nwpmcommunity.blogspot.com

NWPM Receives EOM Service Award!

2011-05-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Northwest Portland Ministries was honored with an “Ecumenical Service Award” on May 12, 2011, at the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) Annual Community Awards & Celebration Dinner.

The Annual Dinner is the only time during the year that EMO’s 140 member congregations and organizations gather as one, drawing together members and friends of congregations, mosques, faith based organizations and synagogues from around Oregon. Learn more about EMO here: emoregon.org.

Container Gardening Class & Spaghetti Lunch

2011-04-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Neighbors and friend enjoyed a class on Container Garedning on April 9th. The class was given by volunteer, Starr Yurkewycz, who also happens to work a the Oregon Food Bank.

Among the things shared:

Use fresh potting soil in well drained containers
Fertilize often
Choose the right size plant for the right size pot
Focusing on varieties and plants that are suited for container gardening will help you get the most out of your container garden

Following the class, we ventured outside with Kelly Caldwell to collect containers, soil and seeds!

The event was augmented with a complimentary spaghetti lunch prepared by Dan Curin.

NW Community Corner Garden Project Proposal

2011-01-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

Northwest Portland Ministries(NWPM) is raising funds to develop the corner of NW 18th and Irving (map) into a community space and herb garden. This corner is the site of the Rose Haven Women’s Resource Center, our emergency food pantry, and our senior lunch program. Using sustainable methods and materials, our goal is to create a garden space to solidify and sustain the sense of community for patrons of our services and our neighbors, AND to engage the larger Portland community through free events, volunteer opportunities, and education.
Each stage of this project provides a valuable opportunity for interpersonal dialogue and networking among NWPM staff, volunteers, service recipients, neighbors of various incomes, other organizations and the rest of the local community. In the process of beautifying the space and addressing its privacy and drainage issues, we hope to build community with public events held at the site. Through a combination of volunteer and paid labor, we expect the space to be transformed from a blank corner into an aesthetically pleasing and functional community space that will continue to inspire and promote community involvement for years to come!

Here is our first official community meeting for the site:

Community Corner Planning Meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 15th 12:30-1:30 PM

at 1808 NW Irving (in the Lounge)

First Immanuel Lutheran Church

Here is the proposed site as it currently looks:

And here is a concept drawing of how the site could look (please note, the actual plan would be developed with the input of stakeholders and neighbors):

NW 18^th & Irving Community Corner Partners List

Property owner and hosting organization: First Immanuel Lutheran Church
1816 NW Irving St. Portland, OR 97209-1295
www.firstimmanuelluth.org

Coordinating Organization: Northwest Portland Ministries
2701 NW Vaughn, Suite 102, Portland OR 97210
(503) 221-1224 www.nwpm.org
* Dan Currin, Project leader garden@nwpm.org
* Kelly Caldwell, Outreach and oversight
503-221-1224 x 105 Kelly@nwpm.org

Contributing Partners:
Mark Lakeman, of City Repair/Communitecture
www.communitecture.net/communitecture/index.php

Tim Lanfri of Community Garden Creators
www.communitygardencreators.org

Dan Heims, Owner Terra Nova Nurseries
www.terranovanurseries.com

John Kallas owner of Wild Food Adventures
www.wildfoodadventures.com

Bennett Stein, Marketing & graphic design professional

Rebeca Siplak, Oregon Food Bank Learning Gardens Program Coordinator
www.oregonfoodbank.org/Volunteer/Individuals-and-Families/Learning-Gardens

Erica Stokes, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District
http://www.wmswcd.org

Yveline Wilnau, Living Gardens
www.livinggardenspdx.com

Warhouse Tour and Appeal for Milk

2011-01-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Shelf-stable milk is one of the items on our list of needs. Visit nwpm.org to learn more about our programs!

Knitting Circle, Jan. 13, 2011

2011-01-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

SHARE How Seniors Can Help Oregon's Economy

2011-01-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

Last month, Northwest Portland Ministries and Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon held an information and training session called "Seniors and SNAP Resource Training." As an attendee, I learned interesting things about SNAP, Oregon's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. First, I learned that "Food Stamps" have gone "bye-bye." Oregon does not use that term any longer, so let's forget about those and any images they may connote. In fact, the name change happened a year ago and "stamps" have not been used since 1998.

More interestingly - and I never thought of it this way - but this successful program is beneficial to our state economy because everyone who uses SNAP spends these federal dollars locally - and it's a lot of dollars!

