The McKay Area Community Progress Team

...is a group of volunteers who have come together to help build community ties and strengthen families in the east Salem area. We are working to create a variety of resources for children and families. Our goal is to create a positive, nurturing atmosphere where youth can feel safe and families have a supportive environment.

Our mission is to:
... work to give every individual, family and organization a voice, and an opportunity to participate in the creation of a safe, supportive community.

... focus on fostering community wellness and a community which nurtures children to become healthy, happy, productive adults and parents.

... foster a joint understanding of each community sector's needs, and

... work towards collaborative and mutually beneficial goals.

The McKay Area CPT is a recognized community progress team of the Marion County Children and Families Commission.

What is the Children and Families Commission?

Based upon 1993 state legislation the Marion County Children and Families Commission (CFC) is forging partnerships in support of local efforts to positively change the lives of children and enhance each family's ability to face today's challenges. To this end they authorized the creation of 16 local community progress teams.

The McKay Area CPT is a recognized CPT of Marion County. It represents the geographical region matching the McKay High School attendance area. this area extends from 24th Street NE east to 64th Street NE and from Center north to Hayesville Road.

While it is not directly a part of the Salem-Keizer School system, the McKay CPT was formed as a result of an inter-governmental agreement between Marion County, the City of Salem, and the Salem-Keizer School District.

What does the CPT do?

• Work to create collaborative partnerships with individuals, community groups and agencies to address local needs
• Award mini-grants that support "community-building" projects

From 1998 to 2003 the CPT awarded 90 grants totaling $90,000.

 

Grants included such topics as:

ESL classes, literacy programs, trainings, workshops on parenting, leadership development, environmental education and community safety forums.

• Disseminate information on local resources
• Promote the 40 Development Assets for
  Youth identified by the Search Institute
• Give input to Marion County on what
  services are needed by those who live in
  our area
  

How can I get involved?

If you live, work or have an interest in the area, you are a member of the McKay Area CPT general membership. We welcome everyone to our general meetings.

The Board of Directors for the McKay Area CPT seeks representation from neighborhood associations, schools, churches, businesses, public and private agencies as well as people at-large.

You can be involved in the McKay Area CPT by doing one of the following:

1. Attend our general meetings where we listen to the community, share information, and thank community volunteers and our partners.

The general meetings include:

•  Fall Community Dinner and Sharing
• Annual Community Dinner in the spring
• Awards for Community Service

2. Attend our monthly Board meetings 2nd Wednesday of each month (September thru June)

3. Join the Board of Directors

There are openings for members who represent businesses, churches, neighborhood associations, service clubs or community members at-large.

4. Call us at (503) 363-3998, talk with one of our Board members to get more information, or send us an e-mail