Portland, OR. Portland’s new Amaterra Winery was the setting for a new nonprofit called SetPath. The organization offers free life-planning and mentoring services to young adults. At its launch party on June 1st, about 50 local leaders sipped wine and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres. SetPath founder Daniel Harkavy and Chief Hope Officer PaulHogan shared their vision for SetPath, which is already serving dozens of local young adults, aged 18 to 28. Above, PaulHogan, Kalpana Lubrano, Octavio Lubrano, Khalid Maxie (new Principal of Jesuit High) enjoy event. (Photo credit, Amy White, Khalid Maxie, Paul Hogan and Dylan Harkavy)
SetPath founder Daniel Harkavy describes the origin story of SetPath while host Werner Nistler looks on
Leslie Ganz exhorts the guests at Amaterra to support SetPath’s mission as she and her husband Mark have done.
The event was hosted by Amaterra owners Werner and Colleen Nistler along with Leslie and Mark Ganz (former Cambia CEO), the gathering was organized to create support for SetPath’s mission, which is to guide young adults to discover purpose, hope, and direction through life-planning and mentorship, free of charge.
Amaterra is located at 8150 SW Swede Hill Drive Portland, OR 97225
Amaterra uses a process that utilizes bridge cranes to allow one elevation drop to act as a multiple-level gravity-flow winemaking facility.
At the event, area philanthropists listened while the nonprofit’s leaders outlined the urgent need for SetPath’s services.
According to the nonprofit, the pandemic has taken a toll on young adults, for whom few programs exist as they move into the “defining decade” of their 20s.
Current statistics include:
• 30% of 25-to-29-year-olds live at home with their parents, delaying marriage, parenthood, and home ownership at record rates due to “crushing student debt, a runaway housing market, and the pandemic” (Fortune, 3.25.22).
• In July of 2021, 48% of young adults in the US reported struggling with serious mental health issues. • 1 million fewer students attend college in the US in 2022 than in 2020, the largest decrease in 50 years. Average college debt per student borrower: $33K.
• Inflation rose to 8.4% in spring, 2022, the highest in 40 years, making the dream of home ownership and many other daily expenses out of reach for young people.
• Over 1/3 of young adults admit to binge drinking in the past month; 40% used an illicit substance in the past year. In counterpoint to these alarming statistics, the evening at Amaterra was filled with friendship, joy, and tremendous hope, as guests saw the potential for SetPath to help young adults navigate the challenges of “adulting” on a massive scale.
From SetPath:
Guests offered many affirmative comments and asked questions about the expansive scope of SetPath’s vision, budget, and impact so far. All present agreed that this mission, are ready to meet this moment of urgent need with creativity, structure, discipline, and hope. The gorgeous views and scintillating conversation marked what will be remembered as a historic moment of launch for another Portland nonprofit that aims to impact young lives for the better—in Portland, across the US, and someday soon, across the globe, in the inspiring tradition of the Dougy Center, Friends of the Children, the Children’s Cancer Association, and more.
Portland, OR. Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington have donated more than 30,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies for distribution to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels People, more than doubling their total donation in 2021. On May 24th, local Girl Scouts visited the Meals on Wheels People Central Kitchen in Southwest Portland to assist with the large cookie delivery, and help pack meal deliveries for recipients, including boxes of Lemon-Ups Girl Scout Cookies in each delivery.
Girl Scout Selling Cookies During the Annual Sale Period
“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Girl Scouts organization,” said Suzanne Washington, Chief Executive Officer at Meals on Wheels People. “Donations like this inspire us; we believe it showcases the idea that people of any age can make a difference in their community. This donation allows us to provide homebound older adults in our community with some of their favorite treats, such as Thin Mints and Samoas—and it considerably reduces our costs for providing desserts with our meals, freeing up funds that we can reinvest into other critical programs.”
During the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program, customers can opt to donate their purchased cookies through the Girl Scout Gift of Caring program.
More than 57,000 boxes of cookies donated through the Digital Cookie platform are distributed to older adults and people in need throughout the region via several partnerships with social service agencies, including Meals on Wheels People.
“We’re delighted to present this Girl Scout Cookie donation on behalf of the Girl Scouts who worked hard to collect them and the generous customers who donated them,” said Shannon Evers, Chief Executive Officer at Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Girls learn so much by participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program—from goal setting to money management—and with the Gift of Caring program, they also learn first-hand the power of working together with others to give back to their community. It’s heart-warming to think about the joy these cookies will bring to local seniors, and our girls are truly proud of their part in that.”
