Sponsored: Portland, OR. It was a standing ovation at the Old Church Concert Hall, for storytellers and hosts Lynne Duddy and Lawrence Howard. Their December 1st event was one of the many that Portland Story Theater hosts each year. (Photo credit, Kelly Nissl)
The founders of the organization explain what makes Portland Story Theater so meaningful to the community:
“Portland Story Theater is an investment in opening minds, challenging assumptions, and finding common ground. In these volatile times, learning to listen to one another is crucial so we can learn to trust each other. David Bowie once told his daughter, “Trust nothing but your own experience.” And that’s exactly what Portland Story Theater focuses on: trusting your own experience, trusting your story. Now, more than ever, we need to trust — ourselves, our stories, each other — to battle the fears that are manifesting in the world around us as expressions of hatred. Our call to action is to step up, provide safe space for each other and engage in meaningful ways; ways that matter. The challenges we face to make this kind of art are only going to intensify. We need your help now more than ever. We ask that you make a donation to support the kind of intimate theater that Portland Story Theater creates. Theater that takes the kind of risks needed to be vulnerable and to engage each other in eye-to-eye, heart-to-heart, face-to-face conversations. Souls keep us deeply human in profoundly inhumane times.”
Here’s a video about the nonprofit:
The Portland Story Theater event in December had a whole variety of storytellers.
Leah Carey told a story entitled, “Good Girl Breaking Free.”
Steve Eggerts told a story entitled, “989 Days.”
Sabina Haque told a story entitled, “Every Moment Counts.”
Kathy Gillis told a story entitled, “Slipped Right In.”
Luis Garcia told a story entitled,“Peace and Pizza.”
Gigi Rosenberg told a story entitled,“The Only Rule I Broke.”
Our vision is to advance, inspire and expand our community narrative, one story at a time – and in doing so, preserve and promote the ancient art of storytelling in a way that enriches modern life, allowing and encouraging people to be vulnerable and present in ways that are crucial to the full expression of our humanity.
Our Mission Portland Story Theater builds community, promotes understanding, and fosters radical empathy by giving voice to the real, true stories of ordinary people.
501(c)3 Nonprofit Arts Organization Portland Story Theater is a passionate advocate for diverse narrative and our loyal listeners. We are a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Contributions and sponsorships facilitate outreach and keep ticket prices affordable. As an advocate for the narrative art of storytelling, Portland Story Theater strives to broaden audiences, develop new approaches, and support existing and new storytelling programs.[EIN #27-0670834] Your kind Donations are appreciated.
What We Do
Portland Story Theater builds community through story. Our work gives voice to the true stories of ordinary people. We break down barriers and stereotypes by bringing people together to hear real, true stories. We teach people that telling their personal story is a process that ignites self-discovery and nourishes our capacity for empathy for ourselves and each other. Our work at Portland Story Theater fosters a deep awareness around the idea that the more personal a story, the more universal it becomes. This art form is the spontaneous unfolding of a story that is celebrated onstage; in the moment, in the shared space between the listener and the teller. We work with other like-minded people to co-create live storytelling shows. We are low-tech, no-frills theater. We tell our stories directly, never asking the audience to suspend disbelief. This is a return to the ancient roots of theater. This is theater at its most basic, essential, elemental core: performer, audience and words. Telling our stories face to face, eye to eye, and heart to heart. Portland Story Theater makes stories provocative, inspiring, and accessible to everyone, young and old, of all social backgrounds, and ethnicities.
What We Believe
Everyone has a story to tell. Be heard. Honor your emotional truth. Discover your self through story. Discover your history.Listening builds connection. Be open. People are transformed by being heard. Listen openheartedly. Story breaks down barriers. Be vulnerable. Tell your story. Authentically. Honestly. Sincerely. We are in a revolution. Be a part of the change. Story illuminates the universal through the personal. Story awakens our consciousness. Story helps us recognize that we are one race, the human race. Believe. Act. Transform.
We believe that personal story breaks down barriers and reveals the commonality of the human experience. We believe that story is the glue that holds us together and sustains us as a community, that story awakens our consciousness and helps us recognize that we are one race, the human race. We do not do “slams” because we believe that each personal narrative is sacred. We do not seek out celebrities to perform in our shows because we believe that everyone has a story to tell. No need to bring the focus on sensational, titillating or embarrassing stories. We encourage people to dig deep to discover the heartfelt humor and emotional truth of their stories.
Sponsored: Portland, OR. For more than 60 years, UCP of Oregon has been fiercely dedicated to serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, ADD, and others. United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon & SW Washington (UCP) started out in 1955, supporting adults who experienced cerebral palsy. But today it does much more. Nearly 200 trained United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon & SW Washington employees go out into the local community to provide direct care for people in their homes, respite care and support for their family members, community inclusion trips, employment opportunities, and navigation through complicated health systems. UCP of Oregon is in a vital year-end fund drive and you can donate by CLICKING HERE.
Here’s a short video from UCP:
Donations help make a difference in the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities in our community.
