Volunteers of America Oregon

Here's a good problem to have: any available office space is taken up by over 10,000 socks donated by Bombas . As one of only 3,500+ giving partners across the United States, we're thankful the support shown to us; now, each of our clients served will get two pairs each. It might just seem like a few pairs of socks, but we believe that and .

🎉 We're thrilled to announce that we have purchased a new 15-passenger van, thanks to a generous grant from the HEDCO Foundation! 🚐✨

Building a sense of community is a crucial part of substance use treatment. Thanks to our amazing partners like the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ballet Theater, and Portland Center Stage, our clients and their children can attend performances, sporting events, and community gatherings at no cost.

This van ensures safe and reliable transportation for women to these essential outings, helping them build connections and support networks. When women are engaged in the community, they're more likely to complete their treatment, stay healthy, finish school, and secure stable employment.Thank you to everyone who makes these opportunities possible! ❤️

Today is , the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, TX in 1865 to take control of the state and free those who were still enslaved, effectively abolishing slavery in the U.S. Let us continue to honor Black culture and its impact on our collective history beyond Juneteenth.

Happy Pride Month! VOA Oregon joins the LGBTQIA+ community in celebrating authenticity and belonging, remembering the trailblazers who advocated for equality. Thank you for making a mark on society that lends a voice to so many. We remain committed to fostering a world rooted in inclusivity and equity where all people can show up as their authentic selves.

Today, we remember those who lost their lives in service of the United States.

Olympian Simone Biles is no stranger to self-advocacy. She stepped down from the 2020 Olympics to address her own needs; Media Power Youth's article "Navigating Mental Health Advocacy on Social Media" explores her and other influencer's story in bringing visibility to mental health, the importance of self-advocacy, and what we can learn from it all. Check it out 🔗

Navigating Mental Health Advocacy on Social Media - Media Power Youth As the social media world has evolved, we have seen influencers, athletes, actors, and more use their platforms to share their mental health journeys. They are using their platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter, to share their journey with the world, creating a space for others....

VOA Oregon's Prevention Services program received $10k from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians - as part of the Siletz Tribal Charitable Fund - in support of our Upstander Circle youth program. We're able to continue engaging youth in Multnomah County in evidence-based, peer-led prevention programing with the belief that these students are the experts of their lived-experiences and are valuable, active participants in creating the community they deserve.

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. Alongside , VOA Oregon commits to empowering all people to be their true, authentic selves. We are proud to support our friends and family in the LGBTQIA+ community, today and every day. Keep living your truth! 🏳️‍🌈

Here's a for you! Late last April Prevention Services joined Big Village at their Prevention Rocks conference alongside an extra-special guest Panda the Llama from the Mtn Peaks Therapy herd! Also, three amazing members of our Upstander Cricle -- Sumeya, Christine, and Gloria -- led an awesome workshop on bystander intervention. Through our ongoing work in preventing substance use and promoting positive mental health, we are committed to helping keep our community healthy and safe

substance use can cause changes in a person’s brain that make them more likely to develop a disorder? Join us May 12–18 to learn more about prevention & positive mental health: https://bit.ly/3QHvKdn

This is a packed one! Earlier this May we held the awards night to celebrate our recipients 🤩 Our hope is these young folks continue to make a positive change in their communities through accessing higher education.

Other highlights from the night:
💐 Austin Raglione was honored with the first-ever Al Forthan Scholarship Spirit Award for her support and help setting up the scholarship endowment.
🌟 Men's Residential Center Program Director, Greg Stone, received recognition for his wholehearted dedication to changing lives and healing the hearts of our young people, families, and community.

Learn more about:
🎓 Our scholarship recipients 🔗 https://bit.ly/4b5kTlt
🎖 The Al Forthan Scholarship 🔗 https://bit.ly/3WCKHBs
💐 Austin Raglione 🔗 https://bit.ly/3wjaEeE

Happy Cinco de Mayo! VOA Oregon celebrates the rich culture and heritage of Mexican Americans. Enjoy the festivities with your friends and loved ones.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. VOA Oregon works to provide Oregonians best-in-class addiction & health services to our community. Across our services in residential treatment, outpatient clinics, and prevention services we continue to fight the stigma, educate our peers, and be a positive resource. It's not cringe to care; don’t forget to check in on yourself, your friends, and your family.

May is National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions and rich history of the AAPI community. VOA Oregon commits to building a more equitable and inclusive future for the communities we serve. Happy !

Looking for ways to enjoy screen-free time with your children?
☀ 1. Embrace the outdoors with a nature walk, regardless of the weather.
🎨 2. Unleash creativity with some craft supplies for a seasonal project.
🎲 3. Find a few simple dice and card games that both kids and parents can enjoy together. Thrift stores or checking games out from the library can make this an affordable activity!

Remember, it’s easier to connect with your little ones regularly when the activities are fun for everyone! 😊

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month we’re sharing how VOA Oregon’s Home Free Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention Services served survivors during NNEDV's 24-hour national count from September 6, 2023.
📞 14 Restraining Order contacts made
🚨 78 Emergency Services contacts made
🏠 122 Adults and Children housing needs served, including via shelters and motel vouchers

⚠ But, we still had an unmet need! For every two people we served, one went without their needs being met.*

You can support hope by volunteering and donating; together, we can fully meet the needs of our community.

