March Change for Good: Parker House Project
Homelessness remains a serious issue in Southern Oregon, and women—especially single women and mothers with children—face unique challenges when seeking shelter and stability. That’s where Parker House Project comes in.
As Ashland’s only transitional housing program specifically for women and their children, Parker House provides more than just a roof over their heads. It offers a path forward, providing support services, life skills education, and community connections to help families heal and rebuild.
This March, Ashland Food Co-op is proud to support Parker House Project as our Change for Good partner. That means when you round up your purchases at the register, you’re helping fund essential resources for women and children in need.
A Safe Haven and a Fresh Start
The journey out of homelessness isn’t just about housing—it’s about support, dignity, and opportunity. Parker House Project fosters a sense of community while helping residents develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive. Through programs focused on healing, education, and responsibility, women can rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.
More Than a Shelter—A Community
Parker House Project believes in creating moments of joy. For many of the children staying there, it’s the first time they’ve had a birthday celebration, a visit from Santa, or a family-style dinner. Simple things—like a shared meal, an art class, or a small holiday gift—can make a huge impact.
Transportation Challenges and Solutions
One of the biggest barriers for Parker House residents is reliable transportation. The nearest bus stop is half a mile away on a busy road with limited sidewalks. But thanks to the determination of Parker House staff and participants, they’re working with local transit agencies to bring a bus stop closer—making it easier for residents to get to work, school, and appointments safely.
A Thriving Community Garden
Spring is just around the corner, and Parker House residents and volunteers are ready to get their hands in the dirt! Their community garden provides fresh, healthy food and offers a therapeutic space for residents. Not only do they grow food for their own meals, but they also share their harvest with others in need.
How You Can Help
By rounding up at the register throughout March, you’re directly supporting Parker House's vital work. Every penny goes toward providing safe housing, resources, and hope for women and children in crisis.
Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for helping us Change for Good!
More Co-op News
The Co-op Community Classroom - Learn from local educators!
Located at 300 N Pioneer St, just behind the Co-op, sits our lovely community classroom. Here, we host delicious cooking classes, free lectures, sustainability classes, health and wellness events, cookie parties, community dinners, board meetings, and more! Owners get discounts!
You can find all events happening in the classroom at ashlandfood.coop/events, or look around the store as you shop for information teasing our upcoming classes.
If you are interested in TEACHING a free or paid class, you can contact education@ashlandfood.coop for more information.
Meet our January Change for Good Recipient
"Moving people from crisis to stability," Opportunities for Housing Resources and Assistance or OHRA is a non profit organization whose mission is to help low-income people build better lives. This is done by offering both hope and access to various social services,
"We encourage those in need on the path to self-sufficiency."
December Change for Good: Jackson County Fuel Committee
If you’ve lived through even one Rogue Valley winter, you know the cold settles in quickly. The frosty mornings, the long dark evenings, the kind of chill that lingers no matter how many layers you put on - winter can be tough. And while many of us can manage with the help of heaters, woodstoves, and warm homes, thousands of families in our community struggle to access the heat they need to stay safe and comfortable. That’s where the Jackson County Fuel Committee (JCFC) comes in!
November Change for Good Recipient
Meet our November Change for Good Recipient: The Siletz Health Clinic
Celebrating Indigenous Food and Traditions
Each October, when so many across the country celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, the Ashland Food Co-op pauses to reflect on the land we call home, the people who've cared for it, and how food and connections to the land can help us return that inheritance in a positive way.
September Change for Good: Siskiyou Field Institute
This month, your Change for Good donations support Siskiyou Field Institute (SFI), an organization that helps people connect with one of the most biodiverse regions in North America: the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion.
Meet our August Change for Good Partner - Ashland Schools Foundation
August's Change for Good partner is a perfect fit for this month as our kids head back to school. Ashland Schools Foundation (ASF) is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting quality education in Ashland's public schools. You may have run in the Monster Dash or noticed the "Perk Up for Students" sign at our local coffeeshops - these are just some of the (fun and delicious) ways you are already supporting ASF.
Welcome to the Board!
We are happy to welcome two new Directors, Evan Archerd and Elizabeth Walsh, to the Board! And we're thrilled to have Joanna Wnorowski Pecoraro continuing to serve!
July Change for Good Partner: White Oak Farm
This month, we’re proud to support White Oak Farm, an inspiring organization that blends sustainable farming, environmental education, and community nourishment—right here in Southern Oregon.
Bee the Change: Supporting Pollinators, Art, and Education with Bee Girl
Here at Ashland Food Co-op, we’re buzzing with excitement about our July Change for Good partner: Bee Girl / Bee Regenerative! This local nonprofit is doing some bee-autiful work to protect pollinators, restore habitats, and teach the next generation how to care for the tiny creatures that keep our food systems thriving.
Bee Girl + Bee Regenerative: More Than Just a Name
May Change for Good: Food & Friends
Each May, Ashland Food Co-op highlights a local nonprofit doing vital work in our community—and this month, we're proud to feature Food & Friends, the only Meals on Wheels program serving Jackson and Josephine Counties.
April Change for Good: ScienceWorks
ScienceWorks: Growing Sustainably, Connecting Community