Thanks Everyone!

NWPM wishes to thank everyone who participated in the fundraiser event for our backpack program this past Monday - especially Cafe Reese! We've gotten some nice comments, including this one from our friend Larry at Easter Seals Oregon:

"My partner and I had dinner at Cafe Reese last night. We went at your invitation and to check out a new place that we have been wanting to experience... Your event motivated us to finally check it out. The staff, especially Glen, was delightful, the food was excellent, and the live accordion music was an added touch. Thank you for the invitation."

The owner's of Cafe Reese, Glenn and Delenee Brugman, wrote:

"We loved supporting Back Packs for Kids and met many new customers from NWPM. We also gained a new musician, as Gerson wants to play for us again on a regular basis... We would like to leave a check for you in the amount of $227.40. Also, we had several customers who donated cash directly to the little box near your sign, who happened to be in the restaurant that evening and wanted to give. Being newcomers to Portland, we find it's people and our Northwest neighborhood special. A real sense of community and support for each other is evident. We are proud to be a part of that."

Volunteer News & Opportunities

Happy autumn to all our NWPM volunteers & supporters!
This is the time of year when we tend to take stock of all the things we are grateful for. At least, I do. For example, the effort, time & resources you all give that help make miracles happen in our community! That is something I am very grateful for. Thank you so much for all you do!

With the leaves changing colors and the trees turning bare, now is a transformational season as well. Similarly, there are some exciting changes and transformations taking place in our community to talk about!

Please note the following three items below in particular!

• Backpack Fundraiser Monday, 11/17/2008!

• We've Moved into our New Office!

• The NWPM Food Pantry Program needs you!

All my appreciation & best wishes!
Kelly Caldwell,
NWPM Volunteer Manager
Kelly@nwpm.org
P.S. As always, you can call or email me anytime to plug into volunteering!

Backpack Program Fundraiser at Café Reese!

What: Café Reese - an espresso, wine and beer bar with a menu of soup, salad and sandwiches - will generously donate 20% of one day's proceeds to the Northwest Portland Ministries Food for Kids Backpack Program. The program provides backpacks filled with snacks & healthy food to kids most in need at Chapman Elementary School each week.
When: Monday, November 17, 2008 from 7am -to- 9pm.
Where: Café Reese, 1037 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210!
Participate! Simply dine-in or take-out at Café Reese this Monday! They've gotten some lovely reviews on Yelp and elsewhere. Click a photo to see for yourself, then help make this fundraiser a big success. Share this notice with your friends and neighbors by clicking the little white envelope below, then head on over to Café Reese on Monday! THANK YOU!

The NWPM office has moved!

We're happy to report that our move to our new location is complete. Please note the new location:

2701 NW Vaughn, Suite 102

Portland, OR 97210
Main Phone: 503-221-1224
Fax: 503-505-5028

NWPM Volunteer Opportunities & current news are available at any time here on our blog: http://nwpmcommunity.blogspot.com/

NWPM Emergency Food Program: More Space, New Process

From the Fall 2008 Newsletter: As you probably know, Northwest Portland Minstries adopted an emergency food bank program last December. We’ve been running it “as-is” this year, as we learned more about how food banks work and about what our community needs. We are now gearing up to make significant improvements and changes.

In November 2008, the NWPM Food Bank distribution center moves to a bigger space in First Immanuel Lutheran Church’s campus at 1808 NW Irving Street.

This new location gives us the opportunity to change to a “choice-based model,” which means that recipients will choose what they need instead of being given a pre-packaged food box.

Research has shown that when food bank programs use a choice model for food distribution, the system runs at a much lower cost, meets hunger needs better and more efficiently, respects recipients’ individuality, preserves their dignity, and gives them more food choices.

As part of this evolution, there will be a staffing change. Kelly Caldwell, the NWPM Volunteer Program Manager, and Preston Holt, longtime volunteer, board member, and chair of the NWPM Nutrition Program Steering Committee, will share the job of coordinating the program.

This change will bring an increased need for volunteer help, both during the transition and on a weekly basis. In the short term we will need people with carpentry and organizing skills to help get our new space set up and running.

We need three volunteers per shift to staff the food bank during open hours. For the time being, the distribution center will continue to be open every Tuesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on the fourth Monday of the month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

We also need volunteers to stock the shelves and to work at our warehouse on Mondays and Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.—or at another time arranged with the coordinators.

We also need help organizing food drives at local congregations and businesses.

If you are interested in contributing or
volunteering, contact Kelly or Preston by
phone at 503-221-1224 or by e-mail:
Kelly@nwpm.org or Preston@nwpm.org.

Hunger Advocacy Training on 12/11

Are you the type who likes to be involved in politics?

Here's something that might be of interest to you:

We the People - Advocacy for the Upcoming Legislative Session
When: Thursday, December 11, 2008, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Oregon Food Bank, 7900 NE 33rd Dr, Portland

Oregon Food Bank's Advocacy department will share with you the hows and whys of becoming an anti-hunger advocate for your clients and community. Share your stories of working on the front lines! Yours are the voices that can make the greatest difference!

Kelly@nwpm.org can give you more info. if needed!