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.
The Christmas Ship Parade will launch Friday, December 1st, in North Portland Harbor. The parade will run for 15 nights through Thursday December 21st. (There will be no parades on Dec 3rd, 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, and 18th.) Christmas Ships, Inc. is a non-profit corporation. Some restaurants and hotels along both rivers, and private citizens, donate to the insurance fund for the lead boats each year. Minimal administrative costs for the year are paid from the fund.
The boats, 14 to 65 feet long, are brightly decorated for the holiday season. The ships draw thousands of residents each night to the banks of the rivers for their performances. Up to 60 holiday boats are expected to make up the two fleets this year.
Restaurants and hotels along the Columbia and Willamette rivers are already taking reservations with nights already booked for some evenings.
There’s always room for more boats in the parade of Christmas ships:
The privately owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem and Hood River areas. Some of the ships owners have been part of Christmas tradition for more than 30 years with many being part of the Christmas Ship fleet for over 20 years. Each skipper is responsible for their own expenses, including fuel and insurance for their vessels over the two weeks. This can run into the hundreds of dollars, which in itself is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm the Christmas Ship skippers bring to the organization, and the community. The organization accepts donations to help cover the cost of maintaining, managing and promoting the organization, but none of these donations go to the skippers, their crews, or their boats. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff or officers, just a large group of friendly individual volunteers/skippers who give back to the community.
From The Christmas Ships:
The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon where tied along the rails and it paraded on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow. Today, The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Things have changed from the first lone ship. Now the displays are brightly lit and can be seen from bank to bank on each river.
The Portland tradition packs restaurants along the two rivers. Many reservations are made a year in advance. Many hotel rooms are booked by mid-summer. Corporation Christmas parties are scheduled around the Christmas Ship Parade schedule. By the thousands every night regardless of the weather Portland-Vancouver residents line the banks of both rivers to watch the parade. To show their appreciation for the all volunteer effort and the performance they give, many homes and cars along the way flash their porch and headlights as the fleet passes.
Each boat owner designs and builds their lighted Christmas display and pays their operating costs which includes fuel. Many of the displays can be seen each year, but new boats join the flotilla each year and bring with them new Christmas oriented lighted exhibits. As skippers retire, they also hand down their well known displays so the tradition continues. Even though not all boats make it out every night of the two weeks the ships parade on the rivers of Portland, most do. For many of the boat owners, this is a family Christmas tradition, offering the Portland area thrilling Christmas time parades. Many of the operators also have small private parties for friends and families aboard their vessels during the parade. All costs are borne by the owners.
Weather is the only element that will cancel the ships performance. That determination is made by the leaders for the evening about a half hour before the ships are scheduled to begin performing.
You can expect scenes like this one from a previous ball when more than 800 event-goers were in attendance for Levé’s Ninth Annual Charity Ball. That year, all proceeds benefited “I Have a Dream” Oregon.
This year, along with a DJ, silent auction, and wine wall, the event will be emceed by Stumptown’s favorite drag queen, Poison Waters.
Earlier this year, Levé members volunteered at the Girls Inc. “Rappel for Her” fundraiser. There is a clear synergy with the Levé and Girls Inc partnership. Girls Inc. works to inspire school-aged girls to be strong, smart and bold, while Levé prides itself on women supporting women.
Levé, which comes from the french word “to lift,” has a unique partnership model that exposes habitual attendees to a wide scope of Portland’s thriving nonprofit community. After a competitive application and interview process, Levé selects only one of the many worthy nonprofits for the ladies to lift and support throughout the year. Previous partners include Bradley Angle, New Avenues for Youth, and Children’s Cancer Association.
At a previous ball, then Levé board president, Megan Dobson sells items from a basket.
2011 Levé board member Anne Lawrence, Levé president Kiernan Doherty and Levé vice president Megan Dobson pose right before doors opened for the 8th Annual Charity Ball at the Wonder Ballroom.
the Levé board, committee and advisory members pose for a shot before the Ball begins.