UCP is efficient – more than 92% of every dollar goes directly to fund their work. Services include:
Connections – Case management services, person-centered planning, and connecting customers with resources to live the life they choose.
Foundations – Assisting people with developmental disabilities to live in their own home or apartment.
Employment Solutions – Working with job seekers who experience disabilities to achieve employment in the community at a competitive wage.
Building Blocks – Attendant care, skills training, and relief care to children experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities residing in their family home under the age of 18 years.
Family Support – Facilitating connection with other families for moral support, practical information, equipment exchanges, and offer respite care for caregivers.
So far in 2017, UCP Oregon has provided services to 1,216 individuals and recently highlighted a client named Wendy for its #GivingTuesday campaign. Wendy is discovering herself; what she finds meaningful and interesting – what truly brings her joy. Though Wendy doesn’t use her voice to communicate, she is very expressive, affectionate, and clearly demonstrates the inspiration she experiences as she engages with her community. One UCP service called Choices provides customized supports that open the door to the benefits of education, leisure, volunteering, or recreational activities like dancing! This campaign included a link to a sweet video of Wendy and others enjoying a class at Polaris Dance Theatre in November.
Portland, OR. 34 Nike designers and developers worked side-by-side with six young Doernbecher Freestyle designers to share their stories and bring their ideas to life. Doernbecher Freestyle XIV designers and models included: Tylan Hibbard, Brody Miller, Amyiah Robinson, Braylin Soon, Carissa Navarro, Andrew Merydith, Brayden Sparkman and Finn Mooney pictured with Doernbecher Physician-in-Chief, Dr. Dana Braner, OHSU President, Dr. Joe Robertson, and Doernbecher Foundation Board Trustee and Creative Director of Brand Presentation at Nike, Michael Doherty. Their designs were unveiled to the public at Doernbecher Freestyle XIV. The collection unveiling and auction raised over $1.4 million to help kids and their families at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. In addition, Nike, along with Shoe Palace, Villa and Elite Mr. Alan’s, presented Doernbecher with a gift totaling more than $1.4 million from the retail sales of the 2016 Freestyle Collection – bringing the total raised from this partnership to nearly $20 million. (Photo credit, Caitlin Carlson and Andie Petkus)
Doernbecher Foundation Board Trustee and Freestyle XIV sponsors, Christine and Gary Rood with OHSU Doernbecher Physician-in-Chief, Dr. Dana Braner at the October 27th benefit at the Portland Art Museum.
Nike Product Director, Lee Banks with Freestyle XIV designer, Brody Miller
OHSU Foundation Board Chair, Ann Edlen and Doernbecher Foundation Board Executive Vice Chair, Peggy Maguire
Doernbecher supporters George and Janet Boldt with Chloe Lam, Doernbecher patient, and Chloe’s parents Ron and Hisako Lam
The 2017 Doernbecher Freestyle collection is on sale now with 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit OHSU Doernbecher. Here’s a link to the collection to check out the designs:
Purpose: Doernbecher Freestyle is a remarkable fundraising partnership between OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Nike that gives young patients the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create limited edition shoes to be sold at Nike retail locations throughout the country and online at nike.com as well as other select retailers. These incredible young designers have each faced serious illness and now have the opportunity to share their stories, inspire others and help other kids at the same hospital that changed their lives. Nike donates one hundred percent of proceeds from Doernbecher Freestyle to support clinical care, purchase state-of-the art equipment, help cover the cost of care for families in need, and expand pioneering research that benefits children around the world.
Portland, OR. More than 800 people filled the Portland Hilton Grand Ballroom to demonstrate their support for future women leaders of St. Mary’s Academy.Nicole Foran, Karen Reyes ’18, Deborah Burton, Rachel Leiber ’00 were among those supporters at the 24th annual Food for Thought luncheon on November 2nd. It raised a record-breaking $510,000 to support tuition assistance, enabling girls across the Portland and SW Washington metro area to benefit from the all-girl, Catholic, college-prep experience that St. Mary’s can provide, no matter their financial circumstances.
Mike and Shawn Hagel
Missy Abraham Hartnell ’87 and Suzann Baricevic Murphy ’83
Julie Stott and Caroline Swindells
Janeen McAninch, Dana White and Bob Harold
From St. St. Mary’s Academy:
“We are so grateful for the incredible support, generosity and commitment shown by our donors in support of our tuition assistance program which led to the most successful fundraising result yet,” said Emily Niedermeyer Becker ‘86, Vice President for Development. This year, St. Mary’s Academy has committed close to $1.9 million in tuition assistance to 40% of student families.
Luncheon keynote speaker, human behavior researcher and bestselling author, Vanessa Van Edwards, inspired attendees with research proving that leaders can be made through intentional experiences and by developing a leadership mindset. As a graduate of an all-girl school, Vanessa says “We must equip our young women with the skills to have a positive impact in the world. The power is with us.”
