Portland, OR. Edison High School welcomed 350 guests to the Oregon Zoo for its annual Partner with Edison Breakfast. Edison supporters Elizabeth Gewecke and Catherine Bekooy visited with Edison parent Diane Engelhard at the event. Guests heard from junior Grace Penaflor, alumnus Jensen Clarke, and Edison teacher Rachel Hansen about the importance of Edison High School. The benefit on November 1st generated $220,000 to help support financial aid, technology, and professional development. Edison is the only high school of its kind in Oregon and southwest Washington dedicated to students with learning differences. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)
Blake Howells, Steven Klein, and Tyler Kaluza
David Squire, the parent of a current Edison senior, shares his “Edison Story” about the positive impact the school has had on his entire family.
Desiree Baldocchi and Leslie Ganz get up early to support Edison.
Kristen Leonard arriving for the event.
John Russell enjoys the Partner with Edison Breakfast.
From Edison High School:
Our Mission
Edison High School empowers students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, while preparing them for the future. We are guided by a set of Core Values. Edison is student-centered and characterized by attunement, collaboration, dedication, accesssibility and organization; our students become future-ready. We have a very low student:teacher ratio, an excellent student support program, a unique educational approach and methodologies specific to students with learning differences. Learn more on our General Information tab!
Student Profile
Edison High School is open to students who have learning differences such as Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Visual Perception and Nonverbal Learning Disorders. Students are referred by parents, schools, counselors, tutors and medical professionals. Each student and family is interviewed prior to admission and evaluated by staff to ensure a good fit. We have a close-knit community, a welcoming and safe environment and vibrant student life.
The History of Edison High School
Our school was founded in 1973 as the Tree of Learning. For many years, students were taught in portable classrooms on the Jesuit High School campus. In 1992, we moved into a brand-new building of our own, changing our school’s name to Thomas A. Edison High School in honor of the famed American inventor who had a learning difference. In 2014, we streamlined the school’s name to Edison High School. Students also take classes in a satellite building in the Valley Plaza next door.
Edison High School is accredited through AdvancED (formerly Northwest Association of Accredited Schools).
Portland, OR. Diverse communities came together for Q Center’s annual SHINE brunch on November 3rd at the Portland Marriott Downtown. The Q Center’s mission is to provide a space for togetherness, progress, and support people within the LGBTQ+ community. The annual SHINE brunch is meant to honor those who help the organization grow. There were 500 supporters in attendance and over $130,000 was raised. Pictured above, enjoying the photo booth, are state representatives Alissa Keny Guyer, Jennifer Williamson, and Margaret Doherty. (Photo credit, Marty Davis and Smirk Photobooth)
Bridges Voices Choir
Executive Director, Cameron Whitten
The Q Center’s values include bringing more safety, resilience, anti-oppression, learning, empowerment, inclusion and transparency into the world. The main purpose of the Q Center is to build community and host support and activity groups that are peer-led. Some examples of different types of groups include sexual orientation programs, gender identity programs, addiction & mental health support, help for veterans and more.
Board Treasurer, Erin Waters
Bill Dickey and John Salazar
From the Q Center:
Our Mission is to provide safe spaces, community building and empowerment for the positive transformation of LGBTQ2SIA+ communities and allies in the Pacific Northwest. As the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Pacific Northwest, Q Center proudly serves the LGBTQ2SIA+ communities of Portland Metro and Southwest Washington. Our drop-in and event space on North Mississippi Avenue is a frequent first stop for new arrivals in Portland, and for longtime residents who are newly out or questioning their sexual or gender identity. Q Center also serves as an information hub for friends, partners, community, and family members of LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and seek out ways to share resources with other nonprofits and public institutions locally and statewide.
Portland, OR. Financial Beginnings Oregon and Portland Parks Foundation have been named the Bank of America 2019 Neighborhood Builders winners. The nonprofits are being recognized for providing essential services that benefit the Portland-area community and promote economic and social progress. Financial Beginnings will use the resources to reach an additional 5,000 Oregonians with free financial education. Portland Parks Foundation, a fundraising partner for Portland Parks & Recreation, plans to expand its Summer Free For All Lunch + Play program that brings free, healthy meals to parks with their funds.
Through the Neighborhood Builders program, each nonprofit receives $200,000 in flexible funding, a year of leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader at the organization, a network of peer organizations across the country and volunteering support from BofA.
