Talkin' Trash with Marion County

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Marion County Oregon

February 15, 2018

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In this issue:

Meet Marion County's new Juvenile Department Director

Troy Gregg

Photo of Troy Gregg

Troy Gregg has a passion for working with youth and it shows. From coaching youth basketball to working as camp counselor in college, Troy has made his career working with youth. After an almost 20 year career at the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), Troy was hired as the Marion County Juvenile Department Director following the retirement of longtime director Faye Fagel.

At OYA, Troy served in multiple positions, including as a parole and probation officer for the north coast region, program manager at the Tillamook Youth Accountability Camp, and as the Superintendent of the Eastern Oregon Youth Facility and the Rogue Valley Facility in Grants Pass.  His final position in OYA, prior to coming to Marion County, began in 2008, where he served as the Superintendent of the Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility until its closure and consolidation with the MacLaren facility last fall.

Troy said, “Throughout my career in juvenile justice, I have had the opportunity to work at every level except the front end – when kids first walk in the door. This is where you have the most influence; to help kids do the right thing, get them headed in the right direction. I’m excited about the opportunity to not only use my experience to help lead the department into the future, but also to learn more myself. I’ve been very impressed with Marion County’s people and programs.”

In addition to a full complement of youth programs, Troy also inherited two capital projects. A second juvenile courtroom is under construction and expected to open this spring and construction will begin on a new juvenile administration building later this year. “I am excited as we are moving into the final stages of the design process to create a building that supports the mission of the Juvenile Department both in appearance and atmosphere. Our mission is to provide youth accountability and opportunities for positive change and we want our new building to portray that we are here to create and support youth in those changes.”

Troy and his wife Debbie are busy parents to three young children. As a family they enjoy traveling, geocaching, basketball, and activities at their church. 

For more information about Marion County's juvenile programs, visit our website or email


New veteran services program comes to Marion County

Photo of veteran carrying flag

As part of a partnership between Marion County, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA), and Mid-Valley Community Action Agency, veterans living in Marion County will soon be served by a new dedicated veteran services program. In 2016, there were 24,148 veterans living in Marion County. The Veteran Services Officers (VSO) will provide benefits counseling, as well as represent and advocate for veterans, their dependents, and survivors in obtaining benefits for which they are entitled.

Community Action has been serving homeless veterans in Marion County for many years through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families, the Oregon Health Authority’s veterans rental assistance program, and other programs. Adding VSOs will help the organization build on current services, as well as extend services to additional area veterans.  Jimmy Jones, Community Action’s Director of the ARCHES Project, said, “It’s an honor, privilege, and tremendous responsibility to serve our local veterans. We are grateful to Marion County for entrusting us with this work.”

Marion County, through Community Action, can expect to serve about 3,000 veterans and their dependents each year. As services transition from ODVA, VSOs are receiving comprehensive training in navigating the federal VA process to ensure claims are submitted accurately and efficiently. There are no fees to the veteran for services. The program will be co-located with Community Action’s ARCHES Project at 615 Commercial Street NE in Salem and is expected to open in April 2018. 


Volunteer Opportunity: Artist in Residence

Photo of art supplies

Are you a local artist with a heart for teaching and an interest in working with young adults? Our Juvenile Department is looking for a volunteer Artist in Residence for a new project at the Marion County Detention Facility. The artist will work with youth in custody on pre-planning designs, sketching, and application of several large wall murals at the facility.

Volunteer must be at least 21 years of age, be able to pass a criminal background check, and be available to work in a secured facility during evening hours. This is an unpaid volunteer position, funds are available for project supplies and materials. Apply today


Events & Activities

Photo of Oregon Capitol

February 17
Oregon's 159th Birthday at the Oregon State Capitol
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Oregon State Capitol

February 17 & 18
Dog Shelter Share the Love Adoption Event
PetSmart: 2925 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem

February 21
Mt. Angel Community Forum
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Mt. Angel Library

February 22
Documentary "Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic"
6:00 p.m.
Salem Health Wedel Auditorium
Sponsored by Salem Health, American Cancer Society, and Marion County Health Department

March 8
Jefferson Community Forum
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Jefferson City Hall 

March 9
Silverton Community Forum
11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Silverton Hospital

Visit our website for a full listing of Marion County meetings and events.