MEDIA ADVISORY: Family Resource Advocacy Network (FRAN) Grand Opening Celebrates New Community Hub For Northeast Salem Families (Photo) - 07/15/26

What:   The Epping Family Foundation and Catholic Community Services' Fostering Hope Initiative invite community members, partners, elected officials and media representatives to celebrate the grand opening of the Family Resource Advocacy Network (FRAN), a new center designed to connect Northeast Salem families with resources, support services and community opportunities.

FRAN was created to help address critical needs in the Northeast Salem neighborhood by providing a welcoming gathering space and access to family support services, service navigation and community connections. The center will serve as a hub for collaboration among community-based organizations and family advocates. 

Who:

• Gary Epping and Sue Bloom  on behalf of the Larry and Jeanette Epping Family Foundation

• Josh Graves, CEO of Catholic Community Services (CCS)/Fostering Hope Initiative

• Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter and Local leaders and community members

When:  Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Ribbon Cutting: 1:00 p.m., with open house immediately following the ceremony.

Where:  Family Resource Advocacy Network (FRAN),  3803 Lancaster Drive NE,  Salem, OR 97305

Why: Located in Northeast Salem, FRAN was established to provide a safe and accessible community space where families can connect with services, receive support and build relationships that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Community Health Workers from the Fostering Hope Initiative and partner organizations will provide outreach and service navigation from the center.

Visual Opportunities for Media:

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony

• Community and partner leaders speaking with attendees

• Tours of the new facility

• Families and community members gathering at the center

• Exterior and interior footage of the new community resource hub

Parking:  Overflow parking will be available at the Maps Credit Union Chemeketa Branch lot across the street. A lighted crosswalk is available for pedestrian access to the site.

About FRAN: The Family Resource Advocacy Network (FRAN) is a community-centered initiative supported by the Epping Family Foundation and professionally managed by Catholic Community Services' Fostering Hope Initiative. The center was developed to serve as a hub for support, connection and resource navigation for Northeast Salem families.

About Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast: A nonprofit, faith-based organization. Founded in Salem in 1938, today, CCS offers multiple programs across 10 Oregon counties and serves more than 4,500 people each year. It operates with fidelity to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which call it to work for the common good and to serve its neighbors who are the poorest and most vulnerable. CCS envisions a caring, resilient community full of hope and connection where all people flourish. CCS is a Christian ministry caring for all in our community, built on faith, hope, and kinship. www.ccswv.org.

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Club Pilates Opens In Corvallis, Bringing New Fitness Destination And Career Opportunities To The Community (Photo) - 07/08/26

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) — July 8, 2026. A new fitness destination is coming to Corvallis, offering residents a fresh way to build strength, improve mobility, and connect with others. Club Pilates, the world's largest Pilates brand, is preparing to open its newest studio in Corvallis on July 20 at 1339 NW 9th Street, Suite 190. A grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held on August 27.
 

The new studio will introduce a modern approach to Pilates, centered on low-impact, full-body workouts designed for all fitness levels, from beginners to experienced athletes.
 

More than just a fitness studio, Club Pilates Corvallis aims to create a welcoming community space where people can build strength, improve balance, and enhance overall well-being through accessible, high-quality instruction.
 

"Pilates is for 'every body,'" said studio owner and OSU graduate, Lora Cross. "Our goal is to make this powerful form of movement approachable and inclusive, whether someone is just starting or continuing a lifelong fitness journey."
 

Club Pilates Corvallis will offer a variety of Reformer-based group classes that blend traditional Pilates techniques with modern equipment and programming.
 

Cross added that, in addition to serving members, the new Corvallis location is actively hiring and welcoming individuals interested in turning their passion for fitness into a career. Pilates instructors are in high demand. "It's a great career choice, and we help facilitate all the training and provide tuition options," she added.

Aspiring instructors can enroll in a comprehensive 450-hour Pilates Teacher Training program that includes in-studio learning, online coursework, observation, practice teaching, and mentorship.
 

Community members interested in joining the Club Pilates Corvallis community, whether as a member or a future instructor, can learn more by contacting the studio directly at corvallis@clubpilates.com or by visiting Club Pilates Corvallis | Reformer Pilates Studio. Membership inquiries, information about free introductory classes, and enrollment in upcoming Teacher Training programs are now available. Free introductory classes and studio tours will be held July 16-19, with a special VIP member-only event on July 15.