Their deep passion for developing girls into leaders drove Food for Thought co-chairs, Deborah Burton, Senior Vice President | Chief Nursing Officer, Providence St. Joseph Health and Rachel Leiber ’00, Business Development Director, Xealth, to lead this effort. Deborah says, “Never has there been a more important time to empower young women to lead with confidence and grace.” As a St. Mary’s Academy alumna, Rachel feels strongly about the role alumnae play, sharing that “investing financially in St. Mary’s girls is the most important way we can open doors for future women leaders.”
A moving speech by St. Mary’s Academy senior Karen Reyes demonstrated the significant impact of financial aid. Karen is an active student leader in many campus organizations including Women of Color in Action, the Latino Student Union and the Spirit Walk student fundraising committee, and serves as a Student Ambassador. She credits St. Mary’s Academy for having “provided the space, support and encouragement to find and develop my voice and leadership skills.”
Bringing the audience to tears, she shared, “That nervous freshman who wondered if she could make it here, is now applying to college with dreams of becoming a neonatal nurse. I guarantee you that with an education from St. Mary’s, young women like me will not only succeed as students, but as women in this world.” Karen deeply appreciates the financial support that has allowed her the gift of this all-girl experience, saying, “I wouldn’t be here today, with all of these doors open to me, without the support of my mom, and every generous donor giving to tuition assistance.”
St. Mary’s Academy principal, Nicole Foran, has watched Karen and thousands of other young women graduate and become impactful and trusted leaders in their communities. “We witness how powerful and transformative a St. Mary’s education is. Our passionate community and pioneering culture foster an environment where girls collaborate, lead, mentor and learn from one another as adventurous, engaged learners. With the support of our generous donors, we will continue to develop strong leaders of tomorrow.”
Portland, OR. If you weren’t able to make it down to the 35th annual Providence Festival of Trees, to check out this homage to Frozen by Providence Milwaukie Hospital, we’ve got you covered. The donation totals and photos are still coming in from the gala auction on November 30th and the two public touring days, but over the last 34 years, the festival has raised more than $16 million. Those funds support Providence Children’s Health programs including Child Life Specialists, NICU Parent Liaisons, Swindells Resource Center and My Little Waiting Room.
Here are some photos of the those famous trees:
Letters to Santa Sponsor: iHeart Media Designers: Sandy Miller, Shelly Hamann, Mark Johnson, family and friends
TREE 5: Take Me Back in Time Sponsor: Providence Hospice Designers: Jacquelyn Dunn, Kate Gober, Shawn Dunn and Judy Mimnaugh
TREE 18: A Coastal Christmas Sponsor: Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty Company Designers: Sarah Kennison, Danielle Smeraglio, Sue Jarmin and Kim Jarmin
TREE 15: Rose All the Way Sponsor: Providence Health Plan Designers: Ronni Nichuals, Stacy Ryback, Velma Rodriguez, Tiah Kershaw, Erica Brill and Mary Nichols
TREE 17: Christmas in Rip City Sponsor: Portland Trail Blazers Designers: Sandy Miller, Leslie Radke, Carol Nielson and Judy Han
TREE 6: Through a Child’s Eyes Sponsor: Providence Portland Medical Center professional staff Designers: Leilani Wilson, Raji Chandrasekaran, Christine Riley, Karen Thiel, Nicholetta Vlandis and Elizabeth Wakeman
TREE 14: Have a Merry Elfin’ Christmas Sponsor: Providence Medical Group Designers: Dominique Buhl, Damala Badon, Robin Birge, Amy Brittan and Min Stearns
This is a year-long, volunteer-driven project with nearly 75 professional and amateur designers volunteering thousands of hours to turn a corner of the Oregon Convention Center into a winter wonderland and holiday village. Nearly 20,000 people were expected to experience the 2017 festive gathering with 75 trees of all sizes decorated with nearly 100,000 twinkling lights. More than 600,000 people have attended the festival since it began in 1983. Safeway was the sponsor this year.
Here’s a time lapse video of the setup of the
The Festival of the Trees benefits these Family Support Services:
Providence cares for more than 100,000 Oregon children each year, and 1 in 5 children have a special health care need. These critical programs help keep the whole family healthy.
Our Family Support Services
Child Life Program
Imagine a hospital visit through the eyes of a child. Unfamiliar faces and equipment, examinations or tests for them or for a loved one, and scary conversations that they may not understand. Our certified child life specialists at Providence St. Vincent help children of all ages cope with their own or a family member’s illness, injury, treatment, or hospitalization through play, child-friendly explanations, and of course, a teddy bear.
My Little Waiting Room
Founded by mother and cancer survivor Amy Patterson, My Little Waiting Room provides free, fun, and safe drop-in child care for families on the campuses of Providence St. Vincent and Providence Portland Medical Center. Staffed by specially trained care providers and secure, parents can attend appointments or visit a loved one in the hospital knowing their children are in good hands.
NICU Parent Liaison
Spending time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with your baby is rarely a part of a family’s birth plan. Our NICU Parent Liaison provides peer-to-peer informational, emotional, and inspirational support to new parents of premature babies during their stay in the NICU at Providence St. Vincent.
