Oregon’s South Medford High School students learned how to make a difference through philanthropy. Thanks to the Oregon Community Foundation’s innovative Community 101 program, students in the school’s Key Club discovered the power of grant making while learning about their community. This year, their efforts aligned serendipitously with their vice principal’s personal journey to bring a Service Dog to campus.
The classroom-based Community 101 program, funded by local philanthropist and business leader Patsy Smullin, empowers students to act as grant makers. Students research local nonprofits, conduct interviews, and decide how to allocate funds to impactful causes.
“By meeting with nonprofits, understanding what they do and awarding grants, the students grow up in seconds, better understanding their community and wanting to be leaders in it,” says Smullin, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the program.
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Vice Principal Doug with Merlin on Merlin’s first day as a Facility Dog for the high school.
This year, the South Medford Key Club selected DBL to receive a $3,000 grant to support our mission. The grant process included a DBL campus visit, and interviews with staff to learn more about their work. The students and advisors also had an opportunity to visit with Service Dog in-training Merlin, who proudly showed off his skills on the Central Point, OR campus. Coincidentally, South Medford Vice Principal Doug had independently applied to DBL for a Facility Dog to assist in his role overseeing counseling and social-emotional support. In the spring, the stars aligned when the Key Club’s work with the organization intersected with Doug’s application. After a meet-and with Merlin, the decision was unanimous. Merlin officially joined the school community in June.
Merlin quickly became a beloved presence at South Medford. Known for his playfulness and calming influence, he provides comfort to students dealing with anxiety or stress. Whether offering a reassuring “lap hug” or rolling over for belly rubs, Merlin brings joy to students and staff alike.
“It’s been overwhelmingly successful,” says Doug, who reports that Merlin’s impact has been felt across the school.
Through Community 101, South Medford students learned the value of philanthropy to support the training of Service Dogs like Merlin. Going strong for more than 25 years, the Oregon Community Foundation’s program worked with nearly 900 students around Oregon to distribute 93 grants in 2023-2024.
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