In October, 2011, Diane Lokting told The Mountain Times “This is going to
happen. There will be bumps, but nothing will stop this.”

Lokting is project manager for the proposed Community Center, having taken
the torch first lit by Barbara Saldivar in 2001, and carried on by Hoodland
Women’s Club chair Kay Baker.

The women’s club has endured the sometimes labyrinthine process of agency
approvals. But the club is taking the bumps in stride – to the tune of raising
$1.5 million of the proposed $2 million required for the Mountain’s new
Community Center.

“We’ve been wildly successful in our fundraising efforts in the last couple of
months,” Lokting said. “Over the next few months the Hoodland Women’s
Club will be reaching out to residents, businesses and other foundations to
bridge the gap in funding that is needed.”

The most recent donation came from the Friends of the Hoodland Library. The
board voted at their annual meeting to donate $5,000 to the women’s club
expressly for the new library in the new Community Center. The funds were
raised through the sale of donated books from the community.

The library group was not alone. Recent foundations to step up include the
Autzen Foundation ($23,000) and the Oregon Community Foundation
($25,000).

Previous grants obtained by the club include: The Collins Foundation
($100,000); The Ford Family Foundation ($250,000); and the Meyer Memorial
Trust ($350,000).

The approval process has rolled along – a testimonial to the club’s grit and
determination.

Following the issue of a conditional use permit, the club obtained approval of
the building concept from Oregon Department of Transportation and initial
funding was obtained from Clackamas County Parks of $250,000, the Sandy
Hoodland Library District of $250,000 and a private bequest from the Senior
Center of $100.000.

With monies in tow – and a technical grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust –
the club worked with Shiels Obletz Johnson to create a memorandum of
understanding with Clackamas County. The next step was writing a long-term,
no-cost lease agreement for the land with Clackamas County Parks and
Forests; followed by an environmental study; a site study; and finally a
building assessment.

Anticipated use for the Community Center includes: a new library; senior
center; dividable community room for events, meetings and after school
programs; offices for Clackamas Women’s Services; a Red Cross emergency
shelter; and classrooms for Mt. Hood Community College. The exterior area
will feature patio areas with barbecues, a gazebo and tables and benches.

The Oregon Community Foundation – whose mission is to improve life in
Oregon and promote effective philanthropy – has challenged the women’s club
to raise 140 new pledges to receive its funding.

“If you haven’t already donated or pledged, please do so to help assure we
meet OCT’s challenge,” Lokting said. “The Community Center will benefit
everyone in our area and your help in reaching our goal is vital.”