Catherine Creek Community Center: Updates and Accomplishments

 Advisory Board Update February 2026 Catherine Creek Community Center 667 N Main Street Union, Oregon

Dear Catherine Creek Community Center Members, Partners, and Advisory Board,

As we move further into 2026,  the Board of Directors at the Catherine Creek Community Center is pleased to share our latest updates and accomplishments.

Your insight into our local and regional community is vital to the continued success of the Catherine Creek Community Center. Your feedback regarding the following updates and accomplishments ensures that our programs, services, and preservation efforts align with the needs and values of our community.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.  Please provide comments and thoughts to:  CCCCenter667@gmail.com 

Warm regards,

Friends of the Historic Union Community Hall, Operating the Catherine Creek Community Center

667 N Main Street, Union, Oregon 97883

         

Compiled by: Cherie Kausler January 15th, 2026

Board of Directors

• Donna Beverage now serves as both President and Treasurer. 

• Geneva Williams continues to lead the Union Food Bank while serving as an active Board Member.

• La Von Hall has been diligently collecting historic stories for the Memorial Wall, has provided leadership during the Alumni Breakfast, and has committed to joining the Board of Directors.

• Jodi Moore has been active for over two years. She leads the Community Meals program and assists with the Youth Group.

• Glennas Orcutt is our newest member of the Board of Directors, and we are excited to bring her aboard!   

• Cherie Kausler has relocated to Central Oregon but continues to support the organization remotely through grant writing, website management and board participation.

Budget and Financial Overview

Income: 

The Parsonage House rental continues to provide sustainable income and is now managed by Eagle Cap Rental Management. 

Rental income remains a major funding source.

Fundraisers:

• Annual New Year's Event (2025) netted over $400

• The spring 2025 Spaghetti Feed brought in over $600.

• Fall Potato Feed & Auction: Netted over $1600. Community donations also continue to provide essential support.

• Connie Gantz donated several of her Span Family books for sale.  The sale of her wonderful local history book has been added to our general fund. 

We received a $6,000 General Operation Grant from the Oregon Community Foundation for 2025!  This has been an extremely welcome contribution. 

Expenses:

• Property Insurance is over $9,000 per year.  It is easily our largest operational expense.

• Loan Payments are approximately $400 per month.

• Utilities are consistent in summer months; winter heating can exceed $600/month.  We are planning an increase in utilities to match the National trade of a 7% increase

• In 2025 Cleaning contractors and program staff have been paid through grant funding.

Estimated Remaining Building Debt:

• We managed to pay off our debt to Northeast Oregon Economic Development District in December 2025!!  The original loan was $30,000. 

• Our second loan was originally $50,000, and we currently owe approximately $40,000

Spring 2026 Fundraisers

More information regarding our spring 2026 Auction and Community Feed will be announced shortly. 

Website Update

Our website has transitioned to a more cost-effective host and has been updated with new content. Please visit:  www.CatherineCreekCommunityCenter.com

Programs and Projects: 

Union Food Bank

The Union Food Bank Shed is near completion!  Grant funding has been a vital contribution to the project.  The project was necessary to address storage and safety concerns. The State of Oregon has seen a 30% increase in visitors in 2024.  The project grant funding includes: 

• Ford Family Foundation – $19,000

• Wildhorse Foundation – $1,500

• Community Connection of NE Oregon – $8,900

• Roundhouse Foundation (cement) – $9,000

• Round House Foundation Local Food Grant- $6,000 (for the purchase of food)

Volunteers are needed to complete the project.  We need to move four freezers through three doors on one level. 

Food Bank visits continue to increase locally and statewide. Volunteers are always needed to pick up, pack, and distribute food.  Please consider joining us on the third Friday of each month at 10:00-11:00 to help distribute food to the local community.   For more information email ccccenter667@gmail.com. Special thanks to all our amazing Food Bank Volunteers!

Historic Preservation

We are thrilled to announce that the Catherine Creek Community Center has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places!  See the October 30th, 2025 article on Elkhorn Media Group. 

Volunteers needed to replace the siding on the north wood stairs leading to the former Pastor's Office and additionally replace the wooden doors to the east side basement. 

  

Youth Programs

The Summer Art Program (funded by the Reser Family Foundation) has been successfully completed.  Additionally, the Reser Foundation funded a three-week multi-age music program.

The Youth Group after-school program, funded by the Auzen Foundation, will continue through May 2026.

The Backpack Program provides weekly take-home food to youth 

The Home School Art Program continues to operate weekly, during the school year, on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. in partnership with Art Center East

Volunteers will be sought in summer 2026 to continue the Backpack Program as assure the youth have access to take-home food through the summer. All volunteers working with children will be required to complete a Criminal History Check. 

Economic Development: Vendor Shows

The Catherine Creek Community Center Board of Directors has been active in mentoring and supporting local organizations working to develop our local economy.  The building is available at a reduced fee for individuals and businesses interested in expansions and growth.  Email CCCCenter667@gmail.com. 