“We recognize the critical role that local nonprofits play to build pathways to economic progress in the Portland community. Through Neighborhood Builders, we connect nonprofits like Financial Beginnings Oregon and the Portland Parks Foundation to the funding and leadership development resources they need to further scale their impact,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America’s Market President in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Both of these nonprofits do extraordinary work, so I am pleased we are able to bring forward this additional support at a particularly strategic time for them.”
Financial Beginnings Oregon will use its award to establish the “Bank of America Financial Empowerment Fellowship.” With Bank of America’s funds, they will recruit and train a cohort of diverse student leaders each year to serve as Fellows. Fellows will receive leadership and skills training, and will then bring financial education programs back into their own communities. Overall, the organization anticipates the Fellows will provide free financial education to an additional 5,000 Oregonians each year.
“The $200,000 investment will help us reach more Oregonians with critical financial literacy training,” said Kate Benedict, Executive Director of Financial Beginnings Oregon. “We know that communities learn best from a member of their own community. The Bank of America Financial Empowerment Fellowship is our chance to make sure Portland-area communities attain valuable financial teachings from their own student leaders. This program will help us reach significantly more Oregonians than ever with life-changing, free financial education programs.”
The Portland Parks Foundation — Portland Parks & Recreation’s (PP&R) nonprofit fundraising partner — will use the funding to significantly expand PP&R’s Summer Free For All Lunch + Play program, which brings free, healthy meals to parks in communities where 50 percent or more of kids under 18 are eligible for free-and-reduced lunches. The program serves as a nutritional bridge during the summer months for kids who rely on school lunches. Additionally, the Neighborhood Builders investment will enable the purchase and design of customized vehicles to deliver needed community services via PP&R’s Mobile Lunch + Play program in neighborhoods without good access to parks.
“Thanks to Bank of America, thousands more Portland children will receive a free, healthy meal,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “The Neighborhood Builders grant strengthens our long-standing partnership with Bank of America. Thanks to our philanthropic partner the Portland Parks Foundation and to Roger Hinshaw and Monique Barton at Bank of America for their commitment to Portland families.”
Randy Gragg, Portland Parks Foundation’s Executive Director, added: “The Bank of America Neighborhood Builders grant will allow us to bring a lot of the fun of a park directly to kids, right where they live. With our city growing so quickly, Mobile Lunch + Play is a fast, effective and innovative way to better serve more of our city’s children and reach new neighborhoods.”
Monique Barton, senior vice president at Bank of America in Portland, added that both nonprofits have long histories of partnering with Bank of America through traditional foundation grants that span many years. Over that time, both nonprofits consistently demonstrated impact, reach and successful two-way partnership. “We remain impressed by the visions of Financial Beginnings and the Portland Parks Foundation. They are both doing tremendous work to elevate opportunities available to young people in Portland, and we look forward to seeing what more they’re able to achieve with this additional investment,” Barton said. “The programs they are earmarking the funds for, are very worthy causes with the potential to make a real difference in helping local youth and families.”
From Bank of America:
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News). For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom. Click here to register for news email alerts.
Financial Beginnings:
Founded in 2005, Financial Beginnings Oregon is a nonprofit organization that provides free financial education programs across the state. Our mission is to empower youth and adults to take control of their financial futures. To accomplish this, we partner with schools and community-based organizations across the state to provide free financial education to the communities they serve, preparing participants of all ages to make important financial decisions wisely and well. Learn more about Financial Beginnings Oregon at www.finbegor.org and connect with us on Twitter at @finbegor.
Portland Parks Foundation:
The Portland Parks Foundation is dedicated to connecting Portlanders to nature and to each other through the city’s parks, public spaces and natural areas. We lead, develop partnerships and raise money to fund new facilities, enhance existing ones, and support programs to put our parks system within reach of all. We are the chief philanthropic partner of Portland Parks & Recreation, which helps Portlanders play by providing the safe places, facilities and programs that promote physical, mental and social activity. Since our founding in 2001, PPF’s impact has stretched across the entire city. For more information on Portland Parks & Recreation’s Mobile Lunch + Play and other Summer Free For All programs, please click here.
Portland, OR. The third annual “#MyRCH: An Evening to Celebrate Kids” drew over 350 supporters and raised $500,000 for Randall Children’s Hospital At Legacy Emanuel. Organizers say the October 17th gala at the Left Bank Annex was a fun and engaging way to support vulnerable children in our community. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas)
Guests at the #MyRCH Gala saw demonstrations from providers at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.