Swindells Resource Center
Learning that your child has special needs, developmental delays or disabilities is life-changing, isolating and scary. Where do I go from here? What do I do next? Swindells Resource Center supports parents and caregivers of these children by providing free resources, information and education to communities throughout Oregon and southwest Washington – last year alone we helped tens of thousands of families throughout the region.
Sponsored: Portland, OR. The Home Builders Foundation is helping a whole host of organizations providing shelter for area residents in need and supporting the future of its industry by offering educational opportunities for tomorrow’s workforce.
Professionals from the Home Builders Foundation are working overtime to complete the interior of this new Village of Hope shelter in Clackamas County.
The Village of Hope shelter, which will be run by Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS), is one of the many projects spearheaded by the nonprofit. The new facility replaces a 100 year-old farmhouse that had numerous safety issues. When finished in January, it will provide a safe haven for 13 women, and up to 20 children at a time, as many as 100 women a year. Women escaping domestic violence, often with children in tow, use the shelter. It’s one of the largest projects the Home Builders Foundation has taken on.
Groundbreaking for the shelter took place about a year ago.
Working with donations, the Home Builders Foundation undertook a complete demolition and rebuild. The total retail cost of the project is slightly over $1 million, but the Home Builders Foundation was able to leverage donations and discounts, which nearly cut the expense in half. Those cost savings can be redirected to support the women and children who will be living in the shelter. The Foundation is in a year-end fundraising campaign to support efforts to help citizens living in the margins like homeless women and children. The Foundation helps a whole host of organizations providing shelter for area residents in need and supporting the future of its industry by offering educational opportunities for tomorrow’s workforce. As an incentive for donations each individual who makes a donation or renews their monthly pledge to Home Builders Foundation during the month of December will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to see the Broadway smash-hit Hamilton: An American Musical when it comes to Portland this spring. Click here for a link to the Home Builders Foundation donation website.
The Village of Hope shelter in Clackamas County is just one of the many charitable projects the Home Builders Foundation helps.
Home Builders Foundation, Bridge Meadows and New Avenues for Youth have joined forces to create an innovative housing community for youth aging out of the foster care program in Oregon. Leveraging Bridge Meadows intergenerational healing community and New Avenues for Youth self-sufficiency and life skills services expertise, they are combining resources to build and operate the Dorothy Lemelson House & New Meadows Program, a trauma-informed housing and life-skills program for young people ages 18-24. This new 10,700 sq ft community, made up of 10 studios and 5 one-bedroom apartments offers youth the benefits of intergenerational care and support.
Located just one block away from the Bridge Meadows North Portland housing community, the Dorothy Lemelson House will offer former foster care youth a safe place to live while they pursue education and job training and practice and learn self-sufficiency skills. The project broke ground on September 8th.
Home Builders Foundation and Renaissance Homes have worked together to secure in-kind donations and discounts from Milgard Windows and Doors, Medallion Industries, OrePac, Globe Lighting, Corian, Delta, GE Appliances, Willamette Graystone, Hanover Architectural Products, Keller Supply, Lakeside Lumber and James Hardie. Walsh Construction will serve as the General Contractor for the project. Construction is expected to be complete in May 2018.
We are the charitable arm of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland.
Founded in 1997, the Home Builders Foundation directs the philanthropic activities of the home building community by providing shelter for area residents in need and supporting the future of our industry by offering educational opportunities for tomorrow’s workforce.
Shelter Development: The Foundation facilitates the building (new construction) or renovation of dignified housing for the temporarily homeless. Through its shelter building arm, HomeAid Portland, builders are partnered with local non-profit care providers seeking to expand facilities designed to house individuals and families in need of temporary shelter.
The Foundation also administers volunteer programs to improve the livability and function of local care providers’ existing facilities. Its annual volunteer blitz and shelter care event, Painting a Better Tomorrow, allows HBA members and other industry leaders to directly contribute to the maintenance of local homeless shelters, most of whom operate on a shoestring budget and have few available funds for maintenance costs. Click here to find out about our latest projects.
This renovation project included an expansion of educational programs for children of homeless families in the shelter. The addition added dedicated space for Homework Club, private tutoring, preschool programming and storage for program needs. This expansion provided them with more space in which to operate a long existing and critically important program for homeless children and was a great partnership between non-profits, the building community and the City of Tigard.
The first phase of this remodel project for Hope House, a shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness, included safety upgrades such as a new fire alarm system and sprinkler system, increased bed capacity from five families to eight, the addition of laundry and indoor shower facilities, and the addition of an ADA-accessible bedroom and bathroom.
Nathan D. Young Construction returned again to Portland Rescue Mission’s Burnside Shelter for an expansion project for the Connect Program, a program for homeless women. Ten beds were added to this facility, as well as a kitchenette
Harvest House, a facility for homeless families, received much needed lead-abatement for the building, as well as new siding and windows. Masco Corporation generously gave a $6,000 grant to the project, which was completed in late June.
