Community Boards and Advisory Committees

The Social Services Division works directly with a variety of community boards and advisory committees to serve our community and advocate on behalf of Clackamas County residents.

Inaugural Community Action Impact Award

Since the 1960’s, Community Action Agencies(CAA) have been fighting America's war on poverty by
helping low income individuals and families overcome barriers and build upon their natural strengths ]
and abilities. Clackamas County Social Services is the designated CAA for Clackamas County, providing
support, resources and referral to low-income residents.

No one agency can successfully fight the war on poverty alone. Clackamas County is fortunate to have
many businesses, organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to help people who are struggling
to meet their basic needs and improve their life circumstances.

The Community Action Board is charged with advising the CAA on issues related to poverty
and services for low income people, and advocates on behalf of poverty related issues at the local and
state level. Clackamas County Community Action Board is pleased to present the Inaugural Community
Action Impact Awards.

The Founders Clinic, operated by Clackamas Volunteers in Medicine, is a free medical clinic located in
Oregon City that cares for low-income adult county residents who do not have medical insurance. The
clinic provides free health care and information and referral related to health issues. The clinic is
staffed by volunteer medical and allied health professionals dedicated to serving the uninsured with
care and respect. Services include lab work, medical supplies, and referrals to more specialized
services when needed. The clinic also serves as a local health resource by providing educational
materials and participating in local health fairs. The clinic serves as a base for students and
unemployed skills-based volunteers, thus enhancing their resume in preparation for seeking employment.
During the first twelve months of service, the Founders Clinic has seen approximately 500 patients.

Carol Kay volunteered as the President of the Friends of the Ledding Library (FOLL) from 1999 to 2011.
During Carol's tenure, The Friends of the Library developed into an efficient and dynamic organization
that brought significant increases in fund raising and community involvement. During her tenure Carol
displayed superb leadership complemented by a magnificent vision and work ethic. The Friends' financial
contributions to the Ledding Library have made a wide variety of programs and services possible,
including the First Saturday Music Series, programs for the community's younger people, summer reading
programs for children and teens as well as story time presentations in Spanish. Carol has been an
excellent advocate in her belief that the Library’s role is to provide equal and free access for all
members of the community.

AntFarm is a community leader in identifying local food source needs and enhancing the local food system.
Their work engages under-resourced youth as the “keepers of the garden”, where they gain life and work
skills, learn about nutrition, and have an opportunity to understand the importance of community and pride
of ownership. The produce harvested assists low income seniors and families meet their basic food needs.
In 2012 AntFarm worked with 77 youth who contributed over 2, 900 hours of service.

Community Action Board (CAB)

The Community Action Board is an advisory group that meets monthly to advise Clackamas County Social Services Division Community Action Agency programs on services for low-income persons. Members are appointed by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners. The group advocates both locally and at the state level on issues related to low-income persons and households.
For information or to get involved, call (503) 650-5643 and speak to Valerie Skinner, or email valerieski@clackamas.us.

Aging Services Advisory Council (ASAC)

The Aging Services Advisory Council is an advisory group that meets monthly to advise Clackamas County Social Services Division Senior and Disabled Services on services for older clients. Members are appointed by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners. The group advocates both locally and at the state level on issues related to aging. The Advisory Council has a number of sub committees devoted to specific issues such as Transportation, and Nutrition.

Veterans Advisory Council (VAC)

The Clackamas County Veterans Advisory Council advises the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Health, Housing and Human Services on all matters relating to the provision of services to veterans, their families and dependents, ensuring that the needs of veterans, their families and dependents are recognized and addressed in a timely manner. Veterans Advisory Council also makes recommendations regarding current issues affecting veterans, their families and dependents.
For information or to get involved, call Valerie Skinner at (503) 650-5643, or email valerieski@clackamas.us.

Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council

The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council is comprised of recipients of service, advocates, and professionals in the field, provider representatives and lay citizens. Members are residents of the county or have work interests or a family member eligible for services in the county. The Council advises the Director of Health Housing and Human Services, Director of Social Services and the DD Program Manager in planning and reviewing programs and recommending policy for developmental disabilities program areas.

The council meets monthly. All are welcome at the meetings.

Desired skills include an ability to be a part of public process, a capacity to problem-solve and to work constructively within a group setting.

If you are interested in applying to serve on the council applications may be completed and submitted online. Clackamas County Commissioners will give final approval to the appointments.

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