Portland, OR. “If you need help, please call.” That’s the message from counselors at the local suicide prevention nonprofit, Lines for life — calling them is free and confidential.
SUICIDE LIFELINE
Call 800-273-8255
Text 273TALK to 839863.
When famous individuals like Kate Spade or Anthony Bourdain commit suicide, experts worry that media coverage might prompt others to try to solve a temporary problem with an all too permanent, and tragic, solution. There were, for example, more calls than usual to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (1-800-273-8255) after the death of Robin Williams.
Lines for Life is a regional nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide that offers help and hope to individuals and communities, and promotes mental health for all. When a crisis arises or support is needed, counselors are available 24/7/365 to intervene with personalized help. Here’s a video about the service:
Experts suggest that you take the time to check in with friends and loved ones. Ask them how they’re really feeling. And if you’re worried that someone you know might be thinking about suicide, here’s how & why the 5 steps of #BeThe1To can help. The five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention:
ASK
How – Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Asking in this direct, unbiased manner, can open the door for effective dialogue about their emotional pain and can allow everyone involved to see what next steps need to be taken. Other questions you can ask include, “How do you hurt?” and “How can I help?” Do not ever promise to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret.
The flip side of the “Ask” step is to “Listen.” Make sure you take their answers seriously and not to ignore them, especially if they indicate they are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Listening to their reasons for being in such emotional pain, as well as listening for any potential reasons they want to continue to stay alive, are both incredibly important when they are telling you what’s going on. Help them focus on their reasons for living and avoid trying to impose your reasons for them to stay alive.
How – First of all, it’s good for everyone to be on the same page. After the “Ask” step, and you’ve determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it’s important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety. Have they already done anything to try to kill themselves before talking with you? Does the person experiencing thoughts of suicide know how they would kill themselves? Do they have a specific, detailed plan? What’s the timing for their plan? What sort of access to do they have to their planned method?
Why – Knowing the answers to each of these questions can tell us a lot about the imminence and severity of danger the person is in. For instance, the more steps and pieces of a plan that are in place, the higher their severity of risk and their capability to enact their plan might be. Or if they have immediate access to a firearm and are very serious about attempting suicide, then extra steps (like calling the authorities or driving them to an emergency department) might be necessary. The Lifeline can always act as a resource during these moments as well if you aren’t entirely sure what to do next.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal means (or chosen method for a suicide attempt) is an important part of suicide prevention. A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline. Research also shows that “method substitution” or choosing an alternate method when the original method is restricted, frequently does not happen. The myth “If someone really wants to kill themselves, they’ll find a way to do it” often does not hold true if appropriate safety measures are put into place. The Keep Them Safe step is really about showing support for someone during the times when they have thoughts of suicide by putting time and distance between the person and their chosen method, especially methods that have shown higher lethality (like firearms and medications).
BE THERE
How – This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk. An important aspect of this step is to make sure you follow through with the ways in which you say you’ll be able to support the person – do not commit to anything you are not willing or able to accomplish. If you are unable to be physically present with someone with thoughts of suicide, talk with them to develop some ideas for others who might be able to help as well (again, only others who are willing, able, and appropriate to be there). Listening is again very important during this step – find out what and who they believe will be the most effective sources of help.
Why – Being there for someone with thoughts of suicide is life-saving. Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation (both in the short and long-term) has shown to be a protective factor against suicide. Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide highlights connectedness as one of its main components – specifically, a low sense of belonging. When someone experiences this state, paired with perceived burdonsomeness (arguably tied to “connectedness” through isolating behaviors and lack of a sense of purpose) and acquired capability (a lowered fear of death and habituated experiences of violence), their risk can become severely elevated.
In the Three-Step Theory (or more commonly known as the Ideation-to-Action Framework), David Klonsky and Alexis May also theorize that “connectedness” is a key protective factor, not only against suicide as a whole, but in terms of the escalation of thoughts of suicide to action. Their research has also shown connectedness acts as a buffer against hopelessness and psychological pain.
By “being there,” we have a chance to alleviate or eliminate some of these significant factors.
HELP THEM CONNECT
How – Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports (like the Lifeline, 800-273-8255) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. Additional components of a safety net might be connecting them with supports and resources in their communities. Explore some of these possible supports with them – are they currently seeing a mental health professional? Have they in the past? Is this an option for them currently? Are there other mental health resources in the community that can effectively help?
