Editor:
The Parenting Education Department at Linn-Benton Community College would like to extend its appreciation to David Johnson, owner of Sweet Home Gas and Deli, for his help in the success of a parenting education program the program holds each winter at Foster Elementary School.
The class is offered each January through a partnership with the school’s 21st Century Community Learning Center program.
We believe that in an economically distressed area it’s important to support parents’ ability to attend by assisting with gas money.
This ensures that families do not have an economic barrier to drive to Foster, and it provides an incentive for regular attendance at the 10 session program.
For the past three years Sweet Home Gas and Deli, the 76 Station at 1810 Main Street, has accepted the $5 gas vouchers we give out to class participants.
Mr. Johnson then bills LBCC for the vouchers he has received and we reimburse him for all those he has collected.
This means that gas station employees must be trained to understand the program and all vouchers must be carefully collected so that complete reimbursement can be obtained.
It also means that Mr. Johnson is carrying a debt until LBCC reimburses him.
We greatly appreciate this partnership and thank Sweet Home Gas and Deli for this support of families in their quest to do the best job possible in raising their children.
Cyrel Gable
Parenting Education
Coordinator