Your Voice Matters
These conversations are about hope, awareness, impact and partnership. We invite you to share your stories and make a difference.
Mike Tardie, Director of Community and Volunteer Engagement, explains Conversations on a Bench.
From the 2025 Bench
The Eugene Mission serves people with dignity, respect and compassion. These conversations are a way for observers to understand the depth of the need, the stories behind those whose lives are improved through the Mission, and the culture of the organization. The work performed by the Mission is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and anyone watching will quickly see that the extraordinary hope and healing that occurs there is only possible because of the intervention of the Father. I so enjoyed being one among many who spent a few minutes visiting with Sheryl about a cause we’re all committed to.
Pete Kerns: CEO, Serenity Lane
The Mission’s Conversations on a Bench was a wonderful experience. The Mission team truly went all out, creating a welcoming space that brought together so many shared community partners.
I appreciated the opportunity to share our vision for the public workforce system: being responsive to people seeking meaningful work and supporting the path to self-sufficiency and economic mobility. Just as important, it was a chance to highlight that there is an entire network of partners ready to support both The Mission's staff and the individuals they serve. When we work together, we create stronger pathways to opportunity and lasting success for our community.
Ashley Espinoza: Executive Director, Lane Workforce Partnership
Conversations on a Bench was an outstanding way to bring the challenges of our homeless community to the front and help the people in our area to know how they might get involved. I also met some great people who I’ve continued to collaborate with.
Brad Bills: Executive Director, Hosea Youth Services
This event was a truly enriching experience for me. I really appreciated the diverse representation from various agencies and organizations, as it highlighted a shared commitment to our community.
It was deeply moving to see people from vastly different background and walks of life in one location united in conversation by a common purpose. It allowed a space that fostered genuine connection which provided the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with members from across the community that I might never have had, or our paths may never have crossed. These interactions were the highlight of the day/night, offering fresh insights and strengthening the sense of community.
Charleen Strauch: Executive Director, Head Start of Lane County
Invest in this conversation
Interested in partnering on this event? Email our philanthropy team to start a conversation.