Unit
Conveniently located between the Pacific Coast and the Cascade Mountains in the Willamette Valley, Albany, Ore., has a population of around 55,000 and is primarily an industrial and agricultural town. Albany is located between Portland to the north and Eugene to the south, and has a large low-income population. The Albany unit enjoys numerous opportunities to camp and hike along the coast or in the mountains. The climate is fairly moderate in the winter with plenty of rain showers, and dry and warm in the summers.
Church
Started in 1990, the Albany unit is sponsored by Albany Mennonite Church, which has an average attendance of approximately 120 people. Worship at Albany Mennonite can incorporate song, drama, prayer, readings, sermons and silence. Many generations worship at Albany, and members have an array of vocations. Community outreach is extremely important to this active congregation.
Service
Service placements in the Albany unit focus on child care, elder care, and other social services. Service Adventure participants have served with South Shore Elementary School, providing assistance in the classroom and in the before- and after-school program called CAP, and helping South Albany High School with German class assistance. They have volunteered at Mennonite Village with the Alzheimer's unit (Lydia's House), with assisted living at Quail Run, and with the day activities program. Participants also assist the community through work at Helping Hands (local homeless shelter) and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.