Care Provider: Love INC – Newberg Builder Captain: Jim Fisher Completed: March 2015
Home Builders Foundation completed its first project in Yamhill County when it partnered with Builder Captain Jim Fisher to provide upgrades to Love INC’s existing shelter for women and children. Upgrades to the facility included the addition of a restroom, a kitchen remodel and new flooring throughout the facility.
Smith House was a perfect candidate for an HBF energy retrofit. After a thorough walk-thru with HBF Builder Captain, Joe Robertson, it was determined that the highest priority need was to replace the old oil heater and focus on energy upgrades to make the home more comfortable and energy efficient. The money saved on high utility bills could then go back into the program. NW Natural donated a new gas furnace and tank-less water heater, and HBF partnered with Performance Insulation to do attic and wall insulation as well as air sealing throughout the home.
Jordan House
Care Provider: Youth Progress Builder Captain: Joe Robertson, Shelter Solutions LLC Completed: December 2014
Youth Progress operates two residential facility for boys ages 13-24 that provide a structured, supportive environment to guide them toward a more positive future. Both facilities were in need of assistance and HBF chose both of them for energy retrofits. In partnership with Joe Robertson of Shelter Solutions LLC and Performance Insulation, Jordan House received new attic and wall insulation, and air sealing just in time for the winter weather.
HBF and Builder Captain Dave Adelhart returned to Goose Hollow Family Shelter in 2014. With the help of HBA member donations and discounts of labor and materials as well as others in the industry, we were able to dramatically increase the usable counter space, upgrade the cabinets throughout including the addition of upper cabinets for extra storage, add an upgraded counter top, improve the electrical and add a larger sink and refrigerator. It turned out to have a big impact for a tiny space that feeds about 30 people every morning!
This 100+ year old home that houses a residential treatment program for young men was the first energy retrofit project taken on by HBF in partnership with Neil Kelly Home Performance. The retrofit included air sealing, insulation, tankless water heater, lighting upgrades, new energy efficient appliances and updated wiring. Energy retrofits of older shelters helps the service provider put much needed money from energy savings back into their programs and makes the homes much more comfortable for the residents.
HBF returned to Raphael House in 2013 to upgrade the kitchen including new cabinets, granite counter tops, ranges and ADA improvements to create a beautiful new space for 40 women and children who live there. In-kind donations and HBF funding was over 80% for this project.
Goose Hollow Family Shelter is the only shelter for families on the west side. Eight families a night call this home. This renovation of a well-used laundry room and family lounge was a partnership between several PRO members and designers Garrison Hullinger Interior Design and Designers Edge Kitchen & Bath. The in-kind donations and HBF funding provided for this project was 100%.
Next Step is a transitional “independent living” facility for men in addiction recovery. A full scale phased renovation (estimated total of $1,500,000) for this 13,400 sq. ft. former nursing home expanded program capacity and maximized treatment space. The scope of work included: new ductwork, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, upgrading mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and equipment, commercial kitchen remodel, replacing the roof and reworking dorm rooms and other common areas. This renovation increased the number of beds from 15 to 42.
Transitional Living Program
Care Provider: Boys & Girls Aid Builder Captain: NuPark Development LLC Dedicated: February 2013
HBF partnered with Boys & Girls Aid and the City of Beaverton to complete a major renovation of a four unit apartment building that provides safe and supportive transitional housing for homeless youth in Washington county. The residents of the TLP program receive case management, help with continued education, mental health services and skills training.
The Burnside Shelter provides crisis intervention, homeless and addiction recovery, short-term and long term shelter, education and job assistance. It is also Portland’s only 24/7, 365 days a year public restroom and food service operation of its kind. Built in the late 1800’s and expanded in the early 1920’s, the facility is in a state of disrepair, and energy consumption is the main source of concern. The goal was to retrofit the facility with energy efficient upgrades to reduce annual utility costs by as much as 35% (allowing precious operating funds to go to direct services instead of building maintenance). Scope of work included: insulation throughout , new windows, framing and moisture protection, installing high efficiency boilers and mechanical systems.
The Bonnie Tinker House is an emergency shelter serving up to 23 women and children at a time (200 per year), providing safety, shelter, food, clothing, support groups, advocacy, and a 24-hour crisis line. This $50,000 “shelter enhancement project” was phased to reduce impact on the residents who live there. Scheduled work included: security, electrical upgrades, efficient heating system, roof repair, window and screen repair, tile work, new plumbing fixtures, landscaping, patio gazebo installation, cabinetry repair and light carpentry.
