We foster collaborative engagement to advance equity in Washington County.

A Letter from VAN's Executive Director

Dear friends and colleagues,


“Everything changes and nothing stands still,” declared Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher from the 6th century BCE. Nothing could be truer. Change unfolds slowly through the natural progression of things and sometimes erupts from pivotal events - #metoo, George Floyd, and Covid come to mind. Either way, it is a constant of which we are both participant and product. After 8 ½ years as VAN’s Executive Director, I am making a change to step out of my role.

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VAN Convenings

Registration now open!

Wednesday, October 18
8:30-10:30am
Village Church Campus
330 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton
AND online via Zoom

Topic: How are the Children?

Focus on Early Learning & Youth Enrichment


Guest speakers:

  • Paul Sell - Associate Director, Youth Development Oregon
  • Katie Riley - President/CEO, Washington County Kids
  • Larry Crepeaux - Executive Director, Washington County Kids
  • Alessandro Mastrorocco - Senior Program Manager, Early Learning Washington County 


We hope you can join us for this special 2-hour gathering, which will be Glenn's last with Thrives. Refreshments will be served, and we also have some swag to give away! Save your spot now!

Register today!

October Observances

Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month spans from September 15 to October 15 and is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities. Celebrate in Washington County with these events and learning opportunities:


2nd Annual El Tigre Fest

Oct 7, Tigard


Hillsboro Latino & Hispanic Heritage Month


WCCLS Events

Various dates & locations

Domestic Violence Awareness Month was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness. Learn more about these Washington County resources:


Domestic Violence Resource Center


Family Justice Center of Washington County


Washington County Domestic Abuse Resources

Get Engaged!
Visit our Community Events Calendar for opportunities to engage meaningfully in your community. Submit an event to the calendar and we will consider including it in our monthly newsletter!
Featured Event

El Tigre Fest

Sat, Oct. 7, 12:00-9:00 PM

Cook Park, Tigard 


Tigard's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration culminates with El Tigre Fest on Sat, Oct. 7. For the second year, this free family-friendly cultural event brings you authentic Latin American food, arts & crafts, dancing, live music, and children’s activities. 

Learn More!
Featured Event

Passing of the Torch: A panel discussion on art, expression, and community building

Thu, Oct. 12, 6:00-7:30pm

Pacific University Marsh Auditorium


Join Centro's Resident Artist, Juma DeJesus, as they lead a conversation with Terry Blas, Michael Cavazos, Lapaushi, and Boujee Cherry. The title “Passing of the Torch” pays homage to the metaphorical torches of light that have been passed down from generation to generation, highlighting cultural and family legacies.

RSVP!
Featured Event

Health Related Social Needs Benefit Webinar Series

October 11 and 25


In 2024, Oregon will begin offering food, housing, and climate supports to Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members experiencing significant life transitions. This support is called the Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) benefit. Community-based organizations (nonprofits, service providers, etc.) who provide support to OHP (Medicaid) members can join these webinars for an opportunity to learn more about these funds and see how you might play an important role.


  • OCTOBER 11TH 10-11AM Participating in HRSN Benefit as a Service Provider  
  • OCTOBER 25TH 10-11AM Health Related Social Needs Benefit Overview Continued
Register now!
Featured Event

Building Bridges 2023: Confronting Bias Through Justice and Healing

Thu, Oct 26, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Muslim Educational Trust


Back in person for the first time since 2019, Building Bridges of Understanding will be held at the Muslim Educational Trust for a discussion centered around responding to bias.


The event features a keynote address by Fay Stetz-Waters, Oregon Department of Justice Civil Rights Director, moderated table discussions, and several panel discussions on topics like "Law enforcement and community experience in bias crime investigation and prosecution," "Community experience and bias response," and "Bias in our schools." Lunch is free for all attendees.

Learn more!
Your City, Your County, Your Community

Welcoming Beaverton Partner Gatherings

Welcoming Beaverton Partner Gatherings take place quarterly to convene a network of partners actively supporting immigrant welcoming and integration, gather input to direct the city's work, and explore collective solutions across sectors. Anyone is welcome to attend. Wednesday, October 11, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Forest Grove Livability Survey

Every two years since 1998, the City has invited Forest Grove residents to rate the quality of city services they have received. The survey also requests additional feedback on issues impacting the City's livability and other concerns that the City Council should address. The survey is distributed with utility bills as well as available online. Results are compiled and shared with City Council.

Hillsboro Police Community Advisory Group

City residents over 18 are invited to apply by November 1 to join the Hillsboro Police Community Advisory Group for an opportunity to advise Hillsboro Police Chief Jim Coleman on issues faced by all community members.

Meet Up with the Mayor

Meet up with Mayor Heidi Lueb! Bring your questions and comments. Wednesday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m. Senet Game Bar, 12553 SW Main St. Suite 201 Tigard.


Board and Committee Vacancies

Play a major role in affecting change in your community. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer, or just getting into public service, Tigard welcomes people of all backgrounds and experiences to apply by October 9th for open board and committee positions.

Faith and Blue

Tualatin Police Department, in partnership with Horizon/Esperanza Community Church, will host an open house on Saturday, October 7, from 10am - 2pm, at the Tualatin Police Department. Faith & Blue was launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations.

Apply for THPRD Advisory & Budget Committees

THPRD is currently recruiting new volunteers to join advisory committees or budget committee. THPRD's advisory committees provide an opportunity for community volunteers to participate in the district's long-term planning efforts. Applications must be complete and submitted no later than Monday, October 23.

Washington County Sheriff's Office Career Open House

Explore the dynamic world of the Washington County Sheriff's Office and discover a rewarding career with amazing benefits. Mark your calendars for our exclusive event on Saturday, October 21st from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Center in Hillsboro (600 SW Walnut Street).

Funding Opportunities

CCWC Community Grants

The Cultural Coalition of Washington County (CCWC) 2024 grant cycle is now open. Nonprofit organizations with arts, heritage and humanities projects based in Washington County are invited to apply for grants to be used during calendar year 2024. Applications must be submitted through the CCWC online grant portal by the deadline of Friday October 20, 2023 by 11:59 pm PDT. 

Community Placemaking Grants

Metro has extended the deadline for Community Placemaking grant applications to Oct. 10 at noon. Community Placemaking grants support arts and culture based, community-led, equity-centered efforts that strengthen people’s connections to each other and places they care about. Up to $200,000 in grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will be awarded for the 2024 cycle. No matching funds are required. Attend an online information session or watch a recorded session to learn more about the application process and what makes for a strong proposal.

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