EUGENE, Ore. – Gabe Fatooh, a senior communication major at Bushnell University, found inspiration for his internship at Everyone Village through his involvement in Bushnell’s student government, Associated Students of Bushnell University (ASBU). As a member of ASBU, Fatooh partnered with Everyone Village and Pastor Gabe Piechowicz ’19, the director of Everyone Village, during the 22-23 academic year on a community project, when he spearheaded a service day at the Village, working with fellow Bushnell students to participate in a collective effort for community improvement.
Pastor Gabe shared his vision of community development and Fatooh saw an opportunity to contribute. His internship, born out of this shared vision and their previous partnership, evolved to cater specifically to his expertise in marketing and communications.
Everyone Village is a transitional shelter program that supports homeless individuals in the Eugene area. Fatooh’s day-to-day tasks involve gathering content for the organization’s website. From resident testimonies to research on transitional employment programs, he focuses on communicating the value of Everyone Village to potential residents, community partners, and donors. The internship, tailored to his academic pursuits, has equipped Fatooh with the skills to compile effective website content.
Reflecting on his experience, Fatooh acknowledges that he has grown significantly through this experience, both personally and professionally. Through interactions with residents, staff, and the broader community, he has developed confidence and deepened his understanding of the homelessness crisis. Gabe, who grew up in Eugene, has gained insight into the community-first model of care. His internship not only prepares him for a career in marketing and communications, but also instills in him a powerful understanding of the complexities underlying homelessness and the impactful role of service providers.
For further information about the impactful work at Everyone Village, visit www.everyonevillage.org.