Providing Help. Creating Hope Since 1933.

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026

Why Emerging Leaders Matter

At Catholic Charities of Oregon, we often talk about building stronger communities. But that work doesn't happen by accident. It happens when people choose to show up for one another across generations, across backgrounds and experiences.


As we begin forming our new Emerging Leaders Board, CEO Kaleen Deatherage reflects on the importance of cultivating a lifelong culture of service and why younger voices and perspectives matter deeply in shaping the future of nonprofit leadership and community impact.

Read Kaleen's Message
 

Voices of Hope

For Autumn Gaddy, volunteering at Kenton Women's Village brings together so many threads of her life — a longtime career in social services, deep roots in the natural world and a personal belief in the healing power of caring for living things.


In this month's Voices of Hope, Autumn shares how gardening, community and connection continue to shape both her life and her volunteer work with Catholic Charities of Oregon.
Learn More About Autumn

Rewriting the Story Around Finances


What does it take to feel in control of your finances?


For many of the women we serve, the answer doesn’t begin with spreadsheets or bank accounts. It begins with stability, trust and the chance to learn in a space free from judgment. For women rebuilding their lives after homelessness, domestic violence, displacement or prolonged financial hardship, confidence around money is often something that has been chipped away over time.


Through a partnership with Financial Beginnings, participants in Catholic Charities of Oregon programs are gaining practical tools to help rewrite their financial stories. From budgeting and credit to savings and long-term planning, these workshops create space for honest conversations, new understanding and renewed confidence.


Financial wellness is about more than numbers. It’s about having the knowledge, support and stability to begin imagining a different future — and believing it’s possible.
Read Blog Post

Catholic Charities Launches Emerging Leaders Board


Strong nonprofits don’t just serve communities in the present. They also invest in the people who will help lead them into the future.


Catholic Charities of Oregon is launching a new Emerging Leaders Board to help foster deeper community connection, leadership development and service among younger professionals who care about making a difference in Oregon.


The initiative is designed to create space for fresh perspectives, meaningful engagement and a growing culture of service that will support CCO’s mission for years to come.


The board will bring together emerging leaders from a variety of backgrounds and industries who want to learn more about nonprofit leadership, volunteerism and community impact while helping strengthen support for the individuals and families CCO serves each day. It’s an opportunity not only to build professional connections and leadership skills, but also to help shape the future of service and advocacy in our communities.
Learn More about the ELB

Pop-Up Food Pantry for Clients, Residents Set for June

 

Catholic Charities of Oregon will host its first-ever Pop-Up Food Pantry for clients and residents of our properties on June 17 from 3–6 p.m. behind our main office at 2740 SE Powell Blvd. in Portland. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags.


As the cost of living continues to rise, government resources shrink and competition for grant funding intensifies, more of our neighbors are struggling to put food on the table. Changes to SNAP benefits taking effect June 1 are also expected to create additional challenges for many individuals and families already facing difficult choices.


Thanks to the support of generous donors and community partners including Oregon Food Bank and Goodwill Industries, we’re grateful to offer this opportunity to help nourish our community and provide a little added stability during a difficult time.


We hope this can become a recurring resource for the people we serve as time, funding and community support allow. Volunteers are needed to help set up and break down the pantry. Please contact Martha Olmos for details.

Our Community in Action


Looking for ways to learn, connect, or give back? There are plenty of opportunities to get involved at Catholic Charities this summer.


Join us every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kateri Park Community Room for free English classes. No registration is required. Just stop by and learn alongside neighbors building new skills and community.


On Tuesdays at 10 a.m., we partner with Goodwill Industries to offer Employee Readiness classes at Kateri Park, helping participants strengthen workplace skills, build confidence, and prepare for new opportunities.


We’re also launching a new three-part educational series focused on stretching grocery budgets, shopping smart, and making SNAP benefits go further at a time when many families continue to feel the impact of rising costs and changing benefits. Stay tuned to our social media channels for upcoming dates and details.


Summer heat can be especially dangerous for neighbors already facing housing instability, particularly without access to basic necessities like lightweight clothing, hygiene supplies and water bottles. If you’d like to help people stay safer and more comfortable this summer, you can shop directly from our Amazon Wish List or contact Victoria Waldrep to arrange a donation drop-off.


We’re also always seeking volunteers to help prepare meals for women at our daytime drop-in center, where participants can access meals, showers, computer time, resources and compassionate support.

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Catholic Charities of Oregon | 2740 SE Powell Boulevard | Portland, OR 97202 US

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