Guests had the opportunity to learn about the care provided at Randall Children’s Hospital (RCH) through interactive experiences, and hear patient families share their #MyRCH stories.
From Randall Children’s Hospital:
Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel (RCH) offers the most modern approach to children’s health care – blending the finest in medical services with family-friendly spaces and patient care procedures designed to reduce stress on patients and their families. RCH is a regional leader in the care of infants, children and teens with over 150,000 patient visits per year.
RCH provides care for anyone who walks through our doors regardless of their ability to pay. Your generous support helps enhance patient experiences and high-quality care:
Purchasing new technology
Piloting new approaches to care
Supporting the psychological and emotional needs of children and their families
Oregon City, OR. Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) raised a historic $125,000 for individuals and families escaping domestic violence at its annual Pathways Gala and Auction at The Abernethy Center in Oregon City on October 17th. More than 250 guests came to support core programming for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including emergency shelter, counseling, confidential advocacy, and children’s programming. Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas; Bill Stewart; Senator Rob Wagner; Laurie Wagner supported the event. (Photo credit, Juliana Patrick)
Catharine Koch; Kristin Schlotterbeck; Ashley McArdle; Chief Deputy District Attorney John Wentworth; Clackamas County Undersheriff Angela Brandenburg; A Safe Place Director Lt. Michael Copenhaver; Clackamas Women’s Services Executive Director Melissa Erlbaum
Executive Director Melissa Erlbaum
Keynote speaker and Cheif Operating Officer of Self Enhancement, Inc. Libra Forde
Libra Forde provided the keynote address, commending the community for its ongoing engagement in breaking the isolation of domestic and sexual violence, and supporting survivors in accessing safety. Guests also heard from a survivor of human trafficking who shared her experience finding safety at The Village, the organization’s emergency shelter. The event is the largest fundraising event of the year for Clackamas Women’s Services and most successful fundraiser in the non-profit’s 34-year history.
Supporters at the event included Senator Rob Wagner, Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts, Tribal Council member Denise Harvey, and Clackamas County Commissioner Martha Schrader. The gala included a Golden Ticket Raffle, Wall of Wine, Wonder Wall, and Live Auction.
Funds raised at the gala will also contribute to several new endeavors the organization launched this year: the Legal Empowerment Accelerator Program (LEAP), a legal incubator program to provide civil legal services for survivors; Communities for Safe Kids, a school-based child sexual abuse prevention program; and the Elder Abuse Program.
Event sponsors included Castparts Employee Federal Credit Union, The Doctors Company, and PCC Structurals.
People experiencing domestic or sexual violence can contact a confidential advocate with Clackamas Women’s Services for help and support through their 24-hour crisis line at 1-888-654-2288. Community members looking to support Clackamas Women’s Services can email [email protected] to become involved.
From Clackamas Women’s Services: Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) formed in 1985 when community members saw their community impacted by domestic violence and banded together to create a solution. CWS grew out of neighbors opening their homes and sharing what they had in hopes of building a safer community for families. Since that time, CWS has grown beyond shelter to offer a wide range of services for anyone experiencing domestic and sexual violence from initial crisis through to long-term healing. They continue the legacy of working with community members, emergency responders, social services partners, and local businesses to build communities that protect and support survivors. Those interested in working with CWS through volunteer service or financial support can find more information on their website. To learn more, please visit https://www.cwsor.org/. The 24-hour crisis line is 1-888-654-2288.
The annual Pathways Gala will be held again next year on October 8th at The Abernethy Center.
Portland, OR. Oregon Energy Fund (OEF) celebrated its 30th anniversary at its annual Power Gala on October 12th. The event raised more than $70,000, which will be used to support OEF’s mission to help Oregonians in financial crisis pay their energy bills. More than 100 guests attended the Roaring ’20s-themed event, which was held at the Sentinel Hotel and emceed by Joe Vithayathil of KPTV-FOX 12. Pictured above, showing off their 1920’s attire, are guests of Gold Sponsor Portland General Electric.
Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle, Multnomah County Commissioner Lori Stegmann, and OEF Executive Director Brian Allbritton are all smiles at the cocktail hour.
Volunteers John Wheatfall (PGE) and Arielle Freytag (Miss Oregon 2019) get ready to sell some raffle tickets.