One way to start helping them find ways to connect is to work with them to develop a safety plan. This can include ways for them identify if they start to experience significant, severe thoughts of suicide along with what to do in those crisis moments. A safety plan can also include a list of individuals to contact when a crisis occurs. The My3 app is a safety planning and crisis intervention app that can help develop these supports and is stored conveniently on your smartphone for quick access.
Why – Impact of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training on the National Suicide Prevention Lifelinefound that individuals that called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by the end of calls handled by Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training-trained counselors. These improvements were linked to ASIST-related counselor interventions, including listening without judgment, exploring reasons for living and creating a network of support.
FOLLOW UP
How – After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. The follow-up step is a great time to check in with them to see if there is more you are capable of helping with or if there are things you’ve said you would do and haven’t yet had the chance to get done for the person.
Why – This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of connectedness and share your ongoing support. There is evidence that even a simple form of reaching out, like sending a caring postcard, can potentially reduce their risk for suicide.
Studies have shown a reduction in the number of deaths by suicide when following up was involved with high risk populations after they were discharge from acute care services. Studies have also shown that brief, low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention. Please visit our Follow-Up Matters page for more.
This is a list of SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS
Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings
Lines for Life has many local services for different types of individuals:
“Our highly trained staff and volunteers provide immediate assistance, compassionate support, and resource referrals that can put you on a path to healing.”
SUICIDE LIFELINE
Call 800-273-8255
Text 273TALK to 839863
Alcohol and Drug Helpline
Call 800-923-4357
Text RecoveryNow to 839863
The Alcohol and Drug Helpline serves anyone who needs information, support or access to resources and treatment for alcohol or drug use. If you or someone you know needs help, the Alcohol and Drug Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365!
Call or text us for help understanding or dealing with alcohol and drug use or addiction. When you call us, we listen and support. We provide hope, referrals, resources, and information. Our highly trained staff and volunteers provide immediate assistance, non-judgmental listening, and compassionate support that can put you on a path to healing.
Military Helpline:
GET HELP
Call 888-457-4838
Text MIL1 to 839863
Support for service members, veterans, and their families that is independent of any branch of the military or government.
The Military Helpline operates 24/7/365 and gives free, confidential support to service members, veterans and their families. Answered by veterans and others trained in military culture, our crisis lines offer compassionate, non-judgmental support and, where appropriate, connect people with the referrals, resources, or treatment they need through tough times.
In 2016, Lines for Life received more than 73,000 crisis calls—over 30,000 of which were to our dedicated military crisis lines. We talk with callers about concerns such as PTSD, finances, employment, relationships, and suicidal ideation. We de-escalate 95% of the suicide phone calls we receive to help callers find a way forward without the intervention of emergency services.
Every day, 20 Veterans die by suicide. You can support Veterans, military service members, and their families by donating to Lines for Life today!
If you are under age 21 and would like to talk with a peer about alcohol and drug use or abuse, contact our YouthLine. YouthLine is a free, confidential, teen-to-teen crisis and help line.
YOUTHLINE
Call 877-968-8491
Text teen2teen to 839863
Chat at www.oregonyouthline.org
A teen-to-teen crisis and help line. Contact us with anything that may be bothering you; no problem is too big or too small! Teens available to help daily from 4-10pm Pacific Time (off-hour calls answered by Lines for Life).
Portland, OR. Dress for Success Oregon held its largest annual gala fundraiser, Celebrate Success, at the Portland Art Museum on April 27, 2018. The 450 guests raised over $260,000, which supports job retention programs. Platinum Sponsor, Bank of America’s guests enjoyed the evening and toasted DFSO’s mission. Several Dress for Success clients shared their journeys from hardship and discouragement to self-determination and job success. Women from the community who have written their own success stories were honored with the Athena Award. Athena Award winners are women who, “know that we are all connected and, that what we do for “one,” we do for all.” (Photo credit, Images by Brant)
DFSO Board Co-Chair Traci Ray, Board Co-Chair Cindy Larson, Athena Award Winners: Adrienne Nelson, Graciela Cowger, Janelle Bynum, Monique Barton, and DFSO Executive Director Shari Dunn.
Sarah Howard, Debbie Johnsen, DFSO Board Member Lucy Kivel, Gwyneth Gamble-Booth, and Scott Howard.
Bidders enjoy an exciting live auction and paddle raise.
