Feb 11th- ACCESS
This week, we welcomed Kellie Battaglia from ACCESS Rogue for an in-depth look at how this organization is stabilizing families across Jackson County.
Founded in 1976, ACCESS serves as our county’s Community Action Agency. Their work goes far beyond emergency food. Each year they assist thousands of households with:
• Emergency food boxes and pantry services
• Rental and utility assistance
• Energy assistance programs
• Weatherization and home repair
• Senior and disabled services
• Disaster relief and recovery
The focus is not just short-term relief, but long-term stability. ACCESS helps families move from crisis to security with dignity and practical support.
📦 Rogue Powerpack Program
A highlight of the presentation was the Rogue Powerpack Program, which provides weekend food to local elementary students who rely on school meals during the week. When Friday afternoon comes, those meals disappear. Powerpacks ensure children return to school on Monday nourished and ready to learn.
Our Club’s Involvement
Medford Rogue Rotary has proudly supported Rogue Powerpack through consistent, hands-on service. Throughout the school year, club members volunteer at the ACCESS warehouse to pack and help distribute food bags that go directly into the hands of students who need them most.
This is not a one-time project. It is a sustained commitment that reflects Rotary’s dedication to strengthening our community at its foundation.
Kellie’s presentation was a powerful reminder that hunger and housing instability are not abstract issues. They are happening in our own neighborhoods. And thanks to ACCESS Rogue, and the volunteers who show up week after week, meaningful solutions are in motion.
Service above self looks a lot like packing food bags on a weekday morning and knowing they will matter to a child that weekend.
If you missed it you can find recordings of our meetings posted (may take a few days) on our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@MedfordRogueRotary-j6y