Guests of Gold Sponsor McDowell Rackner Gibson PC enjoy their dinner in the Grand Ballroom
The Smut City Jellyroll Society Band serenades the room.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on OEF’s 30-year history and its impact on Oregonians across the state, such as a Marine Corps veteran who needed to keep the heat high in his home due to poor health, but was unable to keep up with the resulting costs. “For the last three decades, our work has been driven by the same core values: compassion, collaboration, and innovation,” said OEF Executive Director Brian Allbritton. “The funds raised tonight will help us provide a critical lifeline to the tens of thousands of Oregonians who sacrifice food or medicine to pay their bills each year. We couldn’t be more grateful to our amazing community of sponsors, donors, and friends.”
Board of Directors Vice President Sarah Simmons addresses the room.
Auctioneer Misty Marquam, back for her fifth gala with OEF.
Paige and Beth Sterrett cinch a winning bid in the live auction.
Charity and Christina Spires (Pacific Power) enjoy dessert at the end of the night.
Imagine a life without electricity. No A/C to keep you cool in the summer. No heat to warm your family in the winter. No stove, no refrigerator, no lights, no internet. For thousands of Oregon families, this scenario is all too real. A medical emergency or loss of income can quickly snowball into a financial crisis, leaving families with mounting debt and agonizing decisions. Buy food – or pay the electric bill? Give up light or medicine? Rent or heat? We believe no one should face these questions. The Oregon Energy Fund is a 30-year-old nonprofit that provides energy bill assistance to low-income Oregonians in support of household stability. Since 1989, OEF has helped almost 300,000 people pay their bills in times of crisis, ensuring that families in need don’t have to sacrifice food, rent, or medicine to pay for electricity. Through the direct service of energy assistance, we supply a basic need that prevents the triple traumas of illness, homelessness, and hunger, and gives children and adults alike the support they need to lead healthy and productive lives.
Portland, OR. “It is rare for a school to be around for 150 years, especially in Oregon,” Head of School Mo Copeland said at OES’s 1869 Philanthropy Leadership Reception on October 23rd. “One reason we’re here celebrating this milestone is that we’re blessed with strong leadership. We have donors such as you to thank for their time, their generosity, and their continued support of our mission all these years.”
Known for excellence in preparing students for higher education and lifelong learning, Oregon Episcopal School in southwest Portland, celebrated its sesquicentennial at an annual reception for leadership donors. Parents Shubha Venkatesh, Sesha Varadarajan, Dr. Ralph Schweinfurth, and Dr. Leyan Fernandes-Schweinfurth, posed for a photo at the 1869 Philanthropy Leadership Reception.
OES Board of Trustee Member Lucy Reynolds with OES Head of School Mo Copeland.
Dr. Vivek Deshmukh and his wife, OES Fund Chair and current parent Kristin Deshmukh
Founded as St. Helen’s Hall, an independent day and boarding school for young women, the school opened its doors on September 6, 1869, at 4th and Jefferson (today the site of City Hall) with 50 students enrolled. Today, on its fourth campus with 880 students in grade PreK-12, OES remains one of the few independent, co-educational, day and boarding Episcopal schools in the country, and is the oldest school of its kind west of the Rockies.
Parents, alumni, faculty, and staff celebrated the school’s sesquicentennial at the annual reception, with student group Cø7 playing instrumental music in the background.
Board of Trustees Chair Dan Drinkward `95, noted that 2018-19 was a historic fundraising year for the school, with more than $10 million raised in annual giving and for a new athletic facility.
“Because of you, we’re able to make important investments for the classroom today, and the campus in the future,” he said. “Thank you for your leadership!”
From OES:
Among the woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife of the hills of Southwest Portland lies the unique educational experience that is Oregon Episcopal School. The school occupies a 59-acre campus where 870 students in Pre-K– Grade 12 share an excellent faculty, a college preparatory curriculum, and a strong sense of community.
Offering a true liberal arts curriculum, OES is dedicated to scholarship and an enriched academic environment of “learning by doing” that strives to help each individual reach his or her fullest potential. Small classes provide intimate learning environments that allow teachers to instill in each student a love for learning and the joy of discovery. Learn more about our Academic philosophy and Essential Competencies.