Many seniors have paid federal taxes all their lives and so there's no reason why they should not get some of that back. The average benefit is $16 per month. It's like getting a coupon every month to spend on food. Also, if the amount is not used on one month, it roles over and can be used in the following months.

"Households may have $2,000 in countable resources, such as a bank account, or $3000 in countable resources if at least one person is age 60 or older, or is disabled. However, certain resources are NOT counted, such as a home and lot, the resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the resources of people who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, formerly AFDC), and most retirement (pension) plans. "

Households can use SNAP benefits to buy foods for the household to eat, such as: breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and poultry, dairy products as well as seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat. And there is no shortage of locations in Northwest Portland to shop. (Find stores here.)

Help spread the word and let's get seniors to bring this money into the Oregon economy!

Steve S
Volunteer

Volunteer Luncheon December 30th!

2010-12-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

Volunteers - come join us Thursday, December 30th for our Volunteer Luncheon hosted by Guilds Lake Inn, 3271 NW 29th Avenue. (Click image below for large printable image.)
Lunch Buffet from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. and Warehouse Tour, Brainstorming Session & Networking to follow from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Questions and RSVP to Codi at 503-221-1224, ext 103 or email info@nwpm.org.

Carpooling and Rides Available!
Click here for Google map to restaurant.

Become an Ambassador!

2010-12-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Help Seniors Connect with Food Resources!

Northwest Portland Ministries (NWPM) presents:

Seniors and SNAP: A Resource Training for Volunteers

When: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, 1:00 p.m. -to- 2:30 p.m.
Where: Portland city Center Sanctuary, 1640 NW Irving St., Portland, OR 97209

NWPM kicks off our Senior Hunger Outreach Campaign with a SNAP outreach training by Nancy Weed of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon/Oregon Hunger Task Force.

"SNAP" - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

To RSVP, call Kelly Caldwell, NWPM Volunteer Program Manager, at 503-221-1224, ext. 105 -or- email her at Kelly@nwpm.org. Contact us just to get on the list for future training if you are very interested but can not attend this session.

For more info on the training, click on and read the bottom of the flier below.

Willamette Week's Give ! 50% off for donating $50 or more!

2010-12-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

This is our first year in the Give Guide and we need to generate enough donations to get invited back next year, so spread the word. Click here to donate Now! Scroll down to the Social Action section and enter your donation under Northwest Portland Ministries, Inc. For a donation of $50 or more you'll receive a 50% off coupon to the Adidas company store! Thank you!

If you'd like to see how we are doing, click here.

Let's go to a Hockey Game! Fri. Dec. 3rd

2010-11-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

5th Annual Fall Auction & Dinner!

2010-09-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

We invite you to join us at our 5th Annual Fall Auction & Dinner on Saturday, October 23, 2010 to support the work of Northwest Portland Ministries. Please help us raise funds for our important services by purchasing your tickets now (click here). Please bring your friends and family and sponsor a table. If you are interested in making a direct cash donation please click the "Donate Now" tab. If you have "in-kind" donation to contribute to our auction you can click on the "Donors" tab above and fill-in the form.

Northwest Portland Ministries is a local non-profit organization, celebrating 30 years of service in 2010.
We inspire volunteers from congregations and the larger community to help neighbors live with dignity and purpose.

The current economy has had devastating effects in virtually every aspect of our lives. Seniors, people living with disabilities, homeless children, and a growing number of individuals need our services at Northwest Portland Ministries. We are asking for your support to help us carry out our mission of creating a caring community by purchasing a ticket, sponsoring a table, in-kind donation for auction night, or a direct donation to support our work. NWPM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Our 5th Annual Auction & Dinner will be held
from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
on Saturday, October 23, 2010
at the Multnomah Athletic Club.

View the online catalog!

We welcome Group Tables and table Sponsorships:

$400 - Group table for 8 guests
$500 - Group table for 10 guests
$750 - Table Sponsorship

General Ticket Pricing:

$50 per Guest Ticket
$75 per Patron* Ticket

*Our Table Sponsors and Patron Guests who purchase by September 30 will receive recognition in our auction program. If you have any questions concerning auction tickets, tables, or sponsorships, please e-mail our Office Manager at codi@nwpm.org.

Please call 503-221-1224, ext. 103 for more information. Visit us online and learn more about our work at nwpm.org, nwpmcommunity.blogspot.com/p/auction, facebook.com or youtube.com/nwpmtv.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!

