CSPT in Action: Nathaniel's story

The Youth Empowerment Program funded 19 community grants to increase reduced cost or free youth activities in the city and immediately received positive feedback from one of the partnering agencies, Shift Community Cycles.

Nathaniel and his mother had been riding their bikes every day to summer camp when organizers learned that Nathaniel's bike needed a new tire. In no time, staff from Shift fixed the problem but noticed how fixated the young boy had become on bike repair. Staff then learned that Nathaniel had been coming to camp hungry, distracted and that his father was in prison - a clear example of why providing free and accessible youth programming is so impactful.

Camp organizers quickly ensured that Nathaniel had enough to eat, engaged him with bicycle mechanics and continued to keep his bike in great condition.

Funds from the Community Safety Payroll Tax (CSPT) help provide faster, more efficient safety responses, deter crime, connect people to services, engage and help at-risk youth, support more investigations and court services, and hold those who commit crimes accountable. The five service areas supported in the City of Eugene include: Police, Fire and EMS, Unhoused Services, Youth & Teen Empowerment Program, and Municipal Court and Prosecutor's Office.