Something Jewish for Christmas Dinner

Northwest Portland Ministries is serving a free Christmas dinner Dec. 25 at Congregation Beth Israel’s Schnitzer Family Center, 1972 NW Flanders St., noon-2 p.m., for neighborhood residents. Guests will also receive knitted scarves and hats and a gift bag of practical items. Last year, 414 turkey dinners were served and another 83 meals were delivered to people unable to leave their homes. Anyone needing transportation should call NWPM at 503-221-1224 before Dec. 22. Other sponsors include: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, St. Mary’s Cathedral, First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ascension Parish and Food Front.

What: Free Christmas dinner for NW Portland neighborhood residents
When: Friday, December 25, 2009, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Where: Congregation Beth Israel's Schnitzer Family Center, 1972 NW Flanders St.

View or print the flyer!

NWPM Food Pantry Schedule & New Service Area

Our Pantry will be closed on December 25th, and open on New Years Day.

Our Food Pantry service area has expanded! In addition to the Northwest neighborhood north of W Burnside, we have extended our service area to include residents in the downtown area north of SW Taylor Street and west of SW 10th Avenue.(map)

Holiday Field Trip! Dec. 17th!

Seniors, join us for a holiday field trip to Portland International Raceway to see the Holiday Lights! The entrance fee has been waived by a generous donor. Donations for gas are gratefully accepted.

"Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the "Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi", the 17th annual Jubitz Winter Wonderland - Powered by Comcast will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner."

When: Thursday, December 17th, 2009, 4-7PM
Where: Pick up arranged through Dave when you RSVP to him at (503) 221-1224 x100.

Space is limited so call now! Print and share the flyer!

Events for Saturday, December 12

While you shop NW 23rd this Saturday, take a break with free coffee or hot chocolate! Or come in for a wine tasting! Listen to the sounds of the season while someone else wraps your gifts! Looking for a kid-friendly event in Portland this weekend? Come visit Santa Claus or enjoy story time at The Holiday Village and enjoy free hot chocolate and coffee all day!

It's all happening this Saturday, December 12th at The Holiday Village at 635 NW 23rd between Hoyt & Irving. See the schedule here.

Two tips to reduce holiday stress:
1. Let someone else do the gift wrapping! Stop by Holiday Village Saturday, Dec. 12th, and, for a donation, get your gifts wrapped by Northwest Portland Ministries!
2. Take Trimet to Holday Village this Saturday, Dec. 12th!

Volunteer Opportunity of the Week:

Are you a good packer?!We are looking for 1-2 friendly helpers to give support to an elderly gentleman who is moving on December 15th and is in need of volunteers to help prepare his stuff. This can be scheduled for any day on or before Dec. 14th. If you have a few hours to spare in the coming week to help fill some boxes and assist in organization, please let us know ASAP!

For more information or to volunteer, contact Kelly@nwpm.org or call 503 221-1224.

Got a pick-up truck?

Help low income neighbors get some furniture! Many times someone gets into housing but has absolutely nothing, no bed, no chairs etc. The case managers we work with can help folks get items from places like the Community Warehouse, but often there is no way to transport these items to the recipient. This project can be scheduled at your convenience, please let us know if have a van or truck & could be available for this type of service.

Call 503 221-1224.

Math Tutors Needed for PIVOT

PIVOT student volunteers were a huge asset to NWPM in 2009. They assisted with large mailings that helped us raise funds, and they worked on various projects in our office. At our 4th Annual Fall Auction, eight young women volunteered at the check-in desk.

Now, we'd like to see if we can help them with some great tutors!

PIVOT is a program in NW Portland for young women ages 16-24 that are working to get their GED and/or High School Diploma. PIVOT students are required to take the TABE - the Test for Adult Basic Education. The curriculum covers whole number operations, decimals, fractions, percents, integers, basic algebra, basic geometry, data interpretation, probability, and basic statistics. Assignments are individually based on how a student performed on their most recent TABE. Other reference materials are used beyond TABE, especially GED materials.

PIVOT students most commonly need assistance with: long division, adding/subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, percents, and data interpretation, algebra, and word problems. They also need encouragement to learn the multiplication tables and not using calculators.

Background checks are required for all volunteers in accordance with state laws along with other necessary paperwork. Please contact Cindy Sorum if you are interested in tutoring with the PIVOT program at 503-274-7343 x 212. Thanks you!

Annual Auction a Huge Success!

Our 4th Annual Auction was a huge success, raising $30,000, thanks to generous donations, community support and countless volunteer hours. For a glimpse of the evening, click here.

Once again we are looking for dedicated volunteers to help NWPM serve our neighbors in need, read below. Please forward this to your web of friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.