Check out our exciting new Live Auction items by clicking on the titles below:

La Pietra Villa in Umbria
Gearhart by the Sea Condo
Brasada Ranch

Communities Creating Change: Tips from Your Neighbors About Success

2010-09-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

You're invited to attend the second workshop in the Community Leadership Series developed by the seven Neighborhood coalition offices and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement.

This workshop will include volunteer presentations from local community projects - with lessons learned along the way; small group discussions allowing participants to share stories, tips and resources; and networking to share with other participants on an individual level.

Join us to share with and learn from volunteers citywide creating change in their neighborhoods.

Are you researching resources? Looking to clear obstacles from your path? Wondering how to invite others to join you? Or just want tips on getting started? Share your story with other local community members and learn from your peers.

When: Thursday, October 28, 2010, 6:00 to 8:30 PM at
Where: Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital's Wistar Morris Room, 1015 NW 22nd.

An RSVP is required due to space limitations. Please RSVP at www.nwnw.org/resources/trainings.

Don't let these networking opportunities pass you by!

Volunteer presenters will include:
. PHLUSH, www.phlush.org
. Cornell Road Sustainability Coalition, www.nwnw.org/projects/crsc
. Baltimore Woods, www.friendsofbaltimorewoods.org
. Art on the Peninsula, www.artonthepeninsula.org
. Friends of Parklane Park

This post courtesy of information provided by:
Angela Southwick
Community Resources Program Manager
Neighbors West-Northwest
angela@nwnw.org

503-823-4211
2257 NW Raleigh St.
Portland, OR 97210

Find neighborhood events and meetings online at www.nwnw.org/calendar

Perspectives on Positive Aging

2010-09-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

First Thursdays, noon–1 p.m. at the Central Library U.S. Bank Room, 801 S.W. 10th Ave.

Thursday, October 7

Reshuffling the Investment Deck for Retirement
Selene Petersen, CPA with Young and Meyers, P.C.
Learn how you can adjust your retirement investment strategy in this turbulent market.

Thursday, November 4
Cultivating Fierce Joy as We Age
Brian Doyle, Author and Editor of Portland Magazine

Paying ferocious attention may be the only way to stay sane, healthy and happy.

Thursday, December 2
Seeking Wisdom: The Art of Inner Harvesting
Mary Lonergan, Spiritual Director
Hear about aging as a time of winter grace, unprecedented potential growth and new change.

Registration not required. Bring a lunch. Questions? Contact Bess Piñón at bessp@multcolib.org or 503.988.3468.

Perspectives on Positive Aging is a free, monthly series sponsored by Multnomah County Library, partners with Life by Design NW, lifebydesignnw.org. This program is made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by Oregon State Library.

We Need Volunteers - sign up now!

2010-09-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

Our 2010 Fall Auction & Dinner on October 23 is now less than a month away!

We need friendly and computer savvy volunteers to work a shift between 3:30 p.m. and 9:30p.m the day of the event. As a volunteer, you will welcome and check-in guests as they arrive. At the end of the event, you'll perform auction and donation payment transactions and thank guests for their generosity as they depart.

Our Office Manager, Codi, will train you for this important volunteer function on Tuesday, October 19 from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

To volunteer, or get more information, please call Codi at 503-221-1224, ext. 103 or email him at codi@nwpm.org.

Skills needed: computer savvy, fluent English speaking, organized, service oriented.

The event on October 23 will be held at the Multnomah Athletic Club‎ (the MAC).

Central City Concern Graduation Ceremony

2010-09-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

Volunteers from Central City Concern often help out at NWPM's food pantry when we receive deliveries. Central City recognizes individuals who complete 80 hours of community volunteering with a graduation ceremony and will do so Wednesday, September 8th at 3:00pm.
If you would like to support these members of our community for reaching this milestone, come celebrate their success. RSVP via email to malejos@centralcityconcern.org or call (503) 467-4630.

Faith in Action Network of Oregon 1 Day Fall Conference

2010-08-23T17:12:00.001-07:00

Announcing: Faith in Action Network of Oregon 1 Day Fall Conference hosted by Northwest Portland Ministries, member of the state wide network and provider of transportation, nutrition , recreation & helping hands in NW & downtown Portland.

For: Interfaith volunteer programs that serve seniors, and interested partners and individuals.

What: Faith in Action Fall 2010 Conference ~ Topic Fundraising/Engaging Volunteers

Where: Saint Patrick's Church, 1623 NW 19th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97209

When: Monday, September 27th, 08:30AM- 4:00PM

Why: Networking, education and professional development for interfaith volunteer programs.

