Community Matters: March 2022
Welcome to NECC's Community Matters Newsletter, where we are excited to share information that is relevant to, and reflective of, our broad community. In each Newsletter we will highlight organizations that support individual health and wellness and strengthen community connections in the Portland area, as well as provide information about community events and activities, including NECC’s community programming. We will also share updates about NECC’s efforts to embed equity in all parts of the organization and ingrain a culture of inclusivity at the NECC.
 
This month’s newsletter includes information about local community events and our free virtual Yoga class, introduces NECC staff members, highlights the important work the Black Swimming Initiative is doing in reducing drowning and celebrates Women’s History Month. Check it out! 
Upcoming Community Events
Free Virtual Community Yoga

Starting your weekend off right makes all the difference going into the next week. Every Saturday morning at 9 am, our talented and dedicated instructor Kristi teaches a free virtual Community Yoga class open to the public. This class is the best blend of relaxing and physical activity.

What started as a virtual class option during the pandemic continues today in order to be accessible to everyone in our Portland community—from those who may have physical or health barriers to those who prefer to work out in their pajamas at home.
Organization Spotlight: Black Swimming Initiative
Knowing how to swim is an important life skill that can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent. Unfortunately, not everyone gets the chance to learn. A long history of racism in aquatics has created significant barriers that make it difficult for Black people in the US to have the opportunity to learn this essential skill.
  
The Black Swimming Initiative, a local nonprofit, is removing these barriers for Black children and youth throughout the Portland area by partnering with aquatic facilities to provide free swim lesson workshops.
 
Through BSI’s programming, Black Portlanders are able to learn fundamental swimming and water safety skills directly from Black instructors. Access to these swim lesson workshops provides students with lifesaving skills and the opportunity to participate in aquatic sports, future employment opportunities, and recreational fun. 
  
Click here to learn more about the great work BSI is doing throughout the Portland community.
Welcome
Youth Enrichment Coordinator
Ava Shannon
Ava has worked with children in many avenues, including group settings, tutoring, and in-home care for children experiencing developmental disabilities. Ava grew up in Portland, Oregon, and first joined NECC's community at a young age. Participating in the NECC swim team was one of Ava's favorite parts of growing up in Portland. After attending college at the University of Oregon and moving back to Portland, Ava rejoined Northeast Community Center as the Youth Enrichment Coordinator. Welcome, Ava!
Welcome
Program Support and Front Desk Staff
Claire Rischiotto
Claire has an extensive background in multi-media community storytelling. Since graduating from the University of Oregon, she has worked as a reporter for KBOO-FM Radio and Metro Regional Government. Claire was the Communications Intern for Metro Regional Government's 2020 transportation measure—where she promoted the measure by managing and creating social media content, photographing public hearings, and writing articles. Welcome, Claire!
Women's History Month: Celebrating Oregon Leaders
Beatrice Morrow Cannady During the 1920s and 1930s, Morrow Cannady was an Oregon Civil Rights Attorney, a founding member of Portland's NAACP, and editor of The Advocate—Oregon's largest African-American newspaper.
Kathleen Saadat. Civil Rights, LGBTQ Rights, and Women's equality activist. Saadat was an organizer for Portland's first gay rights march in 1976 and helped create Portland's civil rights ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Kathryn Harrison. Oregon Tribal Leader. Harrison is a leader of the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde and has been an advocate for her tribe and others, such as working with state representatives to create the Reservation Restoration Act of 1988.
Sandy Chung. Oregon ACLU Executive Director. Chung is a champion of gender and sex equity in Oregon and has worked at PNW college campuses, including the University of Portland, to prevent gender discrimination and sexual harassment.
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Northeast Community Center
Website | frontdesk@necommunitycenter.org | 503.284.3377