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The Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program is committed to increasing the capacity of rural communities to improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions. We are also committed to providing an unparalleled service-learning opportunity for our AmeriCorps members. With your help we can continue to expand and strengthen the support we offer our members and the work we do for rural Oregon. 

General donations can be made to the RARE Program and will go to where the need is the greatest. Donations can also be directed towards one of our initiatives – The Megan Smith Member Emergency Support or the Emerson W. Hoagland Oregon Public Service Scholarship. If you’d like to make a contribution to one of our initiatives, please note it in the comments section when making your donation.

All donations are greatly appreciated and make an immediate impact on our program.

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Photo of Megan Smith joyously presenting to a group of RARE membersMegan Smith Member Emergency Support

The Megan Smith Member Emergency Support initiative’s main purpose is to provide financial assistance to RARE AmeriCorps members facing unexpected financial challenges during their service term. Times of emotional and financial stress can make a challenging situation feel even more burdensome and our goal at the RARE Program is to maintain the health and safety of all RARE members throughout their service. RARE service should be accessible, enjoyable, impactful, and safe for all people.

Examples of unexpected and unavoidable expenses can include but are not limited to: natural disasters, family emergencies, unplanned relocations during a member’s service year, as well as minimizing the cost of medical well-being expenses. These can include a medical emergency, short-term counseling, unforeseen medical expenses (e.g. medicine, vision, etc.).

This initiative is in honor of Megan Smith, an amazing woman that played a lead role in making the RARE AmeriCorps Program what it is today. Megan was a pivotal part of the RARE Program for 25 years – serving as member, program coordinator and finally Program Director. A tireless advocate in providing young people opportunities, Megan’s legacy lives on as it did in life – providing support to the members for whom she cared so deeply.

To contribute to this initiative, please note “Megan Smith Member Emergency Support” in the comments section when making your donation. Do not use the “tribute” section.

Photo of Emerson smiling in the sun, rocking his usual tie-dye t-shirtEmerson W. Hoagland Oregon Public Service Scholarship

Emerson W. Hoagland served with the RARE AmeriCorps Program in the Year 24 cohort (2017-2018). He was a pillar in our community, always showing up with kindness, care, and a strong desire to “get things done” for rural Oregon. Emerson made waves improving the look and feel of main street in his adoptive home with the City of Reedsport and within the PPPM Program at UO. We lost Emerson in 2021 to a battle with cancer.

To honor the legacy of Emerson W. Hoagland, this memorial Scholarship is designed to aid RARE AmeriCorps members who have recently completed a term of service and seek to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Oregon. Applicants must demonstrate a dedication to serving Oregon communities through public service. 

To contribute to this initiative, please note “Emerson W. Hoagland Oregon Public Service Scholarship” in the comments section when making your donation. Do not use the “tribute” section.

The Resource Assistance for Rural Environments AmeriCorps Program is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.