Cost: $10.00 for members of FiA of OR & $25.00 for non-members (includes lunch).

Register by 9/22/10 using the conference brochure below (click and print), or for more info. contact:

Kathy Watson
Faith In Action
310 Villa, #110
Newberg, OR 97132
Kathleen.Watson2@providence.org

NHBA Food Drive Benefit

2010-06-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

Nob Hill Business Association
Food Drive Benefit for Northwest Portland Ministries’ Emergency Food Services

Results May 2010

7,000 lbs food gathered
$3,322 cash raised
=
470 food boxes filled from donated food
+
332 boxes of food purchased
OR
237 weekend food backpacks filled

Thanks to our many community supporters: Umpqua Bank, Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, Food Front Cooperative Grocery, Blush Beauty Bar, Moonstruck Chocolates, Child’s Play, Lucy’s Table, Forest Park Federal Credit Union, Amy Sacks Eyeware, Limo Restaurant, Goorin Bros., GreatCoffee.com, Hip Hound, Sammye Sanborn, Heron Haus Bed & Breakfast, Thereaputic Assoicates NW, FedEX, Dragonfly Coffee House, St. Clair Apt., ESCO Corp, Albina Community Bank, Lincoln High School, Linfield College School of Nursing, Ascension Episcopal Parish, Congregation Beth Israel, First Immaneul Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, Havurah Shalom, Parish of St. Mark, Portland City Center Sancutary, St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Zion Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church.

Thank You and Please Join us Next Year!

VISTA Position

2010-05-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

Due to budget cuts in the state, our VISTA Community Outreach position is no longer available. We are greatly disappointed and apologize for any inconvenience.

Food Pantry Service Hours Changing

2010-05-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Please make a note of the following change and share the information with anyone who may need it. (Click image at right for flier.)

Beginning July 1, 2010, the hours of operation for Northwest Portland Ministry's (NWPM) Food Pantry will change. The new service hours are from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays at First Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1808 NW Irving Street.

A new ramp was recently built at First Immanuel Lutheran so that recipients can better access services in the building. Use of the ramp is being coordinated with another program co-located in the lower level, Rose Haven, which needs ramp access in the morning. NWPM Food Pantry recipients using scooters and wheelchairs will now be able to enter the pantry - and those with carts of food can exit the building more easily - during the new afternoon hours (starting at 12:30).

The NWPM Food Pantry serves people residing at NW Portland addresses, and we extend south to include the triangle south of Burnside to Taylor and east to SW 10th. A map of our service area is available by clicking here. For more information about the Food Pantry, click here.

We will continue to deliver emergency food boxes to those who are ill or otherwise unable to make it to the food pantry to shop for themselves. Food box delivery happens regularly by special arrangement.
Volunteer drivers can provide rides on Tuesdays (arranged in advance) for those who need help getting home with their groceries.
Ramp access prior to July 1, 2010 can be scheduled between 12:30-1:00 by contacting: Kelly Caldwell (503) 221-1224 ext. 105 or kelly@nwpm.org

You're Invited

2010-04-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

May 3-7 is Nurse's Week at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, and for the 700 nurses working here, that means the Fourth Annual Nurse Week Food Drive Competition!

Twenty nursing units compete to donate the most food-per-nurse, with the collected food supporting two fabulous neighborhood programs run by Northwest Portland Ministries: the Emergency Food Box program for low-income residents, and the Foo d for Kids Backpack program benefiting Chapman School students who otherwise would go home hungry for the weekend.

Weigh-in for the trophy and weighty honor is 8 a.m. Friday, May 7 in the Good Samaritan lobby, 1015 N.W. 22nd Ave. Please join us as we tip the scales against hunger in our neighborhood. (map.)
Last year, Good Sam nurses donated nearly 3,000 pounds of the foods most needed by these programs!

"Nurses are not only focused on their caring and compassion in the hospital, but caring and compassion in the community. The people who need this food are the people they take care of," said Denise Fall, RN, who co-chairs the Nurses Week Food Drive Competition with Desi Shubin, RN. "Nurses," added Shubin, "are really generous."

Hope to see you there!

Help Feed Neighbors-Buy a Raffle Ticket Today!

2010-04-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Nob Hill Business Association has organized an amazing local fundraiser to support our Nutrition Support services i.e. Food Pantry, Food for Kids Backpack service, and Expanded Nutrition Support. Buy a raffle ticket from April 1 through May 31st to support our neighbors in need and win a great prize! FAQ Flier, click here.