2018 Athena Award Honorees are:
• Monique Barton, Senior Vice President of Bank of America, a leader in philanthropy in Oregon and SW Washington and a long-time partner and supporter of the women we serve.
• Rep. Janelle Bynum, Democrat – District 51 – Clackamas, the first African-American woman to represent District 51 in the State Legislature and a fierce advocate for women and girls.
• Graciela Gomez Cowger, CEO of Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, both the first woman to lead the 125-year-old firm and one of only a handful of Latinas to lead a U.S. law firm.
• The Honorable Adrienne Nelson, the first African-American to sit on the state’s highest court in its 158-year history and on any appellate state court.
The Celebrate Success event featured a cocktail reception, Diamond Dig, aerialists, three-course-dinner, live auction, and a masquerade ball after party. Poison Waters was the emcee for the event. Longtime partner Bank of America was the Platinum sponsor of the evening.
Portland, OR. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) hosted its annual gala on May 12th, where 500 donors joined together to support OMSI’s special brand of hands-on science education across the region. OMSI President and CEO Nancy Stueber and OMSI Emeritus Trustee and Gala Co-Chair Kimberly Cooper helped highlight the meaning of “Industry” in OMSI by honoring longtime industry partners who are helping inspire the next generation of technology leaders to take on the challenges of tomorrow. (Photo credit, Erin Riddle and Kate Horton of KLiK Concepts)
Traci Wheeler, OMSI Trustee John Wheeler, CEO of Vernier Software & Technology, and OMSI Board Chair Penny Serrurier of Stoel Rives
Piper Park and Jim and Cathy Rudd
The event was co-chaired by Christopher and Jill Hall and Kimberly Cooper and Jon Jaqua, and presented by Vernier Software & Technology. Gala attendees were treated to fine food and cocktails provided by Bon Appetit and a performance by award-winning blues artist Curtis Salgado. The evening ended with the Moonstruck Chocolate Lounge where dusted truffles and after-dinner cocktails were served to guests in the Planetarium beneath a twilight display of falling stars. Eleven live auction packages were sold at the event, including a trip to Hawaii’s Big Island with an exclusive telescope tour on Mauna Kea. It was certainly an electric celebration.
At dinner, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, OMSI Emeritus Trustee David Vernier, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, and Christine Vernier
Auctioneer Johnna Wells and Emcee Dale Johannes
Greg Chaillé, Co-Chair of the OMSI Strategic Priorities Campaign
Award winning blues artist Curtis Salgado topped off the evening with a stellar performance
OMSI Trustee Claudia Valderrama of Wieden+Kennedy and Graciani Valderrama enjoying cocktail hour with friends
Toni Stevens, from family of OMSI founder J.C. Stevens, and her special guests take a selfie
About OMSI:
Today, the museum serves over 1 million visitors at the museum and through off-site education programs. OMSI is ranked as one of the top science centers in the United States and has an international reputation for its innovative exhibits and educational programs.
Portland, OR. The Salvation Army 24th Annual All About Kids Dinner on May 15th was a festive affair that benefitted nine kids programs in the Portland Metro area. The funds support the Salvation Army summer camp, shelter services and after school programs. Little People Big World‘s Amy Roloff joined Salvation Army’s officers including Suzanne Kehoe Kruse, Jazmin Roman and Marcos Roman cheering on the kids. Organizers say through the generosity of Fred Meyer, their partners and attendees, they exceeded their goal, raising over $354K.
New Portland-Metro Advisory Board Members Byron Van Kley and Chrystal Thornton
Long-time AAK Presenting Partner Fred Meyer inspired donors and volunteers to continue to care for Portland’s children
500+ attended the gala at the Sentinel Hotel
Musical guest Mike Hohnholz brightened the night with his songs of compassion
Powerful speaker Lisa Barns tells a story of despair and triumph. Now a Captain with The Salvation Army, Ms Barns shared that, as a young child, she came to the Salvation Army through a food box as her mother was in the grip of addiction.
Here’s a video about the Salvation Army Rose Center:
Learn more about the Salvation Army programs at: portland.salvationarmy.org.
Portland, OR. Neighborhood House’s annual Fête Locale drew nearly 300 supporters to the Multnomah Athletic Center on May 5th. After a year of change at the long-standing social services agency the gala fundraiser called, Fête Locale: Ready, Set, Grow, was a celebration of the agency’s 110-year history of intergenerational work. The evening began with a silent auction and cocktail hour, the room draped in leaf garlands and awash in green. Guests, like Lori Alfonso and Valerie Hunter wore their best garden-party attire, sampled the margaritas and enjoyed the photo booth, then headed downstairs for a sit-down dinner and presentation which raised $171,113.