From Levé:
Through our diverse and growing nonprofit network, we continually enlighten ourselves and supporters about Portland’s most vulnerable and strive to give them a voice through volunteering, activism, and fundraising. We’re a bit unconventional. We believe standing for something is contagious and that giving back is fun. That’s why we take a different approach to philanthropy. By selecting and lifting up a new nonprofit each year, we create long-term relationships between our supporters and partners based on shared values and passions. We are also able to share a cause that is relevant and accessible, tailored to each year.In addition to raising immediate and unrestricted funds for our annual partners through our signature event, we seek to build long-term support by exposing a new demographic to the organization and its mission. Our hope is that they will then become lifelong supporters, helping the organizations expand their donor base and build their next generation of supporters, advocates and volunteers. Each year since our inception, Levé’s cash contributions, volunteerism and activism have grown. In total, we’ve infused nearly half a million dollars into the local nonprofit community thanks to our awesome network of supporters! By selecting a different type of nonprofit each year, our hope is that if one doesn’t resonate one year, the next year’s nonprofit’s mission will, and that our event-goers continue to support that nonprofit with time and resources well into the future. Essentially, Levé’s goal is to help nonprofit organizations widen their footprint in the community and expand their donor base, providing a platform for which to publicize the essential work.
Our credo is to do more good. Levé was born of the belief that anyone can make a difference. In fact, we know that the impact of a lot of smaller donations is often more effective than a few large ones. That’s because when we do something for someone else, that good energy ripples out; it’s contagious. It’s literally science. When we build charitable habits, we are better citizens, colleagues, parents and friends—and we inspire others to be too. And thus is the magic of the ripple effect. We consume over 10 hours of media every day. It can be difficult to cull through it all to determine what matters. That’s why we take our responsibility as (unofficial) community advisers so seriously at Levé. Since 2004, our volunteer board of young professional women has vetted hundreds of applications from local nonprofits, narrowing it down to one annual partner each year. Our unique process connects our supporters with diverse causes and trusted organizations each year, concluding with an unconventional fundraiser that is designed to teach our peers what it means to give back. Levé membership has also evolved into a “training ground” for young philanthropists. Comprised of some of Portland’s most driven and gracious women, Levé provides an opportunity to cultivate not only nonprofit endeavors, but also significant professional and personal growth. It’s not uncommon for members to get new jobs, learn new skills, or even change careers entirely based on a connection they make. Perhaps best of all, is the sisterhood and friendship we share. Together, our goal is to inspire and mobilize the next generation of givers in Portland and beyond.
2010: Bank of America, Local Hero Award – awarded to board member Megan Dobson for activating her middle school students to get involved in Philanthropy using Levé’s model of giving back.
Government Camp, OR. For over 80 years, Mt. Hood Kiwans Camp has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to provide individuals with disabilities recreational opportunities in the Mt. Hood National Forest. One of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S., each season MHKC offers a unique opportunity for more than 500 campers ages 10 to 55 to experience the outdoors in its fully accessible 22-acre campsite. The nonprofit is now in a year-end fund drive; click here for more information.
On any given day at camp, campers can be seen petting horses, catching a fish in the pond, swinging on their very own adventure course, splashing around in the temperature controlled pool, or perhaps dancing the night away in full costume at an evening event.
Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp offers programming for all individuals with disabilities ages 10 and up. In addition to the Main Camp program, MHKC offers off-site programming for individuals seeking a higher level of independence and adventure.
There are few places where children and adults with disabilities can spend an entire week focusing on their abilities, rather than their disabilities. MHKC is dedicated to the belief that all people regardless of race, economic status or physical/mental ability should experience the joy and personal growth that comes from the adventure of an overnight camp experience.
MHKC has provided more than 17,000 campers with the magic of camp. Thanks to this life-changing experience, our campers’ quality of life has improved, along with their personal growth in self-esteem, communications, social skills, sense of achievement and independence.