This 96 year old house was completely renovated with updated energy efficiencies to make life more comfortable for 12 abused boys. Now complete, Cordero House will become a home for two additional boys (the program turns away five to seven boys per week). With a new family treatment room and therapist offices, the “healing work” becomes easier. Every wall and hard surface is new. The expanded kitchen/dining area now allows for multiple work spaces, ample storage and commercial grade appliances. The boys no longer shower in shifts with expanded, more private, bathrooms. A “dude dorm” with flat screen tv and surround sound allow them to be kids again. An estimated $770,000 was dedicated to the project with over 380 industry professionals, 90+ companies and over $350,000 in donations of labor and materials. This project received the national CADRE award in 2011 for ‘Outstanding Community Service Project’
Unfinished attic space became a Comprehensive Advocacy Center (CAC) offering expanded services to the women and children survivors of domestic violence. The CAC provides an inviting place for legal aid, mental health services, alcohol and drug counseling, life skills classes, self care, and children’s activities. Despite the economic downturn, 35% of the labor and materials for this $430,000 project were donated. Received awards from the Portland Housing Bureau in 2009 & 2010
A residential treatment center for five mentally disabled adults, this home was built to give the residents a place to heal, receive counseling and flourish while transitioning back into self sufficiency. Over $164,000 was donated in time, materials and labor to this $266,000 project – almost 60% total savings.
Builder Co-Captains were able to rally other subcontractors, trades and suppliers to donate over $189,000 in time, materials and labor to this $260,000 project – a 70% total savings. Up to twelve un-wed, young, homeless mothers and their babies call this safe haven “home”, receiving the care and support they need to begin their new lives.
Again, the Foundation for the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland is in a year-end fundraising campaign to support their efforts to help citizens living in the margins like homeless women and children. Click here for a link to its donation website.
Sponsored: Portland, OR. “Adventure and challenge!” Those are the words which have drawn thousands of students to the Northwest Outward Bound School over the past 50 years. “Outward Bound has completely changed the course of my life. I’ve been continuously given the tools to discover both my positive and negative qualities and ways I can overcome both mental and physical obstacles,” explains a Reynolds High School student named Bridget who has benefited from a scholarship to attend the program.
The nonprofit is in the middle of its year-end fundraising campaign, working improve the lives of individuals, and thereby the whole community. Northwest programs are research-based and proven to enhance developmental outcomes for youth including self-confidence, goal-setting, empowerment, teamwork, and compassion. Northwest range of programs include multi-day/multi-week excursions, school-based programs in low-income neighborhoods, and targeted courses for vulnerable populations such as veterans, grieving teens, and LGBT communities.
Here’s a video about the program.
Northwest Outward Bound School measures student success in the following areas:
Character Development: demonstrating increased self-confidence, self-actualization, and compassion toward others and live a healthy and balanced life.
Leadership: demonstrating the ability to set goals and to inspire and guide others to achieve them, as well as to collaborate, communicate, solve problems, and resolve conflicts
Service: Students demonstrate social and environmental responsibility and actively engage in service to others.
Outward Bound originated in Great Britain as a program to help young sailors prepare for the demands of naval combat. Founder Kurt Hahn designed the program to help young recruits to build self-confidence, grit, and a spirit of teamwork in the face of adversity by encouraging them to challenge themselves. Outward Bound is founded on the idea that experiential learning is equally as important as academic education, and that providing both learning styles for students leads to longer-lasting, more meaningful impact.
Outward Bound came to the US in 1960 and programming in the Northwest began in 1965. It serves nearly 2,000 participants each year from Oregon and Washington, as well as many who come from around the world to engage in local programs, set amongst the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.
The mission of Northwest Outward Bound School (NWOBS) is to change lives through challenge and discovery. NWOBS provides uniquely intensive outdoor learning experiences for students of all ages that challenge people to reach their full potential.
Every summer NWOBS offers unique, intensive outdoor wilderness experiences for youth in the Pacific Northwest. From our Mazama base camp, students go mountaineering in the Glacier Peak wilderness, sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands, and rock climbing, backpacking, and canoeing in the North Cascades. From base camp in Bend, OR, students climb historic rock faces at Smith Rock State Park, raft down the Deschutes River, and traverse Mt. Jefferson each year. Expeditions include outdoor education in areas such as camp craft, first aid, navigation, and other skills essential to wilderness living. Through skilled instruction and mentoring, as well as team building activities with their peers, students learn to be part of a supportive community based on respect, compassion, teamwork, and working toward shared goals.
To deliver our program we partner with schools, youth-serving organizations, community leaders, and youth advocates who are dedicated to helping students reach their full potential and who believe in the impact of an Outward Bound course. Partners spread the word about opportunities, identify and recruit candidates, support students through the application process, help prepare them for their course, and assist them in coordinating their post-course service project. Beginning this year, we are allocating additional staff capacity to partnership outreach and coordination, including additional focus on Pierce County. In the past we have partnered with YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties.
Ways to support:
Although the Pacific Northwest is an ideal setting for adventure, challenge and discovery, character-building, and outdoor education, some Oregonians are not included in these opportunities. Many youth in Portland’s low-income neighborhoods and/or communities of color are underrepresented in the beautiful wilderness destinations that the region has to offer. Nationally, youth of color make up only 21% of outdoor activity participants (Outdoor Foundation, 2012). The preponderance of research shows that outdoor education boosts academic performance, fosters personal growth, benefits health, and cultivates a generation of youth who value and respect the natural world (Oregon Outdoor Education Coalition, 2015).
