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Asante to build RV park for displaced employees

“We really are a family and it’s amazing how much you all care.”

Asante is living up to its reputation as a great place to work by creating a temporary RV park to house some of the nearly 100 employees who lost their homes in the fires that ravaged Jackson County on Sept. 8.

The park is being constructed in an empty field Asante owns at the corner of Barnett Road and Golf View Drive, across the street from the new regional cancer center.

Asante Rogue Regional CEO Mick Zdeblick and Asante Vice President of Human Resources Robert Begg said in meetings with affected employees on Oct. 19 that the hope is to open the park by Dec. 1 and keep it running until March 1, 2023, giving employees time to rebuild or find other housing.

The news brought tears to some of the employees.

“Bless you all for everything everyone has done and is doing,” said one. “We really are a family and it’s amazing how much you all care.”

The effort is being led by Asante Human Resources, who also launched a food and supplies donation center at the Smullin Center within hours after the fires destroyed more than 2,500 residences and 173 businesses.

“We are an Asante family, that’s for sure,” Zdeblick said. “I know it’s been a tough couple of months.”

“I feel so loved and supported,” an employee said. “Asante is a great organization, it really is.”

There will be 32 pads equipped with electricity, sewer and water. Asante is planning to buy slightly used RVs for those who need them, with the intent on selling the RVs back to the same company once the park is dismantled. Some displaced employees have personal RVs they can park at the site.

Human Resources is gathering information on those interested in living at the park and hopes to match RV size with the size of families and their pets.

The cost for employees is expected to total less than $500 a month, as Asante will operate the park at cost and sewer and water are being donated by the city of Medford and Medford Water Commission. Adroit Construction, which is creating the gravel pads at cost, is working with network providers to ensure the park has internet. The pads will have capacity to house a fifth-wheel trailer, at least one vehicle and room for a fenced-in area for a dog or a second vehicle.

If RV spaces remain after the offer is extended to all fire-related displaced Asante employees, the lots will be made available as a temporary lodging option for Asante’s new hires relocating to the Rogue Valley.

Tags: employees, fires, housing, HR, medford, Mick Zdeblick, Robert Begg, RV park
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30 Comments. Leave new

  • This is awesome

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  • That’s fantastic !! I only wish that it could remain until Asante builds what is next for our future. When we have our cancer patients who travel from the Oregon Coast, Klamath and from California for their Dialysis and Chemotherapy & Radiation which are either daily or every other day. Some of these patients in the past have stayed at local RV parks to have the comfort of their home away from home that can be up to 6-8 weeks depending on the treatment for them. Also with the new Cancer Center to be opening in 2021, this would only add another highlight what makes Asante stand out from other hospitals for our commitment to our patient care.

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  • Much needed support for our employees. Greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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  • This is such an amazing example of how our community has come together in these difficult times. I’m so proud to work at this organization and be a part of a true “for the people” company.

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  • April Rosenthal
    October 27, 2020 8:50 am

    I have never been more proud of my company for opening this RV park for displaced employees. That’s really good care and appreciation of workers. Well done, Asante, and way to care for others and get much loyalty and gratitude in return.

    Reply
  • I love this. Thank you Asante for staying on top of the needs of our precious Asante family. I’m very proud to work for such a great company.

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  • Amazing, truly.

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  • Kayla Guthrie
    October 27, 2020 9:38 am

    As awesome as this is, they should also build a long term daycare for employees. It would promote stabilization in employee attendance.

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  • This is so appreciated and truly reflects ASANTE’s values and love for our employees and community.

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  • Susan Roemmich
    October 27, 2020 2:44 pm

    I Love this and am so Happy to hear that Asante has appreciation for their employees . It all comes back to those that provide.

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  • This is incredible.

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  • Mimi Carpenter
    October 28, 2020 5:39 am

    My heart is full of joy for the helped that Asante showered to us who lost our home from Almeda fire. Plus the RV park is way beyond my expectation, Thank you ASANTE. It is truly a blessing! hugs to all who are part of this project.

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  • WOW!!! What AMAZING Support that that is going to be. The Families that have lost their homes, fur babies, possessions etc…. this is such a Blessing for them and Thank You Asante for doing this. Makes me very Proud to work for you! Thanks you for ALL that you continue to do.

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  • SO SO awesome!

    IF anyone wants to park an RV at my house and take my kids to school on Monday and Tuesdays while I’m in clinical for Nursing School, message me! (You think I’m joking)

    ♥ 🙂

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  • Elizabeth Collmann
    October 28, 2020 5:17 pm

    The length Asante goes to support their employees is remarkable. As I was not personally impacted – I did sit on the border of level 3 for 4-days. The thoughts that continuously went through my mind was what will I do if I lose my house? My daughter who was prepared to go off to college was devastated with thoughts she could lose the only home she has known. I do know several people who lost their homes. The sheer strength they present with daily is without a doubt extraordinary! I do believe one of those reasons is due to how this community has come together to support those who were affected. God Bless you Asante!

    Reply
  • Nice that Asante is taking care of their own! Awesome!

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  • Dustin Reischman
    October 31, 2020 8:00 pm

    How does an interested party contact Asante if they have a lightly used RV they are willing to sell?

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  • Cindy Draheim
    November 1, 2020 2:46 pm

    Thank you for doing this! My sister will be one who is benefiting from this! We are all very grateful.

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  • Michelle Nelson
    November 10, 2020 7:00 pm

    Wow!!! Truly, amazing. We are so blessed with Asante’s authentic heart towards us, the employees. And toward the community. How the community (Medford utilities) also donated. This is Asante’s legacy. Thank you.

    Reply
  • Leanne Pinkerton
    November 11, 2020 2:09 pm

    I love this GREAT new

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  • Amazing!!! <3

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  • We have a 27′ very clean and well maintained, Coachmen Freelander motorhome, with 2 Slide Outs, selling price $39,000

    Reply
  • Jennifer Russell
    December 9, 2020 5:43 am

    I also have a beautiful RV for sale or rent that I would be willing to talk with someone??

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  • Do you still need lightly used RVs? We have one.

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  • The RV area turned out beautiful. It is fenced and looks secure and homey. I wish it would also be for retired and others that do not work for Asante. Its too bad it wont be there after the need due to fire and Covid medical help is over.

    Reply
  • This is such a great opportunity to our employees. I have a barely used 2016, 23 foot Lance trailer. It is fully equipped, a four season RV that I’d sell or rent out to an employee who still needs a space . Sale price ($33,000 what I owe) or rent ($350.00). If you need one or are interested, please contact me.

    Reply
  • I worked for Asante from 1985, for almost 33 years, when it was just a small Barnett Road campus and watched the amazing growth and service expansions. great to see it continue to move ahead under Scott’s leadership. Good work, guys…

    Reply
  • Kenneth Dwayne Phillips
    April 16, 2022 3:19 pm

    Do you still have this RV

    Reply
  • Jessica Christie
    April 21, 2023 2:00 am

    This whole RV park is now empty. I think it would be a good spot for homeless to park their cars at night to have a safe place to sleep. The place is all hooked up for electricity and water. Probably wouldn’t fly on that side of town though

    Reply

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