Our wonderful volunteer, Terra led two vendor shows in November and December 2025!!

Senior & Community Meals

The monthly Senior/Community Meals Program continues to thrive with the help of 6–8 volunteers monthly.  Our Head Cook, Jodi regularly volunteers over 16 hours monthly to the program.

Meals are served on the second Friday of each month at noon and the Blue Mountaineers perform regularly at these events!   All are welcome and the suggested donation for the event is $4.00

Community Meal Sponsorships

We have initiated a Community Meals Sponsorship.  Community members can help cover meal costs with a $100 sponsorship.  Several sponsors have also been buying meals for all the participants at a cost of $4 per meal. The average number of people who attend Community Meals is 40!  Many generous individuals have already contributed.

Memorial Wall and Community History Project

We are always seeking stories and photos about our community and the former Union United Methodist Church!  https://communityhistoryproject.blogspot.com/

Alumni Breakfast

The 2025 Alumni Breakfast was a great success, hosted at the Union School District. Proceeds provided two $500 scholarships to the Bobcat Foundation.  This event was brought to you by a group of amazing volunteers!!! 

Special thanks to all of the individuals, partners, and funders who work to bring services to our rural community!!! 

Chapel at Catherine Creek Community Center

 

 

 

Historic Images

 

Noll Methodist Church Union Oregon

 

Historic Union Bank

 

Old Davis Brothers Service Station in Union Oregon Photo with Chet Baum

 

Dear Lavon, 

Enclosed is a photo from my mom’s old photo album. 

Her name is Mary Wright Mitchell, she was born in 1910, and her mother died in the great flu epidemic, just after the end of World War I.  Her grandparents lived on a farm west of Hot Lake, next to the Hawkin’s place, I see theri old white house and the out buildings have all been torn   down.

Mom and her dad and brother and sister Edith too, then mom, attended Union High School.

(I should mention her grandfather was Christian C. Hansen.  Alice Hibbert remembered them well and told me about her memories of grandmother Hansen).

Mom married James T. Miller, who died when my sister Jean Anne Miller was about 6 weeks old, was a fine athlete in the same class, I think as Alva Orton at Union High School. 

The photo enclosed, moma and I thought years ago, is of the Davis Brothers Service Station in Union.  The fuel pumps are visible, and two of the men are in uniform, looks like an attendant and mechanic along with chet Baum.

You probably be able to place the time.  My guess would be well before 1936, after 1928? Maybe? 

Mom had a little brown box camera and she had a good sense of events that could matter to us.  Her photos recorded Stockshow parades, birthday parties, picnics at Catherine Creek, family, friends and our town of Union.

As a widow, she managed the dime store when the actual manager was called up to go work in the shipyards in Portland.  Jean Ann was only about 5 and the school allowed her to begin first grade a year early so our mom could open the store and keep it open, Jean would stay at the store until closing time and they walked to 10th street, to their home near 10th street bridge.  They lived with Grandpa Wight.

If you like more remembrances, you can see I’m happy to share. I didn't leave Union until I was in my mid-fifties, and spent a lot of time with my folks, until they passed.

I know my cousin Lenora has shared with you, and perhaps she sent you photos too.  Several photos at both have of family get- togethers, show Union as it was in the 40’s and 50’s.  The streets, houses and buildings (and vacant lots, milk cows and a horse or two are pretty nostalgic to see. 

Your work with the Community Center is great to follow.  We all have all sorts of attachments to that spot.

 

We are hiring! Resource Center Specialist Wanted

 

Resource Center Specialist

Are you looking for a part-time (10 hours per week) job in Union?  The Catherine Creek Community Center is in search of a Resource Center Specialist starting at $15.00 per hour.  In this position, you will provide assistance to community members as they seek to access local resources.  The specialist may also help with reservations, building tours, and other programming. For more information and to receive an application, call 541-562-2038 or email CCCCenter667@gmail.com

Job Description: Catherine Creek Community Center Resource Specialist 

As the Resource Center Specialist, employee will help community members access resources and help them find information and services.  The Specialist will work to bring people together and create a sense of community.  As a part of the team, the Specialist will assist with ongoing programming at the Community Center, possibly including the Union Food Bank, Community Meal Program and children’s playgroups.  The position will provide opportunities to solve problems, address concerns, and build relationships, all while providing a valuable service to the Union community

Grant funds have been provided for this position for one year.

Skills and Education

High School Diploma and experience in social services

Have a knowledge of the services provided at the Catherine Creek Community Center.

Understand the local community.

Knowledge of local and regional resources and service providers. 

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with people.

Computer skills.