You can buy tickets at the following locations:

Blush Beauty Bar (map)

Moonstruck Chocolates on NW 23rd Ave. (map)

Forest Park Federal Credit Union (map)

Northwest Portland Ministries (map)

Child's Play (map)

You can also call NWPM at 503-221-1224

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

2010-04-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a 6-week educational series designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend with a chronic illness. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. Class size is limited, and registration is required – call the number listed by the class you wish to attend. (*Suggested donation of $25 to help defray cost of the book – but not required in order to attend class).

*Class Location*	*Class Dates and Times*	*Call to Register*
Hollywood Senior Center 1810 NE 40^th Avenue Portland	*April 5 – May 10, 2010* Mondays 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.	503/413-8018
Cherrywood Village 1417 SE 107^th Avenue Portland	*April 8 –May 13, 2010* Thursdays 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.	503/413-8018
St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church 17435 NW West Union Road Portland	*April 14 – May 19, 2010* Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	503/645-0744

Field Trips for April 2010!

2010-03-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

April 6, 10:30 am-2:30 Shopping at Kohl’s
The Beaverton Kohl's Department Store is always a good place to shop for bargains. After shopping, enjoy a relaxing lunch at Marie Callendar’s Restaurant. Bring money for lunch and shopping.

April 14, 9:30 am-2:30 pm Guide Dogs for the Blind Tour
Learn how guide dogs are chosen and trained during a tour of the Guide Dogs for the Blind campus in Boring, OR. The tour may include a visit to the kennels, the puppy socialization area and the veterinary clinic. After the tour, enjoy lunch at the Gresham Olive Garden. The tour is free. Bring money for lunch.

April 20, 12:30 pm– 3 pm Jewish Museum Tour
Enjoy an educational tour of the Oregon Jewish Museum where you will have the opportunity to view the “Letters to Sala” exhibit. The tour is $3.

April 27, 9:00 am-4:00pm Tillamook Coast Trip
This trip starts with a visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory where you can learn about the cheese making process and see the cheese makers at work. Then we will travel to the Tillamook Air Museum where you can enjoy lunch at the Air Base Café before you tour the air museum. During the tour, you will be able to see over 30 War Birds including the P-51 Mustang and the Dauntless Dive Bomber. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is free and the Air Museum is $7.50 for groups of ten or more. Lunch ranges from $5 to $10.

To Sign Up For a Trip, Please Call Northwest Portland Ministries at:
503-221-1224 x100
Suggested Gas Donation Based On Mileage: ($5-$7)

Jewish Museum Field Trip!

2010-03-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

Join us for a special tour of the Oregon Jewish Museum!
Date: Tuesday, April 20
Time: 1pm- 2:30 pm
Address: 1953 NW Kearney St., Portland, OR, 97209 (map)
Cost: cost is $3.00 paid at the door (group rate).

The visit will begin with a presentation about the unique history of Oregon’s Jewish community by education coordinator, Lea Faw. There will be time to explore the exhibits at your own pace.

TRANSIT OPTIONS:

Walk or public transit
NWPM Shuttle from PGE Max Stop
Ride from home in NWPM Service Area

If you reside in the NWPM service area (map), CALL Dave to sign-up or to get a ride: 503 221-1224 ext. 100.

Do you know about Federal Tax Deductions for Volunteers?

2010-03-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Northwest Portland Ministries greatly appreciates the time and energy volunteers like you devote to our neighbors in need. We also know that you sometimes incur out-of-pocket costs and we wanted you to know that Uncle Sam treats some of these costs as charitable contributions that you can deduct on your income tax return!

The memo in the documents below, from our partner Hands on Portland, provides information about the tax aspects of volunteering, donations, and costs incurred while volunteering. If you have further questions, require documentation for your tax records or wish to receive this form as a PDF, please contact Northwest Portland Ministries Office Manager Codi Kodama at 503-221-1224 x 103 or email info@nwpm.org.

PS. Good record keeping is key to being able to deduct mileage expenses too! Find an ehow.com contributor's tips on keeping track of those miles here.

Click on the images below for the info.

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Alert! We need a new FREEZER!

2010-03-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. Today, the freezer at Northwest Portland Ministries pantry, photo below, went out of service! It has had it's share of repairs, but this time it looks like it is out for good.

