The almost-chartered Rotary Club of Eugene After Hours rolled up its sleeves this past weekend for one of its first major service projects: creating a colorful mural inside the First Place Family Center Night Shelter Annex.
Led by club member and artist Rodger Deevers, volunteers are transforming a plain wall into a welcoming woodland scene featuring trees, wildlife, and bright colors designed to bring warmth and comfort to children and their 28 families staying at the shelter. Rodger, pictured standing on the platform, coordinated the project from start to finish. His artistic talent, vision, and patient guidance made muralists out of all of us.
The project reflects the kind of hands-on service the Rotary Club of Eugene After Hours intends to become known for as it moves toward chartering. Club members are already building friendships, serving the community, and creating meaningful local impact through practical projects that improve the lives of others.
The mural is being created at the First Place Family Center Night Shelter Annex, one of the many programs operated by St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County. St. Vincent de Paul has been selected as the club’s primary community partner, providing opportunities for members to engage in ongoing service projects that support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The Night Shelter Annex works in conjunction with First Place Family Center’s day-access services to provide overnight support for families in need. The facility can accommodate up to 28 families, who may stay for as long as six months while working to regain housing, employment, and long-term stability.
For the members of Eugene After Hours Rotary, the mural is more than a painting. It is an early example of the club’s commitment to creating welcoming spaces, building community connections, and making a lasting difference in the lives of local families. As the club prepares for chartering, projects like this one demonstrate that service is already at the heart of its mission.
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