Duties

The Community Resource Specialist will work with community members of all ages and backgrounds and follow the Catherine Creek Community Center Non Discrimination Policy, to help coordinate needs with resources.  In this role, you can help community members find services, direct them to services or help them transition into the workplace.  Proficiency with a computer is a must as you assist community members search for information, print and scan documents, access email, and submit applications.  Excellent communication skills are also required. 

Support the advancement of Community Resources at the Catherine Creek Community Center.  Answer questions about the Community Center and support program development. 

 Arrange events to bring community members together with regional service providers.   

Encourage community engagement and volunteerism. 

Discover common problems in the community and advocate and spread the word about services within the community.

Support community members in determining eligibility for services.

Evaluate the effectiveness of services and programs. 

Participate in staff meetings, plan new programs, work on funding, build relationships with community members and maintain records.

Report regularly to the Board of Directors

Music lessons by Elwood

 

Wildhorse Foundation Grant to the Friends of The Historic Union Community Hall for the Catherine Creek Community Center

 The Friends of the Historic Union Community Hall operating the Catherine Creek Community Center in Union Oregon is excited to announce that the nonprofit has received a generous grant from the Wildhorse Foundation.  Funding from the Wildhorse Foundation, operated by The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) will be used for the Catherine Creek Community Center Roof Repair.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) is a modern Tribal Government representing the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla people, who have lived in this region for thousands of years. Each year the Wildhorse Foundation makes grants to eligible organizations in the  homeland area now known as northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa counties in Oregon and Benton, Columbia and Walla Walla Counties in Washington, along with Native American organizations in the Pacific Northwest region.

The Friends of the Historic Union Community Hall acknowledges and thanks the Wildhorse Foundation for the opportunity to support the preservation of this historic brick structure. This grande building formerly known as the Union United Methodist Church was built in 1905 and has been a home for religious services as well community gatherings and events since its construction.

Wildhorse Foundation dollars will support a large percentage of the repair of the steep gabled roof system.  The Friends of the Historic Union Community Hall will be organizing fundraising activities over the next few months to help raise the additional dollars needed to complete the roof repair and secure the building for future generations. 

You can view more information about upcoming fundraisers, The Wildhorse Foundation and the roof project at www.CatherineCreekCommunityCenter.com or view our exterior display when you come to Union for the Eastern Oregon LiveStock Show the first full week of June or the Union County Fireworks display on the Fourth of July. 

Food Pantry Coming Soon to The Catherine Creek Community Center

 The Catherine Creek Community Center will soon provide a Food Pantry at the 667 N Main Street Location!

The volunteer group has participated in Food Handlers Training, had a site visit and is now finalizing requirments to begin operation. 

To assure a continuation of services, volunteers from Catherine Creek Community Center visited the Union Food Pantry operated by the Union Baptist Church at 1531 S Main St. Union OR 97883.  The Union Baptist Church opens the Food Pantry once a month for services and has been orperating at the location for eight years. 

Opening date for Union Food Pantry at the Catherine Creek Community Center will be announced. 

Community Resource Center at The Catherine Creek Community Center funded by Oregon Community Foundation

 

The Friends of The Historic Union Community Hall operating the Catherine Creek Community Center in Union Oregon is pleased to announce that the organization has received an award by the Oregon Community Foundation.  

The grant request, for a Community Resource Center, will be an asset to the local community of Union Oregon.  The grant request will include staff, three computers, resource literature and bookshelves for public use.  The Catherine Creek Community Center Community Resource Center will be open Fridays from 9:00-2:00 beginning June 2021 with extended hours posted later this summer. 

Terra Richter, Board President writes, “The Oregon Community Foundation dollars will allow our organization to provide a needed service to our community.  Union residents can use our computers, printers and staff to access local and regional services.”

The funds that supported the Oregon Community Foundation Grant are: the Glen and Jean McKenzie Fund of Oregon Community Foundation, Robert W. Chandler Fund of Oregon Community Foundation and the Northeast Oregon Heritage Fund of Oregon Community Foundation.  

The Catherine Creek Community Center is now open for booking.  The historic Union Main Street location hosts an impressive Chapel with grand stained glass windows. In addition to Chapel rental for weddings and family events, the building includes a meeting hall, office desk is available for rent as well as an approved kitchen facility.  For rental and contact information see our website at www.CatherineCreekCommunityCenter.com

The Community Resource Center at the Catherine Creek Community Center, funded by Oregon Community Foundation dollars,  is one of several programs that the Board of the Catherine Creek Community Center has been developing.  Additional programming will include a Food Pantry, Memorial Wall and a Community History Project located at: Union Community History Project  As the volunteer program develops, Covid-19 restrictions are addressed and resources are sought, the Friends of The Historic Union Community Hall will continue to bring responsive programming to Union Oregon.   Community input in program development is encouraged.    

The Friends of The Historic Union Community Hall has worked to  address access to all.  The Community Resource Center will include a desk designed to compliment wheelchairs, access to our newly enlarged ADA Bathroom and existing wheelchair ramps.