The nonprofit was started by Willamette University graduate, Ashley Holmer. She traveled to Tanzania to coach soccer and teach English to Maasai children and realized there was great need in the country. Ashley founded Red Sweater Project in 2011, with the goal of putting as many kids in school as possible. In 2012, Red Sweater Project opened the Mungere School, which welcomes a new class of students each year. The organization is dedicated to developing quality, sustainable, and accessible schools for East African children. The Red Sweater Project collaborates with local communities to create affordable, accessible and advanced educational opportunities for children in rural Tanzania. Students wear their red sweaters with pride.
Founder Ashley Holmer saw the inequality between boys and girls, specifically in education. When 82% of Tanzanian families can’t afford to send their children to school, those who can often prioritize educating their boys because the girls are seen as more valuable staying at home and preparing for marriage. That not only hurts girls’ prospects for the future, it slows an entire community’s progress.
As a U.S. college all-star soccer player, Ashley quickly earned the respect of the local men and boys on the pitch. Coaching and playing alongside boys where girls are often not allowed, she demonstrated how women could not only participate, but also compete.
From Red Sweater Project:
Our Goals include:
Affordability The average family income in Mungere Village is US$190 per year, while average boarding school fees are US$500. 93% of Mungere families cannot afford boarding schools, but they can pay US$16 per year to send their child to Mungere Secondary School.
Accessibility Tanzania is suffering from a shortage of teachers and schools, and children living in rural areas must travel long distances or attend expensive boarding schools. Mungere Secondary School operates within the village, providing education and health services within the community.
Advanced Education is about more than test scores – it’s about critical thinking, innovation and solutions. By creating educational institutions that utilize renewable energy to power computers and access information technology and the internet, we equip each child with skills that lead to success in a 21st century world. Courses in business development encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, while vocational courses develop real-life skills that lead to employment and self-sufficiency.
Sponsored Portland, OR. On Wednesday, February 7th, a circle of artists, storytellers, and supporters will gather at the Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare HEART Reception to address issues of health, healing, and hope and how they impact women’s lives. The reception at The Evergreen PDX, at 618 SE Alder St., in Portland is from 6:00pm-8:00pm. You can learn more about it at https://www.cascadiabhc.org/give-to-cascadia/events/
Tickets are $40/each. If you have questions, email events@cascadiabhc.org or call 503.927.0630. Valet parking will be provided.
Artist who will be featured at the Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare HEART Reception include the following:
The Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare HEART Reception is just one of the activities drawing people to the organization. The nonprofit is also celebrating a successful round of fundraising at its inaugural Gala: Bridging a Culture of Caring and already planning for the next year’s Gala which will take place on April 5th, 2018 at Peter Corvallis Productions Warehouse.
Event organizers for the 2017 gala thanked their supporters saying, “With our heartfelt gratitude, we thank our 360 Gala guests whose generosity made it possible to set an exceptional record for our inaugural Gala – raising nearly $300,000. We are grateful for our sponsors, donors, guests, volunteers, and our community partners for joining us in our goal to open the new Garlington Health & Wellness Center in spring 2018. Our Gala featured an incredible circle of Portland community members, supporters, volunteers, caregivers, artists and musicians who collectively Bridge a Culture of Caring throughout Portland. Thank you for creating a remarkable evening in support of mental health care, wellness and affordable housing for all!”
Arvie Smith was honored at the 2017 Gala: Bridging a Culture of Caring.
Mrs. Yvonne Garlington, Jr.
And also coming up:
Cascadia capital campaign donors, prospective supporters and community members sign up for a:
Hard Hat Construction Preview Tour of the Garlington Campus 4pm to 5pm Thursdays at the Garlington Campus…
2017: November 16, 30; December 7, 14 2018: January 11, 18, 25; February 8, 15, 22 or March 1
Tours begin promptly at 4pm.
Wear closed-toe shoes.
Tours are limited in size, kindly RSVP early to: give@cascadiabhc.org
Community Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration of the Garlington Campus is scheduled for May 4, 2018.