The oldest Episcopal school west of the Rockies, OES values developing the spirit as well as the mind. Though steeped in Episcopal heritage and tradition, the school welcomes students of all beliefs. We provide instruction about all major faiths, and encourage individuals to discover their own spiritual path. Learn more about our Episcopal tradition.
Portland, OR. United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon & SW Washington (UCP) honored business leaders committed to employing Oregonians who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. The happy hour event on October 24th was held at The Armory. UCP Employment Solutions Director Melissa Miller posed with a group from Bridge Law including Partner Kelsyn Bevins, Jay, who is a Bridge Law supported employee, and Bridge Law Partner Lewis Farmer.
Ryan Farrow, Supported Employment Program Manager at CBRE, Nike Account
Travis Bernard, UCP Oregon Recruiter presents in one of three micro-workshops at the event.
Melissa Miller, UCP Employment Solutions with Kathy Allsworth, HR Manager with Fred Meyer receiving the Disability Leadership Award.
Fulcrum Fitness, Employer of the Year Award. Pictured: Owner, David Levy (Center), with supported employees, Henry, Serena, and Olivia.
Adam Hewitt, Employment Specialist with UCP Employment Solutions speaks to the group.
The happy hour event included micro-workshops to educate businesses interested in supported employment. Partnering for Easy Recruitment, The Etiquette of Inclusion, and Diverse Job Descriptions. More information about Employment Solutions can be found under Services at ucporegon.org.
From UCP Oregon:
UCP Oregon began in 1955 by supporting adults who experienced cerebral palsy. But today we do so much more than that! We assist adults and kids of all ages, who experience all kinds of developmental disabilities.
About Employment Solutions:
Employment Solutions is a service of UCP Oregon and has been connecting businesses with qualified candidates since its inception in 2006. Candidates are vetted to determine their best job match and supports are put into place to ensure employment success. Employment Solutions partners with hundreds of businesses in Portland, Clackamas, WA County and Hood River to increase diversity, productivity and profitability for local businesses. Some of the benefits of partnering with Employment Solutions are no-cost, on-site coaching, assistance with accommodations, and consultation on topics such as ADA compliance and filing tax credits. Our experienced team customizes the level of supports based on the needs of each business.
About AbilityAware:
An AbilityAware employer is a community-focused business, committed to advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and in turn cultivating a strong local economy. Employers have earned this designation and can proudly display the AbilityAware plaque and signage in their workplace. Learn more about being an AbilityAware employer here.
Portland, OR. The theme for the Portland Rose Festival’s annual fall fundraising event was “Cocktails & Roses.” The October 11th benefit raised $189,000 and was held at Montgomery Park’s center court before it closes for renovation under new ownership. Capital One Café’s Jhus Custodio, Sierra Harris, Antonio Montoya, Rick Blossom and Alex Hall enjoyed specialty cocktails during the Silent Auction. (Photo credit to Rich Jarvis and Mari Bunnage.)
2019 princesses Daria Stalions of Jefferson, Gabby Ferroggiaro of Madison and Toria Lopez of Tigard bring their royal charm to help raise funds for the festival foundation.
2018 Royal Rosarian Prime Minister Adam Baker, 2019 Rose Festival Board nominee Sgt.Paul Meyer and wife Mary Meyer.
Ben Sickenger and Marcia Randall enjoy time at the silent auction.
Rose Festival CEO Jeff Curtis shares a laugh with Ron and Beverly Burback of Funtastic Traveling Shows
Jermaine Atherton and wife Rose Festival President Teri Bowles-Atherton greet quests at the annual auction and dinner
Rose Festival Public Relations Manager Rich Jarvis and City Commissioner Amanda Fritz pose for a selfie during the silent auction.
From Portland Rose Festival Foundation:
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation organizes all of the events that are anticipated every year come springtime in Portland. The Rose Festival has many events that portray the diverse interests and communities in Portland. Some of The Rose Festival Foundation’s values include community leadership, volunteerism, patriotism, and environmentalism. Every year, girls from all different high schools in Portland can apply to be apart of the Rose Festival Court. The judges elect a lucky girl to be queen, and she is then crowned at the Queen’s Coronation in the spring. Events and programs like these encourage young girls to expand their leadership skills, reach their goals, and excel in both their school and community. Famous events such as the Grand Floral Parade, Starlight Parade, and the Junior Parade are just some of the events that bring the people of Portland together each year.
