Kiwanis awards grant to Audrey Tehan

Sisters Kiwanis awards grants to Sisters-area adults who are seeking a career change or wish to enhance career opportunities. This program, known as the Kiwanis Career Opportunity Fund (COF) assists adults (25 or older) who are financially unable to return to school or retrain for a career change. In the 10 years since its inception, the fund has awarded more than $66,000 in assistance to help residents reach their educational dreams.

Audrey Tehan was recently awarded a COF grant. She is the founder and executive director of Seed to Table, a local nonprofit whose mission is "to increase health and wellness of the Central Oregon community through providing equal access to locally grown, nutritious foods and offering opportunities in farm-based education. Seed to Table accomplishes its mission.

In 2007, they distributed 20,000 pounds of food to over 200 families per week. Some families purchased food shares through a community-supported-agriculture program whereby the family commits to buying fresh produce for 19 weeks. Other families received food through three local food banks that get Seed to Table produce every week.

Seed to Table also partners with local schools to teach students gardening and environmental skills. In 2017, 1,300 students participated in their education programs.

This work is accomplished on a two-acre Sisters farm that grows the produce. Tehan has never taken a small-farm training course. She graduated from Sisters High School in 2007 and Southern Oregon in 2013 with a major in environmental studies.

The COF grants will provide the funds for Audrey to take an in-depth farming and farm business course. The course, entitled Master Gardener's Master Class, is taught by the world's leading small-farm expert, Jean Martin Fortier.

When she was presented with the COF award, Audrey was asked about her plans.

"I yearn to help others live a healthier life," she said.

"Now that I have gotten Seed to Table off the ground it is time to increase my knowledge in a formal setting so I can continue growing Seed to Table. This class is truly a once-in-lifetime opportunity made possible by the Kiwanis grant."

The Kiwanis Career Opportunity Fund provides assistance to start, augment or complete a career that may include vocational, technical, artistic or general fields of study. Funds are available to qualified residents within the Sisters area regardless of age, gender, disability, marital status, race or current occupation. Kiwanis does not set limitations on potential use of the award.

COF applications are available on the Kiwanis website: sisterskiwanis.org/about-us/career-opportunity-fund; at the Sisters Habitat for Humanity office, from Family Access Network or by calling 541-410-2870. Kiwanis is actively seeking applicants for COF grants.

To donate to the COF, make checks payable to Sisters Kiwanis COF and post to Sisters Kiwanis, P.O. Box 1296, Sisters, OR, 97759.