’s play and small gatherings. A quaint garden area alongside the building offers space for outdoor activities, meetings, or casual visits. The center provides various resources, including parenting and family magazines, community guides, and information on county services like free phones, cancer screening for the uninsured, food assistance, and local job opportunities.

Exciting new programs are on the horizon, including a preschool/toddler play group, financial classes, and cooking programs. Chris Driscoll emphasizes the center’s role: “We are a bridge to connect people to other programs and services.”

The ice cream social was a hit, with over 100 people, including children, enjoying treats from the North Siskiyou Dairy Ice Cream truck throughout the day.

Driscoll highlighted the center’s impact, saying, “There are many lonely and isolated people in our community that benefit from our programs and events. We are here for the whole community.”

Community members expressed their appreciation for the event and the center’s services. Debbie Friend commented, “They should do these fun things all the time. It is a great way to see everyone and catch up with people.” Michael Cesio added, “They are so needed in our community. We need to know that they are here and what they can do for veterans, seniors, and shut-ins.”

The McCloud Community Resource Center is poised to make a significant impact on the community with its new location and expanded services. As it continues to grow and adapt to the needs of McCloud residents, the center remains committed to fostering connections and providing valuable resources for all.