Here’s a video about the Rose Festival Court:
Part of Portland’s popular culture for more than a century, the Rose Festival has its roots in tradition while its programming is both contemporary and nostalgic. Foresighted city leaders started the festival during the first decade of the 20th Century in order to put Portland on the map and brand it the ‘summer capital of the world.’ Little did they know that more than a hundred summers later the Rose Festival would be world-famous for its amazing, award-winning events, as well as serving as a community leader for celebrating values like volunteerism, patriotism and environmentalism. In 2010, the Rose Festival was finally acknowledged as Portland’s Official Festival by proclamation of the Council. With dozens of events spotlighting the diverse interests and culture of the community, the Rose Festival makes a positive impact on hundreds of thousands of lives annually, bringing smiles to the faces of both locals and guests. Peruse this website to learn more about the festival’s three popular parades, its three-weekend urban fair packed with great entertainment, good food and fantastic features, and about the iconic Court made up of local high school women making goodwill visits all around the state. The Rose Festival makes Portland a better place to live and visit.
Portland, OR. “We are not the survival of the fittest. We are the survival of the nurtured,” explained Central City Concern (CCC) President and CEO Rachel Solotaroff during the nonprofit’s annual Compassion In Action luncheon. Rachel posed for a photo with Bobby Tsow, Medina Kurney, Bobby Watts. The benefit took place at the Downtown Hilton on October 15th and was a celebration of four decades of CCC helping people find home, hope and healing. In total, the CCC 2019 Compassion In Action campaign raised over $290,000. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
David Northfield, CCC Board Members, Andy Davidson and Dr. Richard Gibson
Central City Coffee Crew
Onlookers learn of Central City Concern’s roots by viewing timelines created for each decade. For 40 years, Central City Concern has provided recovery treatment, housing, health care and employment services for hundreds of thousands of people in Portland impacted by homelessness.
Presenting sponsor US Bank and Rachel Solotaroff, M.D., Central City Concern, President & CEO
With a blast of horns, Portland-based 12-piece funk and soul band Soul Vaccination kicked off the day’s program, performing their hit song “Funk P-Town” with several lyrics altered to celebrate CCC’s 40th anniversary.
CCC President and CEO Rachel Solotaroff then took the stage, thanking elected officials in attendance; the event’s Presenting, Home of Our Own and Ready to Work sponsors; and several corporate partners who have given to CCC for more than 20 years. Rachel went on to speak about a concept that is vital to the staff members, clients and the very spirit of CCC: resilience. She shared that resilience “isn’t something people are born with. It’s something people are given, and they are given it through human connection…resilience requires relationships, not rugged individualism.”
G. Robert (Bobby) Watts, CEO of National Health Care for the Homeless Council, served as the luncheon’s keynote speaker. Bobby tapped into the deep familiarity with CCC’s work that he’s developed as the leader of the nation’s preeminent membership organization of homeless health care organizations, people with lived experience of homelessness and advocates. CCC is, Bobby said, “doing some things that no one else is doing and they are doing some things better than most others are doing. We, as a council, are going to rely on them.”
Bobby then pivoted to speaking about homelessness as a national epidemic. He shared that our collective hope and goal should be moving toward “compassionate justice”: a society that not only sees housing and health care as human rights, but provides them as such. Our path toward that goal consists of doing what we know works: affordable housing and housing subsidies, health care to people experiencing homelessness, supportive housing, medical respite, practicing a Housing First approach, trauma-informed care, harm reduction and addressing racism.
The audience was treated to the premiere of “40 Years of Hope and Healing: The Human Connection,” a video feature that showed the transformative ripple effect of making a human connection through the stories of two long-time CCC employees, Bobby T. and Medina.
Here’s the video:
Stacey Dodson, market president at U.S. Bank, followed the video to make the pitch. Before she began her ask, however, she shared about her intimate connection to the devastation that addiction can ravage on families, making the work of CCC all the more vital to our community.
Soul Vaccination closed the program with three more songs, including a raucous version of Earth Wind & Fire’s “September.”
From Central City Concern:
Central City Concern meets its mission through innovative outcome-based strategies that support personal and community transformation.
Direct access to housing which supports lifestyle change.
Integrated healthcare services that are highly effective in engaging people who are often alienated from mainstream systems.
The development of peer relationships that nurture and support personal transformation and recovery.
Attainment of income through employment or accessing benefits.
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