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Gabe Graff started working at the Community Cycling Center (CCC) over two years ago. That may not seem like long, but given the expansive changes the organization has gone through in that time, Graff could be considered a well-worn veteran.
Later this month, his tour of duty in the trenches of Portland’s bike community will come to an end when he leaves the CCC for another adventure: teaching English to fourth-graders in Honduras.
During his tenure at the non-profit, 25 year-old Graff says he has gained more skills and experiences than he ever expected. He was hired as part-time, seasonal help and worked his way up to Program Director.
In that role, Graff managed several programs, handled outreach activities, wrote grants, trained staff, and built relationships with schools where the CCC runs youth bike programs.
Graff says some of his most memorable moments are the touching thank-you notes they received from grateful graduates of their Create-a-Commuter program. The program works with social service agencies to provide low-income adults with a commuter bike and skills training.
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Graff said he loves seeing bikes from the program being well-used around town, “I have an eye for the bikes that have come through our program and every time I see one it makes me feel good about the work we do.”
Working in schools in outer southeast and north Portland gave Graff what he calls a “full sense” of the city. His inner-southeast neighborhood was great for walking and biking, but it was sorely lacking in cultural diversity. “It’s easy to stay in that sphere…so it was incredible to see the diversity among the kids in some of the schools I worked in.”
Graff says he’ll miss what he calls “one of the best jobs in town”, but he also knows the place is in good hands. “It’s an exciting time at the CCC. Institutionally we’re on great footing. A year ago, if a friend said they were going to apply for a job here I’d say, ‘Sure, it’s a great place…but. And now I have no reservations at all.”
As for how his bike knowledge might spill over into his new job, “Well, I’m really good at teaching flat tire repair, but I’m not sure how relevant that will be!”