Marc Czornij, Kristy Duggan, Hannah Nordlie, Matt Duggan
Neighborhood House Executive Director Chris Chiacchierini learns to “floss” with Hayhurst Connect students Elijah and Issa.
Meera Batra and Mari Yerger
Neighborhood House’s new executive director, Chris Chiacchierini, kicked the evening off with a Q&A session with two Hayhurst Connect students, giving the audience an opportunity to get to know him a bit better. Hayhurst Connect is Neighborhood House’s afterschool program at Hayhurst Elementary for low-income and other struggling students. Auctioneer JillMarie Wiles and Emcee Rod Hill then auctioned off a number of fantastic items, before introducing client and honorary guest Takeena Servi.
Neighborhood House’s new executive director, Chris Chiacchierini, kicked the evening off with a Q&A session with two Hayhurst Connect students, giving the audience an opportunity to get to know him a bit better. Hayhurst Connect is Neighborhood House’s afterschool program at Hayhurst Elementary for low-income and other struggling students. Auctioneer JillMarie Wiles and Emcee Rod Hill then auctioned off a number of fantastic items, before introducing client and honorary guest Takeena Servi.
Takeena shared her story while holding her squealing daughter, Nova. Takeena, a veteran, got pregnant after years of trying; struggled through a complicated pregnancy, which left her unable to work; and then gave birth to an extremely premature baby. Nova weighed just 1.5 pounds at birth and spent 109 days in the hospital. Mere days after bringing Nova home, Takeena’s husband left. Takeena explained that Neighborhood House provided her with a home and resources as she and Nova rebuilt their lives; today, mother and daughter are healthy and happy. Following her speech, the special appeal raised a record-breaking $81,500 from attendees. Challenge grants were provided by the Helen and Richard Phillips Charitable Fund, Wells Fargo, and the Neighborhood House Board of Directors.
After auctioning off a few more items, Rod and JillMarie bid the guests goodnight and encouraged them to enjoy the dessert buffet and live piano music. The event grossed $171, 113, surpassing Neighborhood House’s $170,000 goal. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the agency’s programs, which provide comprehensive services for vulnerable Portlanders, including recent immigrants and refugees, low-income families, and local seniors. Through a variety of programs, clients are given the tools to attain stability and build stronger, more self-determined lives. Sponsors for the evening included Bullard Law, Hillsdale Farmer’s Market, NW Natural, US Bank, and Wyse Kadish.
From Neighborhood House:
With the right support, people can overcome serious challenges. Just ask the thousands of people Neighborhood House assists each year.
Neighborhood House is a leading Portland non-profit social service provider and delivers innovative, life-changing programs for low-income people of all ages. Our programs prepare children for success in school and life, help families move beyond poverty, and support seniors to continue living independently.
Who We Serve
Approximately 18,000 low-income children, families and seniors each year across the greater Portland area. Our clients represent a remarkably diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures, including many recent immigrants from Latin America, Africa, Russia and the Middle East.
Our Team
We currently have more than 150 regular staff and 500 volunteers, who give more than 20,000 hours of service each year.
Our History in the Community
Founded in 1905, Neighborhood House was the city’s first organization established to help the many immigrants who were arriving and settling in South Portland. For over a century, Neighborhood House has been the primary resource for people in need in South/Southwest Portland, its programs evolving to meet the changing needs of the surrounding community. In the last few years, Neighborhood House has grown dramatically, adding new programs and extending our services across the greater Portland area, with a concentration in North Portland. Read more about Neighborhood House’s impressive legacy of service to the community here.
Our Core Values
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.
Portland, OR. Nearly 300 guests came together in celebration of Ride Connection’s 30th anniversary at its annual Going Places gala. A gracious customer, Carolyn Tracy, shared her story of how having access to transportation changed her health and her life. Elaine Wells, Ride Connection’s Executive Director of 24 years will be retiring in June; she was honored by Julie Wilcke Pilmer, Ride Connection’s deputy director and incoming Executive Director. The event on May 18th raised a record-breaking $119,000 and brought the organization only $5,000 away from its ambitious three year campaign to raise $1 million, which ends June 30th. The night ended with a heartfelt standing ovation to the organization’s outgoing Executive Director of 24 years, Elaine Wells. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Ian Jaquiss, Disability Awareness Trainer & Outreach Specialist at OHSU, and Jan Campbell, Information Specialist at Aging and Disability Services at Multnomah County
Kim Wilson, Owner at Holst Architecture with Kirsten Gwynn and Ben Ott, Designer at Holst Architecture
Carolyn Tracy shared her powerful story of how Ride Connection’s services saved her life.