Read the full report 🔗 https://bit.ly/3xUU2u0
Support VOA Oregon 🔗 https://bit.ly/3NwXMW8
Volunteer with us 🔗 https://bit.ly/3JC4V6x

📷 Photo Caption: A multi-image infographic whose content is repeated in this post's caption.
* Based on data of those served in housing, including providing emergency housing via shelters and motel vouchers.
The National Network to End Domestic Violence

Volunteers of America Oregon

🌿✨ Meet Ken! Through Classical Chinese Medicine he supports our clients at the Men's Residential Center and gives students from the National University of Natural Medicine practical experience. Dive into how tradition meets modern therapy to create transformative outcomes 🔗 https://bit.ly/444rydl

📸 Ken standing with interns in front of the MRC building. Left to right: Megan, Ken, Rachael, and Kelly.

This we're sharing two milestones our achieved!
1️⃣🌟 We awarded $124k in scholarships to 42 Oregon High School Seniors
2️⃣🤯 After 18 years we've awarded a lifetime amount of $1 million dollars to 585 students as they pursue higher education and break the generational cycle of poverty!

Learn more about how we're making a difference for students impacted by the realities of addiction and poverty in their families 🔗 https://bit.ly/4b5kTlt And join us next Wednesday for the 13th Annual Al Forthan Scholarship Awards Celebration on May 1st -- more info and details on how to RSVP 🔗 https://bit.ly/4b525m3

On this Earth Day, VOA Oregon continues the promise of uplifting all communities, knowing we must work together to preserve our planet. In our work to build healthy communities for all, we are empowered to address climate change as it disproportionately impacts the populations we serve. Let us continue to work together in prioritizing the health and well-being of ourselves, each other, and our communities.

Exciting to see the event our Prevention Services team participated in get recognition! Thanks to Big Village for having us!

Portland group hosts event to help parents, kids talk about drug, alcohol use A special event was held Saturday in NE Portland at McDaniel High School to help parents and kids talk about substance abuse and the dangers.

Congrats to Kay Toran, our CEO and President for over twenty years, who received the Ageless Award from AGE+ this last Wednesday surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues. Given to individuals 75+ who demonstrate the importance of living a purposeful life and continue to make significant contributions to society, we are so thankful for Kay and her leadership at VOA Oregon. You can read about Kay's journey 🔗 https://bit.ly/3w81HV5

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM). Child neglect is the most common type of abuse in the home. But YOU can make a difference by knowing the signs of possible neglect including:

• Poor hygiene
• Ill-fitting/unsuitable clothing
• Poor attendance
• Little or no medical care

If you suspect child neglect, report it.
If someone is being hurt or is in danger right now, call 911. To report abuse or neglect of a child:
In Oregon call (855) 503-SAFE (7233)
In Washington call 1-866-EndHarm (1-866-363-4276)

Volunteers of America Oregon is another exhibitor that we will have at our Prevention Rocks conference on April 20th! They are bringing Panda the Llama who is a therapy llama known for his silliness and durpy personality. Panda will be available for pics at the VOA table and teens can create their own no Prom-a-Drama kits.

Upcoming VOA Oregon Al Forthan Training: From Prision to the Pen with Mitchell S. Jackson
📅 April 4th, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
📍 New Song Community Center (220 NE Russel St)
💲 Cost: $60 (3 CEUs) -- All proceeds support the Al Forthan Scholarship
ℹ Learn more and get tickets: https://bit.ly/4apE1Kq

March 12th is Gambling Disorder Screening Day! Today shines a light on the importance of recognizing and treating problem gambling. It's a day for awareness, taking that step forward, and supporting each other.

🔍 Screen Early, Recover Sooner
Struggling with gambling? You're not alone. Confidential screenings are a first step towards recovery. Let's break the stigma together.

💚 Resources Are a Click Away
Call 1-877-My-Limit, Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) can help you explore gambling’s role in your life. If you want to make a change, they can help.

📢 Spread the Word
Your voice can guide someone to starting their journey towards. OPGR has resources for supporting those struggling with problem gambling.

Today is the first day of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer in the Islamic tradition. VOA Oregon wishes peace and blessings to all those who celebrate. Ramadan Kareem!

VOA Oregon's Prevention Services is proud to partner with Portland Public Schools and Big Village; the showing of Screenagers Under The Influence at Grant High School is open to the entire community. Hope you can join us!

Student Success & Health, the Big Village Coalition and Grant High School are teaming up to offer a showing of Screenagers on Tuesday March 12th.

There will be pizza and a resource fair prior to the event and a panel discussion after.

The event is open to the entire community.

Happy International Women’s Day! For 128 years, women have been central to VOA Oregon's work in the communities we serve. Today, we elevate all the women at our programs across the state who are supporting our neighbors.

When Volunteers of America was founded in 1896, "volunteer" referred to anyone who served others as a vocation through a commitment to a mission. Today, VOA Oregon stands as one of the oldest social services organizations in the state, with over 280 mission-driven professionals providing mental-health & addiction services, empowering healthy families, and supporting community safety.