EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living

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On this episode of Voices in Action Podcast, co-host Andrew Gurza, sits down with the  Assistant Director LGBTQ2SIA+ Services Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living, Shauntay Toombs.  We talk about how she got started in this work, her award-winning advocacy, using her privilege to uplift others.

If you are an LGBTQ2SIA+ youth and want support in Oregon, e-mail Shauntay at [email protected].  To be on the show, e-mail [email protected]  

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Episode Summary

In this episode of Voices in Action, Andrew is joined by Crescencia Witherspoon, the Director of the Harm Reduction Program at the Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL). Crescencia shares her inspiring personal journey from moving from the bustling metropolis of New York City to rural Eastern Oregon, and how she unexpectedly found her life's true passion in harm reduction.

Together, Andrew and Crescencia break down what harm reduction actually means—stripping away the stigma and showcasing it as a deeply compassionate, relationship-focused approach to healthcare. Crescencia also shares powerful personal reflections on how trauma impacts substance use and outlines the crucial services EOCIL provides to rural communities.

If you want to learn more about the program, access services, or find out how you can support their mission, you can reach out directly:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Visit eocil.org to find an office near you or to learn more about their multi-county independent living and healthcare services.

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We are so excited to be bringing back EOCIL's Voices In Action Podcast!  We've been really busy at EOCIL, and to help with all that transition, we asked Andrew to be our new co-host.  Today, we talk to Andrew all about his work and what he wants to do with Voices in Action.  

All that to say, we're back baby!  Stay tuned for new episodes every few weeks.

Follow EOCIL's socials: www.eocil.org 

Follow Andrew Gurza: www.andrewgurza.ca 

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In this episode, we sit down with Randal Llanas, and talk about his lived experience and the work he started at Four Rivers Recovery. Learn about their organization, the behind the scenes work, and the importance of what they do. Randal discusses their past experience and what led them to want to venture out on their own to start making a difference in their community.

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Join us as we talk about the significance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).  Featuring guest speakers who share their unique perspectives and experiences, highlighting the transformative impact of the CRPD on individuals and communities worldwide. Tune in to hear insightful discussions, and a deeper understanding of how the CRPD is shaping a more inclusive future for all.

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Raquel, the director of Programs and Operations for Poder of Idaho, shared her journey into immigration advocacy and the work of her organization, which mobilizes and educates the Latino community on legislative processes and bills affecting undocumented and Latino communities. They discussed the importance of cultural sensitivity, spirituality, and advocacy in their work, as well as the challenges faced by marginalized communities in Idaho. The conversation also touched on the importance of educating people about their rights during interactions with law enforcement, the potential for conducting a workshop to support rural towns, and the role of young people in driving change in society.

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I was able to sit down with three different members of the Oregon Human Development Corporation (OHDC) based in Ontario to have a conversation about all the work that each one of them does for the people in the agricultural field. We dive in by talking about each member's personal journey and how each one of them at one point utilized OHDC in their own lives and the significance that made to them and their family. They discuss each of their roles in detail and why their work matters, from providing educational resources and skills training for farm workers to supporting individuals in their current fields to achieve higher certifications. We at EOCIL encourage you all to reach out to them for any questions you have about their wonderful organization at (541)-881-1491. You can also find their office locations and contact information by visiting their website at www.ohdc.org. We hope you enjoy this episode.

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The Director of Victor Fox Cultivating Housing Services, Jeff Williams, speaks about the fantastic work they provide for individuals living with HIV and people with substance use disorders. He talks about the program's history and the tremendous steps it has taken to reduce as many barriers as possible. That may include providing access to care and temporary housing for needy individuals. Tune in to learn about it in-depth, and we hope you enjoy it. 

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In this episode of Queer Coded, our host, Mary Ellen Buxton, interviews Edie Engelmann, a nonbinary civil engineer and LGBTQ+ advocate living and working in rural Eastern Oregon. Edie discusses their agender identity and shares their experience exploring and identifying their gender, sexuality, and expression. They also share their process of coming out to family and friends regarding not only sexuality but also gender identity and expression. They talk about having been met with great support from not only family but from friends and community members. They discuss experiences of gender dysphoria as a youth and as an adult and, in turn, discuss their desire for and process of receiving gender-affirming procedures. They go on to discuss the intersections of their gender identity and expression and their neurodivergency. Edie shares their experience of seeking community online and in-person in their rural community. We wrap up our episode by discussing the impact of their identities in their chosen career field.  

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In this episode of Queer Coded, our host, Mary Ellen Buxton, interviews Nathan Smith, an LGBTQ+ Mental Health Specialist, drag queen, and HIV/AIDS activist. Nathan shares details of his origins in the Indiana drag scene and tells of the social climate surrounding drag in rural Eastern Oregon. Nathan also discusses the need for LGBTQ+ mental health supports in Pendleton and Eastern Oregon while also recognizing that there are already a lot of supports in place in the region, though they may be hard to find. He goes on to describe his relationship with gender as well as the process of shaping his drag name, persona, and style.