Esther (Essie) Kiblinger, a 12-year-old troop member with the Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington shared a heartwarming interaction with a customer this year: “When I called [a customer] to ask if she wanted to purchase cookies, she said she didn’t want to buy any cookies for herself, but when I told her about the option to donate cookies to Meals on Wheels People, she felt really passionate about the cause and decided to purchase $200 worth of cookies to donate to Meals on Wheels People. It made me really happy to know she wanted to support such a great organization, and I loved hearing her story.”
About Meals on Wheels People: Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970. We provide more than a meal to thousands of older adults in the greater Portland metro area. Our service not only alleviates hunger and social isolation but allows seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls, and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, visit mowp.org.
About the Girl Scout Cookie Program: A little more than a century ago, girls began participating in what would evolve into the largest entrepreneurial training program for girls in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program. To learn more about the history of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, visit girlscoutcookies.org.
About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington: In partnership with more than 6,800 adult members, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington prepares more than 11,500 girls in grades K-12 for a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. GSOSW’s programs in civic engagement, financial literacy, the outdoors, and STEM serve girls in 35 counties in Oregon, and Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information or to join Girl Scouts today, visit girlscoutsosw.org.
Portland, OR. The Junior League of Portland celebrated women leaders at its Annual Luncheon at the Portland Golf Club after 2 years of being canceled due to the pandemic. The nonprofit organization gathered generations of women leaders to honor the significant achievements of honorees; Jillian De Garmo 2022, Julie Branford 2020 and Kaycee Wiita 2021. Above, Judy Jorgensen, Sustainer Representative & Board Member, Jillian De Garmo, 2022 Sustainer of the Year, and Alex Johnson, 2022 Junior League President pose for a photo during the May 19th, luncheon.
The Junior League of Portland, Oregon is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Julie Branford, 2020 Sustainer of the Year, and Alex Johnson, 2022 Junior League President
Award winner for 2020, Julie Branford has been with the Junior League since 1977. Julie Branford is a trailblazer and has been pushing the envelope. As a working professional during her time as an active, when most women in the League did not pursue work outside of the home, she successfully challenged the Junior League of Seattle’s rule that members were required to move to Sustainer status when they turned 40. Outside the League, she has received numerous accolades for her service to several community organizations. One of Julie’s main volunteer activities includes being a Past President and board member of the BRAINet (Brain Research Awareness and Information Network), a community outreach group for the neuroscience department at OHSU. She has sat on the Board of Trustees for Willamette University for 13 years, earning the title of Life Trustee Emeritus. Her board experience includes being Alumni Association President for two years, the Alumni Association President for Cleveland High School, and receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award Committee Chair award for her outstanding service and commitment. Julie has also held several leadership positions with the Multnomah Athletic Club, including Membership Committee and Human Resources Committee for the Board, the Communities Committee, and House Committee. She was President of the Canyon Creek Homeowners Association for four years and has sat on the Governance Committee for Nordic Northwest. Recently Julie has been involved with the ARCS Foundation (Advancing Science in America). Oregon Chapter and is their current President.
Kaycee Wiita, 2021 Sustainer of the Year and Alex Johnson, 2022 Junior League President
Award winner for 2021, Kaycee Wiita has been a dedicated member of the Junior League since 1988. She has served on numerous committees within both the Junior League of Orange County and Portland. She has served as the JLP President from 2003-2004 as well as Treasurer and the Nominating Chair. She has also taken on leadership roles as the At-Large Director and Area VI Director for the Association of Junior Leagues International. Kaycee served on the board of directors of the Association of Junior Leagues International (New York, NY) where she served on the Linkage and the Advancement Committees. As one of her peers stated; “She has been an outstanding member of the community doing exceptional volunteer work to benefit immeasurable numbers of people. She has always been willing to step forward to lend her exceptional skills and talents.
Jillian De Garmo, Judy Jorgensen, Kaycee Wiita, Julie Branford and Alex Johnson
A few of the honorable mentions regarding the leadership attributes of the honorees: Award winner for 2022, Jillian De Garmo has been a dedicated member of the Junior League of Portland, having served as the President in 2002-03, a Chair of the Sustainer Engagement Committee in 2017-2018, and the Sustainer Representative to the Board from 2019-2021. As one of Jill’s many nominators stated, “For over 20 years Jill’s wisdom and continuity have been instrumental in moving JLP forward to be a viable and modern organization that trains women to be leaders in the community while addressing pressing community needs.”
From Junior League of Portland:
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
Since our founding in 1910, the members of the Junior League of Portland have been developing programs and partnering with organizations in the area to improve our community. Our mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League is a women’s organization for leadership and volunteerism. It is a place to find like-minded women who value making a positive difference in the community, serving their community, and developing their leadership skills.
