From the Mental Health Clinical Program Manager's Desk: | | |
Pride Month is a time to reflect on what it means to belong—to be seen, safe, and valued for who we are. It began over 50 years ago with people coming together to say, “We deserve to live with dignity.” That message remains urgent, especially for LGBTQIA+ youth and families in rural communities like ours.
Research and statistics consistently show that LGBTQIA+ youth are at significantly higher risk for anxiety, depression, and suicidality—not because of who they are, but because of the lack of safety and acceptance they too often face, which can also manifest in family abuse dynamics of neglect, physical abuse, threat of harm and sexual abuse/assault.
The 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People highlighted key findings in a survey of over 18,000 young people ages 13-24 across all 50 states related to mental health, including that 50% of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted to receive mental health care were not able to access care. Nearly half (49%) of LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-17 reported experiencing bullying in the past year, and those who did reported significantly higher rates attempting suicide in the past year than those who did not experience bullying. These are just a couple of the findings in this recent study.
What can we do? How can we support young people in our community? LGBTQ+ youth report lower rates of attempting suicide when they have access to affirming spaces and communities. They also need the people in their lives to better understand and support their identities and advocate for them. That’s why our commitment matters. This is not about politics—it’s about people. Every child deserves to grow up knowing they are worthy of love, support, and belonging. We've included several local and national LGBTQ+ youth resources below in our "June Spotlight"; please feel free to share these resources with families and youth who may need extra support this month—or any time of year.
Whether you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, your presence matters. This Pride Month, let’s remember: kindness is not a controversy, listening is not a debate, and acceptance saves lives.
To every queer teen and every family doing their best: we see you, you matter here, and we’re proud to stand beside you.
With care and solidarity,
- Becca Harrison, MA, LPC-S, LMHC
Mental Health Clinical Program Manager
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This past month, several Amani Center staff attended the Oregon Child Abuse and Human Trafficking Summit in Portland, a training event focused on uncovering and addressing hidden forms of maltreatment.
In total, approximately 21 local Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) partners attended the Summit, including our own staff, members of law enforcement, mental health care providers, and employees of the District Attorney’s office. Having such a strong show of support and interest from our local MDT members in attendance speaks volumes of the strides this team has made under the leadership of the MDT Coordinator, Chasteen.
MDT partners attending this year’s Summit got an in-depth view of recent child abuse and trafficking cases in Oregon, with the purpose of studying what was done right, and where improvements can be made. They received training on exactly how trafficking cases appear in real life (as opposed to depictions in movies and television), the signs that they need to be looking out for, and the rise in cases of “sextortion” (sexual extortion), among other topics.
Our MDT continues to strengthen their efforts to collaborate, learn, and improve as they work together to respond to cases of child abuse in our community. We are immensely grateful for the many hardworking agencies and individuals that make up this dynamic team, and the work that they do to bring justice and healing to child abuse victims.
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Happy Pride Month!
While we celebrate all folks making up the vibrant LGBTQIA2S+ community this month (and at all times!), we especially wish to uplift local families and members of this community seeking support and connection.
There are several groups and meetings that come together across Columbia County for children, families and adults with the aim of fostering strong community bonds and allyship. Some local groups and resources include:
Rainbow Hope – This LGBTQ+ support group for youth and families meets monthly, with their next meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 5th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in St. Helens. They have groups for teens, adults and parents/caretakers. Free dinner, childcare and transportation provided! Use this link to register for their upcoming meeting.
Rainbow Family Circle – A support group for parents and families of LGBTQIA2S+ youth and adults meeting the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month on Zoom. For further details on this group, email Ben from the Lower Columbia Q Center.
PFLAG Support Meeting - PFLAG's (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) monthly support group for LGBTQ+ people and their families, friends, and allies 18 years old or older (those under 18 may attend when accompanied by an adult). Meetings are held in-person or online via Zoom on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. To attend their upcoming meeting on Monday, June 9th, send a request to: pflaglcinfo@gmail.com. For further details, visit PFLAG's website.
LGBTQIA2S+ Camping Guide - This online resource highlights inclusive campgrounds and groups that provide planned events for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Use this link to visit their site.
The Trevor Project - 24/7 crisis and mental health support for LGBTQ youth, thetrevorproject.org.
Lines for Life YouthLine - Text “teen2teen” to 839863 or call 877-968-8491 for teen peer-to-peer support, theyouthline.com.
SMYRC (Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center) - Support for youth ages 13–24, newavenues.org/smyrc.