Please, if you know of anyone willing to donate a commercial or industrial size freezer to NWPM, please call Preston at 503 221-1224 Ext. 104.

In addition to the regular Pantry hours today from 11:00am to 1:00pm, we did a "portable food pantry" run to residents in need at Williams Plaza to ensure that food would not spoil and go to waste. We served over 70 households today! Additional items went to folks at Medallion & Helen Sweindell Apts.

Big thanks to today's volunteers: Barbara C., Yolanda L., Michele F. Chris B. Timm D, Larry Nelson, Cissy L. & Helen s. Dennis S & of course, Preston H, for getting the food distributed on short notice today!

Food for kids Backpacks: Testimonial

2010-03-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

Working mom, Tammy, is grateful for nutrition from NWPM's Food for Kids Backpack Program. She and her daughter agreed to share how the program benefits their family.

<a href="http://www.linkedtube.com/c3-LkeUFq_817a1a33c1a3230b8151afe1aba348c0b.htm">LinkedTube</a>

For more information, click here. To donate by check, click here, or call (503) 221-1224 ext. 103. To see our current opportunities here!

2010-03-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES as of 3/5/10

Deliver Lunch to Irving Street Loaves & Fishes on Wednesdays
Pick up coolers from the main Loaves & Fishes Kitchen and deliver to the Irving Street Senior Lunch Program at 10:45 a.m., in time for lunch. Needed: A good sized vehicle that can fit several coolers, ability to lift full coolers, or willingness to ask other volunteers to help with that. (Recommended: A tarp or towel to keep your vehicle clean).
Contact Schedule: Pam Porter at pamela.porter503@gmail.com or call 503.327.1253.

Volunteer at the Food Pantry on Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Feed the Hungry! Greet clients and sign them in, assist with filling food requests, stock shelves, maintain neat shelves and racks, light clean-up duties. Address: 1808 NW Irving, First Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Shop the Dock at the Oregon Food Bank Tuesday Mornings
Shopping the dock involves going to the Oregon Food Bank (7900 N.E. 33rd Drive) and seeing what types of fruits, veggies, dairy, bread etc. are available. The items need to be brought to the NWPM Food Pantry at 1808 NW Irving.

Volunteer Driver: Take an elder to the doctor
Use one of the NWPM vehicles or drive your own car to get folks to medical appointments and other key locations.
When: Flexible, based on availability & need
Requirements: Age 23 or older, Ride Connection Application turned in to NWPM, Background check, three training components to be completed within six months.

Deliver Emergency Food Boxes
If you have a vehicle and 30 minutes, you could deliver a food box to a specific hungry person, or get a box of surplus food delivered to our Community Share program to residents at low-income buildings in downtown & NW. Help feed people and keep food from going to waste! Vehicle, Bike trailer or little red wagon needed.
When: Flexible, ideal times are on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, with options sometimes available on Mondays and Thursdays too.

Lend a Helping Hand (individualized support)
Our volunteers are called on to answer requests from our neighbors in Northwest Portland who need assistance with moving, shopping, cleaning, or friendly visits. If you are looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in someone's life, Helping Hands is a great way to get involved. Note: Williams Plaza resident with a learning disability needs at tutor for his PCC English Class.

Create Your Own Volunteer Opportunity!
NWPM staff is available in a limited capacity to support “out of the box” volunteer work. If you see a need or have an idea, we’d like to hear from you to discuss what might be possible.

Shop at Food Front Co-Op in February

2010-02-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

In February, Food Front Cooperative Grocery will be holding a fundraiser for the NWPM Food for Kids Backpack program. You can make cash donations at the register when you check-out.

Starting in September 2008, Northwest Portland Ministries (NWPM) expanded it's Emergency Food Box Program to include the Food for Kids Backpack Program to keep low income school children from going hungry over the weekend during the school year. Click here to read more.

Building a Sustainable Community Together At Food Front, we're proud to be more than a grocery store of delicious, all-natural foods. Over the years, we've worked to cultivate relationships with the community we serve and the organizations that share our commitment to sustainability. We support dozens of community events and celebrations through sponsorships, food donations and gift certificates. Food Front online: http://www.foodfront.coop/

Super Bowl Party!

2010-01-26T17:33:00.000-08:00

Attention Northwest Portland Ministries neighbors!

Elm Court Loaves and Fishes is having a Super Bowl party
Sunday, February 7 at 3:00pm.
Come watch the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts battle for the Super Bowl championship!

Be one of 100 guests to come and enjoy the game on a 12' x 12' screen, plus fun, food and prizes!

