IVCanDo Mission
The Illinois Valley Community Development Organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to develop, implement, and evaluate a living Illinois Valley Strategic Plan that encourages stable community development and aims to improve local economic and social conditions through cooperative programs and partnerships in rural southwest Oregon.
The success of IVCanDO derives from an engaged, dedicated board of directors, a skilled, experienced staff, and direct participation of the community. The work of our organization is guided by these core values:
We begin from a place of respect and service, with a culture of collaboration and connectivity. Dedicated to engagement and diversity, we use partnerships, innovation, and commitment to accomplish tangible, lasting results.
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What is the 20/20 Vision?
The Illinois Valley 20/20 Vision and Strategic Plan is a roadmap for success that enumerates specific steps to meet community goals. It is implemented with a convening model, which brings together stakeholders from among residents, nonprofits, agencies, and government to address local needs. These teams are called Action Collaboratives.
Stakeholders wishing to see the 20/20 Plan can find it at ivcdo.org. To join or establish an Action Collaborative, contact IVCanDO’s Community Development Coordinator Kate Dwyer at 541 787-5283 or by email at [email protected].
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Action Collaboratives for 2018
Public Safety Task Force
This group is high level IV stakeholders and some County attendees focusing on safety in many aspects, from law enforcement patrols to emergency readiness to the integration of mental health with street security. Current initiatives include increasing lighting and camera coverage in downtown CJ, aiding mentally ill street people, and effectively integrating neighborhood watches and street patrols with formal law enforcement. The regular attendees include the Josephine County Sheriff, IV Fire district chief, the City of Cave Junction, Three Rivers School District, Securing Our Safety (county-wide group based in Grants Pass,) Neighborhood Watch, CJ Patrol, KXCJ LP community radio, local business owners, Chamber of Commerce, IVCDO, IV Wellness Resources, IV Family Coalition Executive Director, Drug and Alcohol service provider, Domestic Violence prevention, Harm Reduction, CERT, and others. Meets monthly, usually fourth Thursdays, 5 pm, Illinois Valley Family Coalition, 535 East River Street Cave Junction.
IV Senior Connections
Group goals include improving the services available to seniors in the valley so they can stay in their homes, aligning local efforts, and cross-marketing. Regular attendees include the IV Family Coalition, RVCOG Senior Services, UCan, IV Wellness Resources, IVCDO, the IV Senior Center, Healthy U, and Josephine County Master Food Preservers (Food and Friends meal services.) This group presented the IV Senior Expo, showcasing locally available services to seniors and presenting eight workshops. Over 200 people attended. This group meets monthly, last Tuesdays, 2:30 pm, Illinois Valley Family Coalition, 535 East River Street Cave Junction.
Farm Systems Network
Representatives from the Soil and Water District, Farmers Market, local farmers and food businesses, are connecting with each other and with the regional Rogue Valley Food Systems Network to promote food farmer interests and food security programs. Meets monthly with a focus on the Cave Junction Farmers Market, quarterly for extended efforts.
Caring Community
Focusing on supporting, aligning, and building awareness of services to children and families. Regular attendees include Healthy U, IV Family Coalition, Evergreen Elementary School, Project Baby Check, The Family Connection (Parenting Education Hub,) The Pregnancy Center, IV Library, Head Start, OSU Extension, and IVCDO. They network, stay aware of each other’s work, offer support, participation, and partnership opportunities, and produce a monthly positive reinforcement flyer. Meets monthly, first Wednesdays, 8:30 am, Evergreen Elementary School in Cave Junction.
Parks Master Planning Group
Stakeholders from local sports and recreation groups, public schools, representatives from the City of Cave Junction, and a diverse group of IV residents worked to hear public input on and create a Master Plan for Parks and Recreation with the help of OSU Masters students. Implementation is pending amendment and formal adoption by the City.
Downtown Beautification
Installing pocket pollinator gardens around Cave Junction, and working towards a downtown security lighting and camera system, as well as storefront upgrades, this group brings together the Garden Club, the student group Josephine County Foundation, the IV Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, and several volunteers to vision and complete downtown beautification projects, including community-wide clean up days. Meets on a project-driven basis.
Schools Community Partners
All agencies with a formal presence in Illinois Valley schools meet with all three area principals and the Superintendent of Schools quarterly to align their work, avoid duplication, and leverage efforts. In addition to this networking, the group is focused on developing best practices for wrap-around services and on bringing trauma-informed training to all schools at every level and to all partner agencies. This is a robust coalition of over twenty groups. Meets quarterly. Tentative next dates (please confirm): Aug 1, Nov 7, 9:00 am, at Lorna Byrne Middle School, Cave Junction.
Business Focus
Individuals who provide business supports are currently engaged in a business canvass to reach busy entrepreneurs and develop a profile of their needs. This group includes business counselors and access to the IV Revolving Loan Program. Current project is Small Business Cohorts, including one in progress to address the need for child care in the valley, and one under development to promote micro-lodging businesses.
Arts Network
This developing alignment of the boards of several arts groups works to implement the Arts Value Chain discussed in the Strategic Plan and to look for opportunities to promote arts and arts events throughout the valley.
High School Careers Support
Student internships, job shadows, career awareness, and job readiness are all part of this major initiative at Illinois Valley High School, which is supported by a grant from the Ford Family Foundation. School graduation coaches, counseling staff, and partners like College Dreams and Aspire, all welcome you to complete a background check and roll up your sleeves to help our students develop solid plans for their bright futures.
Health Systems Network
Addressing lagging health outcomes in the Illinois Valley, this group focuses on areas with poor metrics as noted in the recent OHA report, including adolescent wellness screening, dental sealants, and perinatal care. This group recently held a naloxone distribution event, and a new harm reduction initiative seeks to curtail the spread of disease. Current listening sessions for the Community Health Assessment will now include focus groups in the IV. Health sector members welcome.
Recreational Outdoor Collaborative
This group includes representatives from State Parks, the Forest Service, the National Parks Service, The IV Visitor’s Center, the High School Careers Center, County Parks, Adopt-a-Park volunteers, the BLM, and tourism promotion groups. Current projects include wheelchair accessibility at recreational and interpretive sites, expansion of the Forks Park disc golf course, adding a year-round park host to the Page Mountain recreational area, and developing the amenities the community wants. Meets every other month.
Stewardship Network
Bringing together community forest protection groups with fire fuels reduction efforts and economic opportunities for small diameter logs and forest products, this group takes an innovative approach to protecting residents in the forest boundaries as well as enhancing the health of residential area forests. Current major project is Page Creek Community Fuels Reduction, currently being replicated in the Rockydale Road neighborhood. Meets monthly with additional subcommittees.
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