Our Pinnacle Scholarship Program, established in 1992, has provided hundreds of young people across the country an opportunity to build character, develop leadership skills, and understand the importance of community service. Pinnacle Scholars are all eligible for the free or reduced lunch program. The Program depends on partners, often teachers, counselors, community leaders, or youth advocates, who are dedicated to helping youth reach their full potential and who understand the impact of an Outward Bound course. Partners spread the word about scholarship opportunities, identify and recruit candidates, support students through the application process, help prepare them for their course, and assist them in coordinating their mandatory post-course service project. Current Pinnacle Partners in Oregon and Washington include: Summer Search, Liberty Bell High School, Native American Youth and Family Center, Reynolds High School, Neil Armstrong Middle School, Upward Bound Tonasket and Portland Community College’s TRIO Talent Search.
Our Portland Schools Program is a semester-long progressional series of character and team-building activities for underrepresented middle and high school youth in the Reynolds School District. Over 80% of our students come from low-income households (eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch) and 74% are students of color. By providing opportunities for high quality outdoor experiences, youth in Portland have more access to a valuable tool for enriching their lives, improving their opportunities for school success, and participating in the unique experiences that define and unite us. In 2017, we expanded into Reynolds High School, creating more long-term, impactful leadership opportunities for students, supporting them through the 8th – to 9th grade transition. Research shows that the 9th grade transition is a particularly vulnerable year for students who are at risk of not completing high school. Students who feel confident and connected to school in 9th grade are more likely to succeed (“Ninth Grade Counts.” All Hands Raised, 2016.). In the 2016 graduating class at Reynolds High School, only 67% graduated on time compared to the statewide average of 75% (The Oregonian Your Schools, 2017.). The Portland Schools Program is proven to support students in building the skills and resiliency for personal and academic success throughout their lives.
Portland, OR. The annual Albertina Kerr luncheon introduced community members to the work of the local nonprofit, which provides programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, empowering them to live richer lives. The event on November 3rd at the Downtown Portland Hilton drew approximately 350 people. Bernie Wilson, Dir. of DDS and Sandra Cisneros, Family Support Specialist posed for a photo. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Anne Adler – CDO, Jeff Carr = CEO, Kristie Nelson and son Nathan – client of Kerr, Jennifer Harmon – Marketing and Communications Mgr.
Discover Kerr was a free luncheon with a presentation from CEO, Jeff Carr. Carr also identified the long-term goals of the organization: build affordable on-site housing for employees, revitalize the brand, cultivate strategic community partnerships and invest in the services they provide.
Chris Krenke and Jeff Carr – Past and Present CEOs of Albertina Kerr
Connie West – Joyce Manougian Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Jeff Carr – CEO, Miki Herman – Chair, Foundation Trustees
From Albertina Kerr:
Our Mission
Albertina Kerr empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and other social barriers to lead self-determined lives and reach their full potential.
Our Vision
All people thrive in nurturing and inclusive communities.
Our Values
Guiding beliefs that shape the culture of Albertina Kerr Centers, the behavior of all individuals directly associated with the organization, and the delivery of services include:
DIGNITY AND COMPASSION
Every individual has equal value and we treat each person served with dignity and respect. Our belief in kindness, understanding, humanity, and the value of diversity and culturally appropriate services guides our daily work.
INTEGRITY
We are committed to high ethical standards. Honesty, accountability and responsible stewardship of financial resources are expected from all employees and volunteers.
COMMITMENT
We are committed in providing the best care possible for everyone we serve. We believe in evidence-based practices, continuous learning and improvement to ensure positive service outcomes and responsible financial management. We are forward-thinking in our work and seek out innovative and creative approaches to fulfilling community needs.
COLLABORATION
We partner with the people we serve and their families to achieve our vision and mission. Partnerships with employees, community volunteers and donors, government agencies and other like-minded organizations are also essential.
ADVOCACY
We strongly advocate for the needs of the people we serve, educating the community and political decision makers about the challenges they face. We employ those we serve to successfully advocate for their own needs and rights.
Portland, OR. This year’s OSU President’s Dinner Celebrated 150 years of philanthropy and welcomed 15 new members to the Milton Harris Society. The society is named for a 1926 OSU graduate and noted chemist, who gave the first $1 million gift to OSU. At the dinner on November 16th at the Portland Art Museum, Larry Hawley Brown was recognized for the generosity he offered with his wife, Dena. (Photo credit, AJ Meeker and Hannah O’Leary)
Tom Teramura, Vice President of Precision Castparts Corp., which was recognized for generous support scholarships and engineering programs at Oregon State University.
Katie Mespelt Honerlah & Ray Honerlah, with Oregon State University President Ed Ray and OSU Foundation CEO and President Mike Goodwin, were recognized for their generous support of Oregon 4-H programs.
Jerry Hulsman, a member of Oregon State University’s Harris Society, recognizing the university’s most generous donors.
Debb and Robert Zagunis were recognized by Oregon State University for their generous philanthropic support.
