News for those who live, work and play in North Santiam Canyon

Distinguished Service – Deana Freres’ work includes wildfire relief

“Deana is the kind of person who doesn’t like fanfare or attention,” Carmélle Bielenberg, the president and CEO of the Stayton Sublimity Chamber, said of Deana Freres. Freres is the recipient of the  Distinguished Service Award for 2020. 

“She doesn’t get involved in causes because it adds to her resume or because she might be recognized for her contributions. On the contrary, she advocates, volunteers and fundraises because she has a beautiful heart and is passionate about loving people. She is one of the most humble people I’ve ever had the privilege to know.”

So humble that, when Bielenberg – who notifies recipients of their awards – called to tell Freres she had won, Freres tried to talk her into giving the award to someone else. 

“[H]er first reaction was to start sharing the names of others she felt were more deserving,” Bielenberg said. 

Because Freres, who sits on a host of boards – including the Stayton Public Library, Family Building Blocks and the Oregon Community Foundation as well as volunteering for the Santiam Wildfire Relief Fund, the Santiam Teen Center and the YMCA, to name just a few – doesn’t see her contribution as being more deserving of recognition than the countless other volunteers with whom she serves. She just feels grateful.

“I’m humbled,” she admitted, “after a year like 2020 when so many people have worked so hard…”

Originally from Texas, Freres moved to Stayton with her husband Tyler – who grew up in the area – 14 years ago. Raising two sons, currently aged 12 and 14, Freres began her foray into community volunteerism at Family Building Blocks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safety and support for families with children. 

“I didn’t know anyone and I was looking for something that was meaningful,” Freres said of her original position as classroom assistant. That later developed into an organization-wide passion. “I really appreciate their mission of working with kids and families and getting in early.”

Family Building Blocks appreciates Freres as well. 

“She has been a constant voice for children in the Canyon specifically, and helped us gain momentum to establish our relief nursery site, Doris’s Place, in Stayton,” Executive Director Patrice Altenhofen said. “Deana’s commitment to strengthening families is awe-inspiring. Her keen business-sense paired with her generosity, grace, and wicked sense of humor make her a true community leader. She gives selflessly to others, and encourages others to do so as well.”

Serving with others is one reason Freres is so committed to the community around her. 

“I really enjoy learning from all those people,” she admitted. “I feel blessed to have the space carved out in our life to focus on things outside of ourselves.”

Instrumental in establishing the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund, which has raised over $3 million to provide ongoing support for those impacted by the fires, Freres sees each need within her community as one more way to say yes – something she views as a personal talent. Others view it that way as well.

“Deana Freres was instrumental to the beginnings of the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund,” Maggie Hudson, Santiam Hospital President and CEO  said. “She brought Santiam Hospital and the Santiam Service Integration Team into the forefront of the efforts. And for that and all of her tremendous efforts, the Santiam Canyon region is entirely grateful to Deana.”

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