503-238-0769
ABOUT CASCADIA BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE: Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare is a private, not-for-profit whose mission is to provide healing, homes and hope for people living with mental health and addiction challenges. For information on Cascadia’s comprehensive range of innovative clinical and housing support programs. www.cascadiabhc.org.
As of April 1, 2017, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) and part of a national two-year demonstration project to measure the benefits of expanding the integration of mental, substance use and physical health care. Cascadia’s three CCBHC clinics in Portland will expand this federal designation of services and serve as models for an innovative approach to mental health that treats each patient holistically, leading to improved mental and physical health, lower catastrophic care costs, and reduced stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. This project places Oregon in the national spotlight for health care reform. Oregon was one of just eight states chosen to participate in the two-year program, and Cascadia is one of only 13 organizations selected statewide.
Portland, OR. The 110th Annual Albertina Kerr Luncheon is coming Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at the Hilton in Downtown Portland, from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. There will be a complimentary lunch for this donor cultivation and Kerr community supporter event.
Organizers write, “Join us for our 110th Annual Luncheon and discover what Albertina Kerr has been up to and where it is headed. Hear inspiring stories directly from our Kerr community and discover what Kerring is all about.”
Portland, OR. Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington will recognize the outstanding leadership and community contributions of Rukaiyah Adams and DJ Wilson at the Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Luncheon. There are still tickets available for the September 26th luncheon at the Portland Hilton Hotel, located at 921 SW 6th Ave, with a reception at 11 a.m. and a luncheon at noon.
Here’s a link for tickets:
Here’s more about these distinguished honorees.
Rukaiyah Adams is the Chief Investment Officer at Meyer Memorial Trust. Under her leadership, Meyer invests in a diversified portfolio of global equities, fixed income, private equities, real estate, commodities and hedge funds. Before joining Meyer, she ran the $6.5 billion capital markets fund at The Standard. Adams is also the Chair of the Oregon Investment Council. Adams holds a BA with academic distinction from Carleton College, a JD from Stanford Law and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
DJ Wilson is president and general manager of the KGW Media Group in Portland, Oregon, a position she has held since July 2007. Wilson has held numerous community board positions over the last 20 years. She is currently the Board Chair of the Oregon Association of Broadcasters and The Classic Wines Auction, and the Chair Elect for the Portland Business Alliance. In 2012, Wilson was inducted into the Edward R. Murrow Hall of Achievement and was the recipient of the Portland Business Alliance “No Glass Ceiling” award. Wilson is also a past Portland Business Journal Women of Influence/Orchid Award recipient, recognizing top female leaders in the Portland region.
The Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Luncheon recognizes outstanding women leaders for their contributions to the community. Honorees exemplify the Girl Scout mission as women of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Luncheon proceeds allow GSOSW to provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), enhance four priority program areas: Financial Literacy, Healthy Living, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and Outdoor Leadership, and support various Girl Scout activities and programs for nearly 15,000 girls throughout Oregon and SW Washington.
Please contact Shannon Spencer at (503) 977-6843 or sspencer@girlscoutsosw.org for any questions.
For information on sponsoring the 2017 Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Luncheon, contact Shannon Spencer at (503) 977-6843 or sspencer@girlscoutsosw.org.
Here’s a look at some of the photos from last year’s event:
Marie Lamfrom’s Family: Sally Bany, Eva Labby, Gert Boyle and Rachael Bany Sneddon
Both Girl Scout Alumni, KGW Anchor/Emcee Laural Porter and KGW General Manager DJ Wilson
Laural Porter, KGW News Anchor and host of KGW’s current affairs show, emceed the event on September 19th with more than 560 Girl Scout alumnae and community supporters in attendance. The event raised over $160,000 to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and enhance programs in financial literacy, healthy living, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and outdoor skills for more than 14,000 girls throughout Oregon and SW Washington.
Jyoti and Karina Shah, both Girl Scout Highest Award recipients. Karina was the 2016 Gold Award speaker at the luncheon sharing her project of providing technology training to older adults in retirement facilities.
