Pass it On
**Election Aftermath: PCL grantees and other local nonprofits have reached out to the communities they serve with important messages stressing tolerance and the continued fight for justice. Read some excerpts here.
**In related news, IRCO will be sponsoring a "Community Healing Forum" from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10th at its community center, 10301 NE Glisan St., where immigrant and refugee communities can "learn about our rights, take action and support each other after the election." A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. RSVP to tinyurl.com/IRCOHealingForum
**Children's Institute is seeking to hire an Earl Boyles Site Liaison. The organization is committed to ensuring all children have a chance to succeed in life by being a powerful voice for young children at the state Legislature and by working with communities to demonstrate what high quality support for children and families looks like. The institute needs a superstar who has a proven track record in early childhood programs, desire and skill in working with diverse parents, and a commitment to collaboration. Learn more here.
**City of Portland Fix-it Fairs are here! The 2016-17 fairs are scheduled for the following Saturdays: Jan. 28th at George Middle School and Feb. 25th at Madison High School. New this year: workshops presented in Spanish at every fair. The fairs are a free event where people can learn simple ways to save money and connect with community resources. The PCL has several tables at the fairs: if your organization is interested in attending any or all of the fairs to spread the word about your services, please contact marygay.broderick@portlandoregon.gov
**The Portland Children's Levy has a whole new look to its website! Click here to visit and let us know what you think by emailing marygay.broderick@portlandoregon.gov
**Follow PCL on Twitter here
**Playworks can help providers working with children integrate safe, healthy and inclusive student play into existing school activities through a series of thorough and interactive workshops that highlight constructive tools and methods. The trainings are designed for before-, after- and out-of-school program staff. Go here for more info.
** Meals 4 Kids, a PCL-funded program through Meals on Wheels People that delivers meals to children and their caregivers throughout Portland, is looking for volunteer drivers. Interested? Contact lynette.vicens@mealsonwheelspeople.org
Thanks to Mt. Hood Community College Head Start and Albina Head Start for joining PCL at the Saturday, Nov. 19th Fix-it Fair at Ron Russell Middle School!
Programs Making a Difference: College Possible at David Douglas HS
Elizabeth Silva will be the first high school graduate and college-bound student in her family when she picks up her David Douglas High School diploma in Spring 2017 and heads off to one of the many universities she is applying to. The 17-year-old has been involved with the College Possible mentoring program at David Douglas for the past three years and credits it with helping her focus on excelling in her high school courses, as well as completing the myriad tasks associated with college applications: essays, financial aid forms and standardized tests. "College is coming and everything you need to do to apply can be confusing," she said. "But College Possible has helped me and I'm excited to start my future pursuing a career in the medical field."
Saluting Birch Community Services on its 25th anniversary
Birch Community Services, a leader in food redistribution and financial literacy, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. In 1992, co-founders Barry and Suzanne Birch set out with a vision to serve working, struggling families by redistributing product and getting out of debt. BCS innovated the concept of a typical food bank, first by requiring a service fee and volunteer hours from families, and second with its commitment to financial literacy. Since the beginning, BCS has also been a leader in the environmental space, saving almost 10 million pounds of product from landfills this year, and bringing in $60,000 of recycling revenue. BCS recently announced the addition of 250 families in honor of the 25th Anniversary. More information about BCS can be found here.