Junior League of Portland is the fourth oldest League in the Association of Junior Leagues International and the first on the west coast. Through our 110 years, several of Portland’s nonprofit programs and agencies that have improved the well-being of women, children, and families in the Portland community can attribute their roots to the Junior League of Portland. Some of our accomplishments are programs and services such as Kids on the Block, establishing Race for the Cure in Portland, and launching the “Between the Lines” program.
Our members are passionately committed to our community and are accomplished leaders who have used their Junior League training to develop programs, serve on nonprofit boards, serve in public office, and enhance their leadership skills related to their professional work.
Our current focus is Ending the Cycle of Violence Against Women and Children. We regularly review our focus to be sure we are helping to close the gap on unmet or underserved needs in our community. We are in the process of a full assessment of our Portland community to be sure we are active in serving the current needs of our community.
The Junior League of Portland welcomes all women who work to make a difference in their community through volunteering and activism. If impacting your community in a positive way and developing or refining your leadership skills while having fun with remarkable women interests you, the Junior League of Portland may be the volunteer organization for you!
The work of the Junior League of Portland could not be accomplished without the support of our partner organizations, generous donors, passionate advocates, and friends. Thank you for choosing to support the Junior League of Portland and joining us as we continue to improve our wonderful community.
Portland, OR. Neighborhood House hosted its 3rd annual ‘Welcome Home Hour of Hope’ Fundraiser on May 19th. This virtual event brought over 200 guests and sponsors together to support the organization’s essential anti-poverty, equity-promoting services. Hosted by KOIN’s Ken Boddie, the event raised $170,000. Neighborhood House was proud to share stories on the power of care, highlighting the parents, staff, and community leaders who support the organization’s parenting education and afterschool programs. Above, KOIN News Anchor Ken Boddie, Neighborhood House Executive Director Chris Chiacchierini, and Neighborhood House Board Member Meredith Bureau work behind the scenes at the virtual fundraiser. (Photo credit, Ellen Field)
The organization also announced the start of its Growing Our Village Capital Campaign. This campaign aims to raise funds to support the purchase and renovation of a new, improved space for Neighborhood House’s Food Pantry and Aging Services programs. Those interested in learning more about this innovative project can visit www.nhpdx.org.
A still from a video story on Neighborhood House’s afterschool programs for working families.
From Neighborhood House:
Our Mission:
Bringing Neighbors Together
Neighborhood House brings neighbors together to reduce hunger and homelessness and to educate both young and old, strengthening our community by providing resources to support self-reliance, economic independence, and dignity in people of all ages and backgrounds.
We Believe in Our Core
Neighborhood House is committed to offering innovative and high-quality education, anti-poverty and senior support services. Our core strengths are:
Client-focused services: Every neighbor’s different. We reach people where they are to effectively facilitate change.
Connection: We are connected to our neighbors. When we help people in need, our entire community is strengthened.
Results: Our programs make a measurable difference in the lives of our clients and in the community.
Providing Support to Overcome Everyday Challenges
Neighborhood House believes that with the right support system, anyone can overcome serious challenges in their everyday lives. As the leading Portland-area non-profit social service provider, we deliver innovative, life-changing programs for low-income people of all ages and backgrounds.
Our programs strive to prepare children for success in school and life, help families move beyond poverty, and support seniors who wish to continue living independently.
Our dedicated team serves over 8,000 low-income children, families, and seniors each year across the greater Portland area, representing a diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures, including recent immigrants from Latin America, Africa, Russia, and the Middle East.
Portland, OR. William Temple House welcomed over 200 guests at its Style & Sustainability for Social Good Luncheon. The event featured thrift store shopping tips from local “Style Activist” Judith Rizzio and a fashion show demonstrating high-quality sustainable style. Guests learned more about the nonprofit’s food pantry, counseling, thrift store, and social services at the April 19th benefit. It raised $131,700 to support the essential services provided by William Temple House. Above Thrift Store employee Damon Smythe models fashions from the William Temple House Thrift Store, as presenter Judith Rizzio explains the ensemble. (Photo credit, Alejandro Rosas – William Temple House)
Thrift Store employee Zuzu Owle modeling fashions from the William Temple House Thrift Store
Thrift Store employee Zuzu Owle modeling fashions from the William Temple House Thrift Store
Guests watching presenter Judith Rizzio, Style Activist, at the Style & Sustainability for Social Good luncheon
From William Temple House:
William Temple House provides food, counseling, clothing, and household items to Portland-area neighbors to strengthen our community. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—Federal Tax ID 93-0559964.
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Since our founding in 1910, the members of the Junior League of Portland have been developing programs and partnering with organizations in the area to improve our community. Our mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League is a women’s organization for leadership and volunteerism. It is a place to find like-minded women who value making a positive difference in the community, serving their community, and developing their leadership skills. 
