Community Conversations, presented by Roundabout Books & Family Kitchen

**If events are sold out, please email events@roundaboutbookshop.com for options**

Six conversations anchored in compassion and intended to raise awareness, share knowledge, and shatter assumptions surrounding the circumstances of poverty in Central Oregon.

Series Description

We are all neighbors here, experiencing many of the same pressures, loves, sadnesses, hopes, struggles, dreams, and joys. Though we all want to help each other in need, we also come from different backgrounds, experiences, and living situations, and it’s natural to make assumptions about an issue when seen through the lens of our personal histories. The complexity of the problems surrounding poverty affect us all and the health of our community, but they’re also often misunderstood and can feel insurmountable. Roundabout Books and Family Kitchen are partnering in the hope of creating the time and a safe space to listen to each other, while broadening our understanding of the issues.

The purpose of this series is to share the knowledge of local experts and nonprofits, including those with lived experience, and to hear from the people who work tirelessly to support our most vulnerable community members. The goal of this series is to raise awareness and increase our understanding through an open dialogue of these topics in a compassionate, non-partisan, non-threatening environment. We welcome the public to any or all of the following conversations.

Series Format

Each topic will be led by three expert panelists who have related experience in the community, and a facilitator who will navigate the conversation through prepared questions. Their associated organizations are listed below under each event. There will be time reserved at the end of each conversation for audience questions. We emphasize the compassionate and respectful terms of the series and towards our speakers. They are here to provide an opportunity for listening and learning.

Series Reservations:

This series is free to the public. We are asking for RSVPs in order to plan for attendance, communicate any last minute changes, or follow up with materials for you easily. There is limited seating.

Series Conversations/ Schedule of Events

Food Insecurity is Growing, Thursday, May 4th @ 6:30pm

Panelists: NeighborImpact Food Program Coordinator, St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Representative, Family Kitchen

Facilitator: NeighborImpact Food Program Director

The Connection to Healthcare & Addiction, Thursday, May 25th @ 6:30pm

Panelists: Mosaic Community Health, Deschutes County, BestCare Treatment

Facilitator: FUSE

A Child Care Desert, Thursday, June 22nd @ 6:30pm

Panelists: HeadStart, Child Care Operator, Small Business Owner/Operator

Facilitator: Storydwelling

The Truth of Living Houseless, Thursday, July 13th @ 6:30pm

Panelists: Deschutes County Street Outreach, REACH (Safe Parking Case Management), THRIVE

Facilitator:J Bar J

The Gaps in Affordable Housing, Thursday, July 27th @ 6:30pm

Panelists: Central Oregon Villages, City of Bend Affordable Housing Department, Shepherd’s House

Facilitator: EPIC Property Management

The Dialogue of a Hopeful Future, Thursday, August 10th @ 6:30pm

Panelists: TBD

Facilitator: TBD