From OSU:
From its earliest days, philanthropy has shaped OSU’s legacy of innovation, service, and impact on the world. During the program, Mike Goodwin, President and CEO of the OSU Foundation, ended his remarks with words that Linus Pauling shared with his classmates before commencement in 1922 – words that still ring true today: “Education, true education such as our own college gives us, is preparation both for a life of appreciation of the world and for a life of service to the world. The improvements which have been made in the past few years, great as they are, are small compared with those yet to be accomplished.”
About the OSU Foundation
Vision
To create a better world by inspiring support of – and for – Oregon State University.
Mission
We partner with Oregon State University to engage our community, inspire investment, and steward resources to enhance the University’s excellence and impact.
The OSU Foundation is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1947 and governed by a 42-person Board of Trustees. On December 31, 2014, the Foundation concluded The Campaign for OSU, the university’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, in which more than 106,000 donors made gifts exceeding $1.1 billion to advance university priorities. The powerful momentum generated by their support has fueled Oregon State’s rise as an internationally recognized public research university. Fundraising efforts are now focused on targeted special initiatives that advance OSU’s strategic plan for creating transformative student learning experiences and building on its greatest strengths and areas of greatest potential impact, such as marine studies and advanced wood products.
The Foundation works with university partners to:
Raise funds in excess of $100 million per year that support the university’s priorities
Cultivate and steward a culture of philanthropy for the Oregon State community
Manage an endowment of more than $500 million
Engage alumni in service to the university
Affiliates and Associates
The OSU Foundation maintains a close partnership with several associated and affiliated organizations that also support the mission of Oregon State University. While associated organizations are separately incorporated, the financial activity of both associates and affiliates flows through the OSU Foundation financial system.
Associates
Oregon 4-H Foundation
Trysting Tree Golf Club
Affiliates
Our Beaver Nation
Construction Education Foundation
E.R. Jackman Board
Tax ID Number / Employer ID Number (EIN): 93-6022772
Portland, OR. #GivingTuesday took place this year the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The estimated $274 million donated as part of the sixth annual #GivingTuesday was the highest amount in the event’s history, according to an organization statement. The final count represents a 55 percent jump over the $177 million donated in 2016, continuing the increase in donations since the charity-focused event began in 2012.
The 2017 estimate comes from donations reported by about three dozen online giving platforms, including PayPal, Blackbaud, Classy and Facebook, and reflects only donations made in America, although the movement has taken hold around the world, according to Jamie McDonald, Giving Tuesday’s community campaign coordinator.
If you’re still looking for ways to give, here are some tips from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities:
Step One: Be Proactive In Your Giving
Start by identifying which causes are important to you, and be specific about the impact you want your donation to have. For example, maybe you are interested in helping people with a particular disease. A large national organization might be better suited to research and finding a cure for the disease, whereas another one, perhaps in your community, could be doing great work providing services to patients and their families. Once you are clear about your philanthropic priorities, start to pull together a list of charities that match your interests.
Step Two: Research before Giving
Next, begin to narrow down your list of charities by conducting some basic research.
Make sure the charity you are considering supporting is a bona fide, tax exempt 501(c)(3) public charity (all of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator meet this basic requirement). If you aren’t sure, ask for the organization’s EIN (Employer Identification Number) and then check our site to confirm its status.
Examine the charity’s finances. Financially healthy organizations – those that are both financially efficient and sustainable – have greater flexibility and freedom to pursue their charitable mission.
Ensure the charity is accountable and transparent. Charities that are an open book and follow good governance practices are less likely to engage in unethical or irresponsible activities.
Step Three: Discuss Results and Impact
A charity’s ability to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change in the world is the key reason for their existence and for your donation. So, before making a contribution, talk with the charity to learn about its accomplishments, goals, and challenges. Such conversations will give you insight into how well the charity knows where it stands and where it plans to go. Charities unwilling or unable to have this conversation may not deserve your support.
Step Four: Consider the Way You Give
You’ve done your due diligence, so trust the charity to determine how best to spend your contribution. Giving without strings attached (through unrestricted donations), provides the charity the flexibility it needs to respond to changing demands for its services.
Create a budget for how much you can (or would like to) give. Understanding the tax benefits of giving and spacing out gifts during the year (via automatic monthly donations) may boost your overall giving capacity.
Step Five: Follow Your Investment
Remember to follow up with the charity in six months to a year to find out how they’re using your money. You’re not looking for a list of itemized expenses, but instead a progress report to give you a sense of how responsive they are to you and if they can clearly communicate their progress.
Once you are assured that the charity is making an impact, make a commitment to support their work for the long haul. Only with long-term, committed supporters can a charity be successful!
But, if your charity can’t tell you what kind of results they created from your investment, go back to Step One and find one that will!
Below is a list of links to some Portland Area Nonprofits, so happy #GivingTuesday!
Arts, Culture & Humanities
As part of its commitment to the community, Portland Opera makes the final dress rehearsal of each opera available to the region’s students.
The United Way of Columbia-Willamette helps organize the MLK Day of Service like where thousands volunteered like this Camp Fire program where students works in the garden to learn about local plants and vegetables, planting, maintaining gardens and healthy eating.
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]
