Gabby Pauling received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Design from Pacific University. As a student, Gabby became increasingly interested in sustainability and food security. After realizing her passions, she became very involved with Pacific University’s permaculture garden. Upon receiving her Bachelor’s degree, Gabby spent a year as an AmeriCorps Vista member at the Phoenix Charter School in Roseburg, Oregon. After her year with RARE AmeriCorps – Resource Assistance for Rural Environments, Gabby hopes to find work that will allow her to continue to make a significant difference in Oregon’s rural communities and environments.

Gabby is placed with NeighborWorks Umpqua, which is a private rural 501(c)(3) organization established in 1991 to develop affordable housing for low and moderate income residents in Douglas County, Oregon. NeighborWorks Umpqua began as Umpqua Community Development Corporation, with the development of the first affordable multi-family rental housing complex in nearly 20 years. In 1999, the organization added community-based economic development to their mission. In addition, NeighborWorks Umpqua expanded their service area to include Coos and Curry counties.

With NeighborWorks Umpqua, Gabby will follow up and initiate implementation of a recently completed comprehensive inventory of regional food systems and resources in Douglas County. Specifically, Gabby will facilitate further building of partnerships with the local farming and agricultural community via an array of outreach activities. Gabby will also work with local organizations and groups to increase the ability to produce and market locally grown products. Additionally, Gabby will work to increase food access to low-income individuals in ways that support local food systems, create opportunities for farmers to create value-added goods at a premium price, make connections between different aspects of the food system, and educate consumers, producers and everyone in between with both formal and informal events.

Organization: NeighborWorks Umpqua
Community: Roseburg
Population: 21,181
County: Douglas