In this issue:
Follow us on social media!!
Our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram presence is growing, but we need you to join us! 

Social media is a fantastic way for VOA Oregon to build community and spread the word about our services.
Will you be our ambassadors? 



RESCHEDULED! Dynamics of Poverty training
The YWCA hosted training, "Dynamics of Poverty," was cancelled in January, but has been  RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, March 29th from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
The training will be held at our admin office (3910 SE Stark St. 97214).

This training is highly relevant to the work you do serving the most vulnerable in our community. Hosting this training is a way to provide you with additional knowledge, strengthen your commitment to helping those in need, and allow us to come together as volunteers. 

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to [email protected] by March 27, 2017.  Space is limited! If this is during your regular volunteer shift, you may want to ask your supervisor if you can attend the training instead. 

What to expect from this training?
"This training will help participants define poverty and explore its causes and effects. We will review national and local data on the demographics of people living in poverty as well as risk factors that can make one more vulnerable to economic instability. We will also explore the significance of the federal poverty line and social attitudes toward the poor and their implications for people living in poverty.

This information will translate into implications for service providers who as result of this workshop will be better equipped to provide more responsive and relevant services, and have time to practice communication skills that are effective in working with people from all income backgrounds. Finally, participants will explore and identify opportunities to join in efforts to end poverty."
--YWCA Website
Volunteers Write!
I'm excited to share that we have TWO new volunteers who will be writing for our volunteer blog, Volunteer Bridge. This blog serves as a resource for you to learn more about the issues surrounding our work. If you'd like to contribute a guest blog post, please email [email protected]. We'd love to hear your voice!

I'll be sure to update you when our first blog posts go live, but in the meantime, please enjoy this article written by volunteer, Harris Newman, about our program Moving Forward. VOA Oregon releases a quarterly newsletter to thousands of supporters, and this article will be featured along with many other program highlights.  
VOA Oregon Wish Lists
In addition to volunteer time and financial contributions, VOA Oregon and our clients rely on generous in-kind donations. 

We are always in need of  hygiene items, new socks and underwear, and gently used clothing of all sizes.  Please consider donating some of the items off our wish list. 

Call the number of the program listed on the website to make a donation drop off or contact Kelsey Stark at [email protected] to make arrangements.
Volunteer Impact Report
As a valued volunteer, we want you to know the significant impact your contributions have had on VOA Oregon. You may not see results or an impact in one day/shift of service, but the cumulative effort helps our clients grow and create lasting change.

The annual Volunteer Services Impact Report strives to highlight the qualitative and quantitative outcomes of volunteerism in VOA Oregon. While just a snippet of the big picture, we hope this report helps you understand your value and how much we appreciate all that you do. Thank you!
Oregon Public House Supports the Family Relief Nursery
Enjoy delicious food and drinks at The Oregon Public House and select VOA Oregon's Family Relief Nursery to receive proceeds from your purchase! This is a family friendly pub all hours of the day, so come one, come all!
 
When:   January 1 - June 30, 2017

Where:   The Oregon Public House
               700 NE Dekum St.
               Portland, OR 97211
 
Want a free meal and drink? Volunteer for a 4-hour shift serving food, busing tables, and sharing info about FRN with guests. Contact Kelsey to sign up or learn more ( [email protected] )! Minors welcome to volunteer with adult supervision. 
February & March One-Time Projects
If you ever wanted to check out another VOA Oregon program without making a long-term commitment, Youth Prevention Services has monthly events to celebrate community and birthdays at various housing sites in Portland and Gresham. Volunteers are needed to help facilitate games and activities, serve a meal, and have fun! Join us, bring a friend, and come be a kid again!

For more information and to RSVP, email [email protected] or call 503-595-2009.

Here are the February and March events (all events are 5-7 p.m.):

Brightening Birthday Parties (Western themed!)
  • February 13th - Eastwood Court 
  • February 27th - Stark Manor 
  • March 16th - Gateway Park
  • March 27th - Dekum Court 
Lambert House also hosts a monthly intergenerational project  with elderly participants and preschoolers from our nursery.

Volunteers help engage participants in art, music, conversation, and more. Stay for lunch and enjoy conversation and good food (lunch provided)! 
  • Tuesday, February 21st 10 am - 1 pm
  • Tuesday, March 21st 10 am - pm
Program Spotlight: Women's Residential Center
VOA Oregon's Women's Residential Center provides intensive substance abuse treatment for women involved in the criminal justice system. Our proven model helps women recover from addiction, stay with their families and contribute to their communities while enjoying a sober life. For approximately six months, women live in a supportive and sober environment, build positive relationships with others, and learn ways to cope and celebrate without the use of substances.

Our residential counselor volunteers are essential in helping staff and supporting our clients. From front desk support, everyday operations, and client interactions, our volunteers help keep things running smoothly. Volunteers also support our art therapy classes.

The volunteer program at the WRC is relatively new; but Voneda Fullerton, the volunteer coordinator, is helping to grow the program and engage more volunteers.



What are volunteers saying about the WRC?

"I was challenged personally through my volunteering and gained personal strength. My views on addiction have changed and I advocate for all those struggling with addiction in ways I didn't before."

"Volunteering has helped restore my faith in humanity. Life can be sad and depressing at times. VOA has shown me a different way to have and feel purpose."

"The WRC was an amazing team that treated me as an equal and were readily available to answer any of my questions."
Volunteer Organizations and Groups
Thank you to this quarter's volunteer groups, organizations and companies that shared their time with VOA Oregon. Group volunteering is a great way to build camaraderie and help VOA Oregon accomplish big things. If you have a group interested in volunteering, email [email protected]. We've hosted groups of five volunteers all the way up to 60!
  • Ecova
  • David Douglas High School
  • WE Communications
  • Xerox
  • Providence Strategic and Management Services
Volunteer Spotlights
In an effort to showcase the work our awesome volunteers are doing and spread the word about our 32 programs, we're highlighting one stand out volunteer each month. With over 750 volunteers annually, it's hard to choose just one volunteer, but we want to show the community how you're making a difference. Follow the links below to read the past six months' stories. We can't wait to share yours, too.
Kelsey Stark
Volunteer Services Manager
503-595-2009
Our Mission: To change lives by promoting self-determination, building strong communities and standing for social justice.