Margaret Clark, Ride Connection volunteer and supporter
Ride Connection provides transportation services to older adults and people with disabilities in the Portland metro area. By offering a range of services from rides, training on transit or transit fare assistance, Ride Connection helps people who would otherwise be socially or physically isolated.
Portland, OR. The Board of Directors and staff of Oregon Food Bank honored dozens of generous supporters during a special event on May 3rd held at the new Portland offices for Tillamook County Creamery Association. Hosted by Tillamook President and CEO Patrick Criteser, who is also Chair of Oregon Food Bank’s Board, attendees were invited to try a variety of cheeses and other hors d’oeuvres. “I like this time of one-on-one with our donors,” said Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan. “They want to know about the impact we are making in the community and I want to be able to personally thank them for their generosity.” Hunger in Oregon remains high, with nearly 260,000 people accessing food assistance every month. Oregon Food Bank works to provide fresh, nutritious foods for children, families, seniors and the disabled. It also works to improve self-reliance by offering nutrition and garden education and advocates for policy changes that reduce hunger and build healthy communities.
Oregon Food Bank supporters Joan Kerns, Colleen Gardner and Judy Johnson
Myra Friedman, Hannah Fullerton and Ralph Fullerton
Tillamook County Creamery Association CEO and Oregon Food Bank Board Chair Patrick Criteser and Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan.
Joy-Gay Pahl and former Oregon Food Bank Board Member Dave Pahl
Oregon Food Bank supporters Michael Babbit and Ellen Bartholomew
For more info: https://www.oregonfoodbank.org
We’re probably not what you expect when you think of a food bank. In Oregon, we do things differently.
We started off like most food banks did back in 1988. That’s when Interagency Food Bank and Oregon Food Share merged to become Oregon Food Bank, and we distributed USDA Commodity Supplemental Food to over 200 hunger-relief agencies.
Today, Oregon Food Bank collects food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources. We distribute that food through a Statewide Network of 21 Regional Food Banks and approximately 1,200 food assistance sites serving all of Oregon and Clark County, Washington.
It seems like a big job, and it is. We absolutely couldn’t do it alone. But, distributing food is not the entire job. Like we said – we do things differently in Oregon.
Portland, Or. Over 425 guests attended the 23rd JDRF Hope Gala at the Sentinel Hotel on May 5th. The event was Chaired by Larry & Suzanne Mackin and raised over $500,000 to fund diabetes research. Each year at the Hope Gala, the JDRF Oregon/SW Washington Chapter presents the “Living and Giving Award” to individuals or a company who are outstanding philanthropists, not only to JDRF, but to our community at large. This honor recognizes those who stand out as exemplary leaders and who have, for a long time, set the standard for “giving back” in many ways. Honorees receiving the 2018 Hope Gala Living & Giving Award were Jay & Renee Haladay. They took time for a photo with Judy Summers, Executive Director, JDRF Oregon/SW Washington Chapter and Gary Haines, Board President, JDRF Oregon/SW Washington Chapter.
2018 JDRF Hope Gala. Hope Gala Honoree, Jay Haladay; Gala Co-Chairs, Suzanne & Larry Mackin; Hope Gala Honoree, Renee Haladay
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 (T1D) diabetes research. In the last twelve years, JDRF has funded over $6.7 million dollars in grants covering research taking place in Oregon.
The Oregon/SW Washington Chapter provides support and resources to those newly diagnosed and their families as well as children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. These include Parent Coffee Groups, Children’s Art Group, T1D Adult Group, a TypeOne Nation Educational Summit, Connections Support Program, Adult and Teen Care Kits and the Bag of Hope Program for newly diagnosed children.