Don't delay, call today! Telephone 503 953-8204

Elm Court Loaves & Fishes
1032 SW Main St.
Portland, OR 97205

Suggested donation: $5.00

Upcoming Trip to Chinese Garden & Tea House

2010-01-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Portland’s Classical Chinese Garden, an oasis of tranquil beauty with hundreds of rare trees and shrubs. See it all in the daily garden tour or simply enjoy the garden from the comfort of the Tea House. Admission is $7.50, but you will want to bring money for a cup of tea!

Date: Tuesday, January 26th
Start Time: 11:00 am
End Time: 2:00 pm

To sign up, please call Northwest Portland Ministries (503)221-1224, x100

Field Trip to the Chocolate Fest

2010-01-20T15:58:00.000-08:00

Join us on Saturday, January 30th at 10:30a.m. for a TriMet transit trip to Chocolate Fest at the World Forestry Center. Transportation is FREE! Admission to festival is $7. More info here!

February Trip: The Portland Civic Theatre Guild Presents...

2010-01-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

The Mysterious Mr. Love by Karoline Leach

What: The Portland Civic Theatre Guild presents a showing of The Mysterious Mr. Love.
Suspense and thrills abound in the period drama. A dapper smoothly makes his living by wooing and wedding plain young women who have little money stashed away. After each wedding night he disappears. This time, however, things don't go as planned as he attempts to swindle a young milliner's assistant with her own secret agenda.
When: February 2nd, 9:30am-2:00pm

Coffee 10:00am
Show 10:30am-12:00pm

Optional lunch at McMenamins afterward 12:00pm-2:00pm
Where: The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97201
Cost: $6 admittance to show
Phone 503-222-2301

Please contact Dave at Northwest Portland Ministries for a ride to and from the show!
503-221-1224, x100

Ride to Washington Square Mall!

2010-01-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

With over 170 stores and restaurants, you are sure to find just what you are looking for. Whether it’s shopping, relaxing over coffee or people watching, Washington Square is always fun to visit. Bring money for lunch and shopping!

Date: Tuesday, February 9th
Start Time: 10:00 am
End Time: 3:00 pm

To sign up for this trip, call Northwest Portland Ministries at 503-221-1224, x100.

Join Us on Our Visit to the Pacific Hazelnut Factory

2010-01-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

See how the nuts are graded and candies are made by taking a virtual tour of the Pacific Hazelnut Factory and sample some of their delicious candies and nuts. Free!! Afterwards, stop for lunch at the historic Top of the Hill Restaurant.

Bring money for candy, nuts and lunch!

Date: Tuesday, February 16th
Start Time: 10:30 am
End Time: 2:30 pm

To sign up for this trip, call Northwest Portland Ministries at 503-221-1224, x100

February Trip: Lunch With the Birds

2010-01-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

Join expert birdwatcher Greg Gillson for this free birdwatching event at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve! A wheelchair accessible viewing station provides the perfect place to enjoy a sack lunch as you view and identify waterfowl and other birds. Field guides, spotting scopes and binoculars will be supplied. Bring a sack lunch.

Date: Wednesday, February 24th
Start Time: 11:00 am
End Time: 2:00 pm

To sign up for this trip, call Northwest Portland Ministries at 503-221-1224, x100

Monthly Rides to WinCo

2010-01-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

On the first Wednesday of every month Northwest Portland Ministries provides transportation to WinCo, a low price local supermarket. Riders will be picked up around 9:00am and will be dropped off by 12:00pm. Seats are available on a first come first serve basis. To schedule your ride, contact Dave at Northwest Portland Ministries, 503-221-1224, x100.

Rides home from the Pantry on Tuesdays...

2010-01-20T15:52:00.000-08:00

Rides are now available to Northwest Portland Ministries' Food Pantry at 1808 NW Irving St. (First Immanuel Lutheran Church - map). It is open Tuesdays & Fridays from 11:00am to 1:00pm. NWPM provides transportation services by donation. If you need help getting home from the Northwest Portland Ministries (NWPM) Emergency Food Pantry with your groceries, we have volunteers available on Tuesdays to drive you. Please call the office one day in advance to let us know that you’d like a ride home, and we’ll have a volunteer ready for you! Other rides require three days notice & are for those age 60 and older.Please call NWPM, Inc. at 503-221-1224. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Print and share the flyer - click here. To learn more about NWPM's transportation program, go here.

NWPM invites you to attend...

