We foster collaborative engagement to advance equity in Washington County. | |
As you may have heard from a recent announcement, VAN's board of directors voted to dissolve the organization after Executive Director Glenn Montgomery shared his intention to step down by the end of the year. As part of the dissolution process, the board is pleased to transfer its remaining assets to Community Services Network (CSN), a local nonprofit whose mission is well-aligned with VAN's. | |
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In VAN's absence, we believe CSN has a lot to offer the community and you will benefit by being connected to them. In December, VAN will transfer its mailing list to CSN, and your contact information will be included so you can begin to receive announcements on upcoming events, valuable resources, and other helpful information. However, you are free to opt out. Simply unsubscribe from VAN's mailing list before the end of November (click the appropriate link at the bottom of this newsletter), and your contact information will not be transferred.
But before you take any action, we encourage you to give CSN a try. At a minimum, you'll receive invitations to the quarterly Washington County Thrives gatherings, as well as other events and opportunities. In the meantime, we encourage you to learn more about CSN, and if you want to get a head start on their weekly publication, you can join their email list now.
Once again, if you do not wish to have your contact information shared with CSN, please click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this newsletter before November 30.
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The October gathering of Thrives All-Collaborative was our largest since returning in person and was a powerful demonstration of our community's commitment to the well-being of children, youth, and families!
We were grateful to have 38 people share space with us, and another five join via Zoom for an engaging session in response to the question, "How Are the Children?"
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Addressing developments specific to Washington County, we heard from Washington County Kids President and Founder Katie Riley and Executive Director Larry Crepeaux (shown above) about their efforts to improve and increase out-of-school-time programs. And to give us a picture of the early learning landscape, as well as childcare and family programs, we heard from Alessandro Mastrorocco, Senior Program Manager for Early Learning Washington County, and from Community Action's Executive Director Kemp Shuey and Director of Family Stability Karen Henkemeyer. | |
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At the state level, we heard about ongoing investments from Youth Development Oregon Director Brian Detman and Associate Director Paul Sell, and from Oregon Health Education Collaborative Executive Director Chelsea King (pictured) about their efforts to disrupt the cycles of intergenerational trauma and adverse experiences through community-based collaboratives.
Find the meeting notes and contact information here, and you can watch a recording of the meeting on our YouTube channel below:
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November is Native American Heritage Month, sometimes referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating American Indian and Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) for their rich and varied cultures, traditions, history, and contributions. Find out about ways to learn, celebrate and engage locally here:
City of Hillsboro: Native American Heritage Month
City of Tigard: Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
City of Tualatin: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
Five Oaks Museum: This IS Kalapuyan Land
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Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11, a federal holiday honoring the military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. In honor of Veterans Day, Washington County will participate in Operation Green Light, illuminating green the Public Services Building, Courthouse, Juvenile Services Building and the Justice Services Building in downtown Hillsboro from November 6-12. Community members can light their own homes to show support. Learn more.
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NOTE: This calendar will not be updated after November 30. | |
Your City, Your County, Your Community | |
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Beaverton Donation Drives
The city of Beaverton is hosting two annual donation drives in the coming weeks. For this upcoming holiday season, donations of new unwrapped toys to help local families and children will be accepted from Nov 20 - Dec. 8, 2023, at several locations. A donation drive-thru to support the Beaverton Winter Shelter and other partners is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1, 11am-4pm. For details, visit beavertonoregon.gov/373/Beaverton-Donation-Drives
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Meet Up with the Mayor
Meet up with Mayor Heidi Lueb! Bring your questions and comments. Monday, November 27 at 5:30pm, Location TBD
Community Roundtable
The Community Roundtable is made up of leaders from faith-based groups, non-profits, and the city. Next virtual meeting is December 06, 2023 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM. Learn more.
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National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month
Garden Home Recreation Center is hosting a donation drive throughout the month of November to support Beaverton School District’s McKinney-Vento Program in honor of National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month. For more information, please call the center at 503-629-6341.
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Washington County Seeking Homeless Advisory Board (HAB) Members
Learn more about and get involved in Washington County's effort to end homelessness in our community by joining the Homeless Advisory Board (HAB), currently recruiting for 9-15 members. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the complex issues of housing instability and an appreciation of cultural differences in our community. Applicants who represent the diversity of Washington County in geographic, income, cultural, racial, and personal experience are encouraged to apply. Applications due by November 15. washingtoncountyor.gov/housing/homeless-advisory-board
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