Portland, OR. The YWCA of Greater Portland entertained over 350 guests at its 26th Annual Inspire Luncheon on April 24th. The luncheon, presented by Fred Meyer raised over $150,000 to support the critical services the YWCA of Portland provides to members of our community. Yassi Irajapana who chaired the event, is also the Board Chair and Susan Stoltenberg, is the Executive Director of the YWCA of greater Portland. (Photo credit, Jim Garrison and Au Nguyen)
Stephanie Magoulas, YWCA Board Member, Michelle Thomas, Fred Meyer Loyalty Analyst, Trent Quadros, Kroger Technology Manager, Courtney Hadfield, Kroger Executive Assistant. Stephanie Magoulas and Michelle Thomas both served on the 2018 Inspire Lunch committee bringing their many talents and passion for the mission of the YWCA to their committee work.
YWCA Board Member Julie Auflick of Fred Meyer welcomed guests on behalf of presenting sponsor: Fred Meyer, she was “assisted” by the cats of Imago Theatre.
This year’s event featured “A keynote without words.” In the words of YWCA’s executive director, Susan Stoltenberg, “Typically, the YWCA invites a keynote speaker from out of town to elevate our awareness and arouse us to act. But we think the year’s already done that to many of us! So this year we’re keeping our investment local, and inviting Imago Theatre to engage, inspire and delight us with a Keynote Without Words!”
YWCA board member, Julia Markley, Laura Stepp and board member Kristine Koneck made new friends with more characters from Imago Theatre.
Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, board member Julia Markley, Phil Dollar, and Mamak Tabrizian who is the Senior Services Program Director for the YWCA of Greater Portland.
About the YWCA of Greater Portland
The YWCA of Greater Portland is the local affiliate of one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation. The organization has been an active part of the Portland community for over 110 years, providing services to women, children, and families, from all walks of life—regardless of their age, race, or income level. The YWCA of Greater Portland’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The YWCA’s services span five key areas: domestic violence services, incarcerated mothers and their children, senior services, social justice, and youth services.
Please visit ywcapdx.org for more information about the work the YWCA does in our community!
Portland, OR. The Changing Destinies Financial Aid Luncheon drew over 225 people to raise funds for financial aid for students at De La Salle North Catholic High School. The April 26th benefit raised $273,360. At the luncheon, longtime supporter Steve Spence had a chance to talk with one of the students at the North Portland school. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)
Senior Tyler White addressing audience during keynote speech
Cooper DuBois
Giovanni Battles and Ashley Rollins, both class of 2005
Cathy Rudd & Barbara Silver with student
Cyndy Maletis
Here’s a video which explains some of the details of the unique program.
From De La Salle North Catholic HS:
Thank you to our sponsors!
Wieden + Kennedy
Clark Foundation
OnPoint Community Credit Union
Providence Health & Services
Reliable Credit
The Standard
Walsh Construction
Our mission is to provide an affordable, college preparatory, faith-based education to young men and women throughout the Portland metro area with limited financial resources. Over 325 years ago, St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers and their schools, established the practice of providing a Christian education to the young, especially those who are most on the margins of society. Today, along with the support and sponsorship of the De La Salle Christian Brothers (San Francisco New Orleans District), De La Salle North Catholic strives to continue this mission.
Since the school was founded in 2001, our school has continued to grow and develop into a community of dedicated teachers and staff who, along with our many corporate work-study partners and volunteers, provide our unique education to capable, motivated and interested young people.
What is so unique about our school:
Our school turns no one away based on an inability to pay tuition. Even though our tuition is more than $10,000 less than any other private, Catholic high school in our area, most of our families still would find it hard to afford our low tuition.
Every student in our school works five days each month at “real-world” jobs. Not only does the money they earn at these jobs off-set nearly 60% of the cost to educate each student, but the work experience is life-changing for them. We are a founding member of the Cristo Rey Network® of schools which, today, number over 30 and are located in every major urban area throughout the United States.
In that we are a relatively small, faith-based school, we can provide a safe and supportive environment where students truly do “enter to learn and leave to serve” (our school’s motto).
Our students don’t simply graduate high school; over 95% have been accepted to colleges and universities—each and every year. Our students go to college with employable skills which help them pay for their college education, which ultimately, will help them break the cycle of poverty. Their success is a result of a culture of goal setting and achieving high standards by blending rigorous academics, four years of professional work experience and Catholic morals.
So, on behalf of our religious sponsor, the De La Salle Christian Brothers, the Board of Trustees and the entire De La Salle North Catholic community, thank you for your interest and we invite you to come visit our students and experience how we are transforming Portland’s inner-city youth, one student at a time!
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]