Girl Scout Alumni Robyn Shuey and GSOSW Board Member Barbara Gibbs proudly display their uniform sash.
Honorees and – Judge Adrienne Nelson, 2015 Honoree, Peggy Maguire, 2015 Honoree, Dr. Judith A. Ramaley, 2016 Honoree, Sally Bany, 2016 Honoree, Governor Barbara Roberts, 2013 Honoree, Barbara Alberty, 2014 Honoree, and Mary Shaver, 2014 Honoree
A testament to the value of investing in girls’ leadership, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Karina Shah shared her experience in the leadership program. “Looking back at my 12 years in Girl Scouts, it’s hard to think of what I would do and who I would be without this organization. Girl Scouts has taught me so many important life skills and values. It has shown me how to be a leader, to respect myself and others, to build healthy relationships, to advocate for myself and to think about other people. The experiences Girl Scouts has brought me are endless and I can’t thank enough the people who have made my Girl Scouting experience possible.”
The event’s success was bolstered by a $25,000 Challenge Grant generously given by Wells Fargo. The match was met and exceeded thanks to the incredible support of alumnae and community. The event’s Gold Sponsors included The Standard and Portlandia Club Inc. Silver sponsors are Brown and Brown, Ferguson Wellman, Cambia and Garrett Hemann Robertson P.C.
“You know what Bluebird would say… a Girl Scout can do anything,” honoree Sally Bany reflected on her grandmother, Marie Lamfrom who served as a troop leader for a special needs troop in Portland for 35 years. She served on the Girl Scout council’s board of directors and received the highest award a Girl Scout adult can receive, the Thanks Badge. Lamfrom co-founded the company that would become Columbia Sportswear.
For more information, or to express interest in sponsoring the 2017 Women of Distinction Luncheon, contact Shannon Spencer at sspencer@girlscoutsosw.org or call 503-977-6843.
About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
Our council serves nearly 15,000 girl members in 37 counties with the help of over 10,000 adult members. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting develops these essential skills in an all-girl, inclusive, safe environment. Our century of success is demonstrated by the fact that 70 percent of female CEOs on the Fortune 500 list and 59 percent of women serving in the U.S. Congress are Girl Scout alumnae.
Portland, OR. The 30th annual Oregon International Air Show will take place September 22nd – 24th and a portion of the money made will be given to local nonprofits. One of missions of the air show is to give back to the community and there’s still time to apply for one of the organization’s grants. In 2017, organizers gave 30 different organizations a total of $54,850. Since 1988, more than $2.1 million has been donated to the community and over six hundred different projects have been supported. The deadline for this year’s application is September 30th. Click here for a link: Grant Application.
The Air Show offers grants of up to $5000.00 per request. Award amounts are contingent on the overall financial success of the Air Show. The goal of the awards committee is to disperse all awarded grants in January/February of 2018.
The Breitling Jet Team from France and the Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle fly in formation at the 2016 Oregon International Air Show presented by Standard TV & Appliance (photo courtesy of the Oregon International Air Show)
Oregon International Air Show Mission is the following: Provide a safe, family event that promotes aviation, honors military and veterans, involves community, and contributes to charitable organizations in Oregon.
Matt Younkin and the Beech 18 performed at the 2016 Oregon International Air Show at Hillsboro Airport.
The Oregon Air National Guard celebrated 75 years with a special private event at the Oregon International Air Show with their specially painted F-15 Eagle as a backdrop.
From The Oregon International Air Show:
The Oregon International Air Show, presented by Standard TV & Appliance, celebrates its 30th year in 2017. The Air Show has been the State of Oregon’s largest aviation event since 1988. This community event is one of the largest charitable events in Oregon and draws an average of 65,000 people to the Hillsboro Airport each year. We gladly accept donation requests from community groups and encourage volunteerism from service clubs, non-profits, businesses and the community.
Applications may be submitted electronically or by US mail and must be postmarked by the deadline below:
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