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We have another Amani Center scrapbook page to share as we look back on “25 Years of Amani” all throughout 2025, celebrating our 25th anniversary.
Check out these snapshots from 2003, with Amani Center employees attending the "Safe Kids Fair" at Lewis & Clark Elementary School. From the inception of the agency, the Amani Center has partnered with local schools to provide age-appropriate abuse prevention materials to children and families in Columbia County. We continue this work today as we have recently expanded our services to include a Prevention Program Coordinator.
If you'd like to celebrate our “silver jubilee” anniversary with us, consider donating via our 25th Anniversary donation page. All donations will support the building fund, making a permanent home a reality for the Amani Center. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more scrapbook photos from the past!
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June 9th, 5:30 p.m. – Bunco at The Lodge Food Carts (Ages 21+ Only)
The new monthly Bunco fundraiser night at The Lodge food carts in Scappoose is coming up again soon! Invite friends 21+ for a fun night out with delicious food, beverages and a chance to win big, all while supporting the Amani Center! We’re delighted to announce that Wauna Credit Union is sponsoring our Bunco prizes from March to December, 2025. The lucky winners will receive: $50.00 gift card for Most Buncos, $25.00 gift card for Most Wins, and $25.00 gift card for Most Losses. Game instruction begins at 5:30 p.m., game play starts at 6:00 p.m., and the cost is $15.00 per person. See you there!
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July 3rd, 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Pints for Nonprofits at Crooked Creek Brewery
Join us at Crooked Creek Brewery for the "Pints for Nonprofits" fundraiser! Crooked Creek will donate $2.00 to the Amani Center for every beer sold all day, including pints, to-go crowlers and "buy a friend a beer" cards. Bring the whole family to this kid-friendly (until 9:00 p.m.), dog-friendly event for a great cause and enjoy some delicious food, refreshing beers, and nonalcoholic offerings! Funds raised will directly support families and children in Columbia County impacted by abuse, neglect and victimization.
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July 17th – FREE Teddy Bear Picnic at the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo
The Amani Center is hosting a free Teddy Bear Picnic during the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo for all kids ages 3-10! Register for the picnic at 10:00 a.m. at the Gazebo for a free lunch, craft and activity taking place at the Pavilion Stage at 11:30 a.m. Families are invited to stay after the conclusion of the picnic for a story time with local children's book author Natalia Lee. This event is sponsored by Wauna Credit Union.
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September 13th – Hullabaloo Dinner
Get ready to kick up your heels and join us for the Amani Center’s annual Hullabaloo Dinner & Live Auction on Saturday, September 13th, 2025! This year is extra special as we celebrate a HUGE milestone – our 25th anniversary of making a difference in the lives of children! But that’s not all – we’re also bursting with excitement to celebrate the grand opening of our brand-new Mental Health Facility! Come be a part of this incredible night filled with fantastic food, thrilling auction items, and the infectious energy of a community coming together to benefit the Amani Center and help Columbia County’s child victims of abuse and neglect find hope, healing, and recovery.
Tables are available now to buy with a variety of sponsorship options; connect with Monica Rush at 971-899-1268 or mrush@amanicenter.org to secure your spot, or to donate items for the live and silent auctions. And last but not least, we send a big “thank you” to the Elite Sponsor of the Hullabaloo, InRoads Credit Union.
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CIVIL RIGHTS AND NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: The Amani Center operates its program, services and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any of our programs. The Amani Center is dedicated to an organizational culture of inclusivity. Civil rights, equality and justice are central to the efforts of our organization. TO FILE A COMPLAINT: Office of Civil Rights: To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: Office for Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (OCR), 810 7th Street, NW ~ Washington, DC 20531. Or call 202-307-0690 (Voice) or 202-307-2027 (TDD/TTY). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may also contact OCR through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (TTY), 877-877-8982 (Speech) or 800-845-6136 (Spanish). Amani Center: To file a complaint of discrimination with this organization, write to: Amani Center ~ P.O. Box 1001 ~ St. Helens, OR 97051. Or call 503-366-4005. For complaints against employees, you may email Amelia Kercher, Interim Executive Director at akercher@amanicenter.org. Oregon DOJ CVSSD: To file a complaint of discrimination with Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division, write to: Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division ~ Attn: Shannon Sivell, Complaint Coordinator ~ 1162 Court Street NE ~ Salem, OR 97301. Or call 503-378-5348. You may also email: shannon.l.sivell@doj.state.or.us. | | | | |
