A Renewed Vision for the CCC
November 1, 2007
The Community Cycling Center got its start as a community resource center in the most authentic of ways. Brian Lacy, a cyclist with mechanic skills, was fed up with seeing children on the street without supervised activities and without functioning bikes. He decided to combine those two needs with his skills by bringing a repair stand out onto the sidewalk and offering to fix the kids' bikes if they would stick around to watch and learn. That was over 13 years ago. The Community Cycling Center now has a large building (that's still not large enough), a community bike shop, 2,000 volunteers and programs that serve hundreds of kids every year. And after all this growth, the staff decided that maybe it was time to stop, take a breath assess where they were headed and how they should get there.
This intensive visioning process resulted in a refined mission statement, a renewed commitment to the community, a huge open house party and great hope for future growth. So what is their mission now?
The mission now states that "The Community Cycling Center broadens access to bicycling and its benefits through our hands-on programs, volunteer projects, and neighborhood bike shop. We believe bicycles are a tool for personal empowerment and a vehicle for social change." Instead of their former system of providing programs to youth and happening to have one adult program, the CCC has solidified their commitment to the entire community. "Getting kids on bikes is great" says Director of Development Alison Hill-Graves. "But getting the entire family on bikes is even better."
The CCC provides clubs and camps for kids and classes and clinics for adults. They integrate paying workshop attendees with low-income scholarship-funded participants to bring the community together in a learning environment. They will also be assessing what the community really wants and needs and working to create new programs. They will be providing programs for women and hope to develop programs for teens.
Alison says their open house was "a new chapter in the future of the CCC." 2007 was their most financially successful year in the bike shop. They're financially stable and have reserve funds to help them get through the winter season, a time that's always difficult for bike shops. "We're stronger than we've ever been" Alison says.
This article is part of ORbike's ongoing coverage of the Community Cycling Center's Holiday Bike Drive.
Posted by orbike at November 1, 2007 6:02 PM
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Comments
Congratulations on still being here doing needed services, CCC. I'm a long time supporter and I have always been impressed with what you are able to do on a shoestring. I've volunteered at the holiday bike giveaway and what an amazing experience. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Posted by: Long time supporter at November 1, 2007 9:02 PM
500 bikes - amazing. I helped with a program when I was living in Austin and we were able to give out 100 and we thought that was pretty special. I knew I moved to Oregon for good reason. I'll be by to volunteer since I've done this stuff before it will be fun.
Posted by: Dean at November 2, 2007 1:49 AM
I have an old bike my neighbor used to ride in the garage but it has flat tires and terrible brakes. It doesn't fit me so I want to get rid of it. Do you know if they will take it?
Posted by: Ellie at November 2, 2007 3:40 PM
Sure, we will happily accept your bike. We suggest a $5 donation to help cover costs of processing the bicycle (it's optional - but it does help us cover the considerable cost of recycling). Bring it by our shop at 1700 NE Alberta Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Call our shop if you have questions: 503-287-8786.
Thanks,
Alison
Posted by: Alison at November 2, 2007 5:39 PM