2010-01-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, Jan. 21st
5-7 pm

This month’s Art Spark is being hosted by Elders In Action, with a particular focus on aging and creativity.

The event will be held at:
Art Bar, in the Portland Center for Performing Arts 1111 SW Broadway

We will be offering transportation to and from!
Call Dave at 503-221-1224 ext. 100 for details and pickup times.

Join a TriMet transit trip to ChocolateFest!

2010-01-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

Join a TriMet transit trip to ChocolateFest at the World Forestry Center

sample the latest from chocolate masters
see demonstrations
learn about the history of chocolate!

Date: Saturday, January 30
Time: 10:30 a.m.— 1 p.m.
Place: Meet “Ride Ambassador” at mask sculpture at the entrance of PGE Park, 18th and Morrison. As a group, we'll take MAX to the World Forestry Center.
Cost: Transit is free! Admission to the festival is $7.

To sign up, or to arrange transportation to PGE Park:

Contact Dave at Northwest Portland Ministries at (503) 221-1224 x100 or info@nwpm.org
Northwest Portland Ministries creates a caring community of volunteers who help neighbors in need. We provide food, transportation, recreation and helping hands.
The RideWise Riders Club Program offers guided trips on public transportation. Guides, called Ride Ambassadors, are responsible only for guiding the group on transit. TriMet routes and schedules are subject to change. Read more about the success of this program here. Print and share the flyer, click here.

NWPM 2010 Annual Meeting & Luncheon

2010-01-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Northwest Portland Ministries, Inc. 2010 Annual Meeting & Luncheon

with
guest speaker David Sarasohn of the Oregonian speaking about hunger.

Date and Time: Thursday, January 21, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Congregation Beth Israel – Goodman Hall (1972 NW Flanders Street, Portland, OR 97209 - map)
Cost: $17.00

Please - RSVP by Wednesday, January 13 by e-mailing codi@nwpm.org or by calling 503-221-1224 ext. 103.

Something Jewish for Christmas Dinner

2009-12-15T16:29:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

NWPM Food Pantry Hours:
• Every Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:00am to 1:00pm
• 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10:00 am to 10:30am for Harvest Share Day (free produce distribution).
Location: First Immanuel Church, 1808 N.W. Irving St.

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!

2009-12-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

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 Wonderlan d - 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

2009-12-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

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:

2009-12-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-22T15:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-21T19:03:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

2009-11-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

Loaves & Fishes Delivery Driver needed for Mondays at 10:45 a.m.
We need someone to pick-up coolers from the downtown Elm Court Loaves & Fishes Kitchen at 1023 SW Main and bring them to the Irving Street Loaves & Fishes. If you have a good sized vehicle that can fit several coolers and have the ability to lift full coolers or willingness to ask other volunteers for assistance you could help feed 40 seniors every Monday! Aside from food pick up you could also stay and help with lunch if you want to.

Wrap presents at the Holiday Village in NW Portland on Sat. 12/12.
Holiday Village is organized by the Nob Hill Business Association. This event will include music, refreshments, gift wrapping, Santa & much more. It is from 11am -5pm the first four Saturdays in December. Location: 635 NW 23rd (between Hoyt & Irving).

NWPM has been invited to have volunteers staff the gift wrapping station on Dec. 12th. A different non-profit is invited to participate each Saturday.

This is a fundraiser and community event for Northwest Portland Ministries and we need 3-4 people each shift to wrap gifts and have fun. All materials provided.

The time has been divided into two shifts and we are in need of 3 folks between 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are good at wrapping and available please arrive 15 minutes before your shift. Call Kelly at 503-221-1224 ext. 105 or e-mail kelly@nwpm.org to sign-up.

Got a pick-up truck? Help Low income people get some furniture!
Many times someone gets into housing but has absolutely nothing, no bed, no chairs etc. 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 you have a van or truck and could be available for this type of service. Call Kelly at 503-221-1224 ext. 105 or e-mail kelly@nwpm.org to sign-up.

Friendly Helpers Needed for Local Residents
NWPM receives ongoing requests for Friendly Helpers to assist with various tasks. Help is needed with light cleaning, laundry, organizing, as well as social visits and simply providing companionship to an isolated neighbor in our community. To get involved call 503-221-1224 ext. 105 or e-mail kelly@nwpm.org

If you have a couple of hours to volunteer to make a difference, please contact:

Kelly Caldwell,
Northwest Portland Ministries
Volunteer Manager
Kelly@nwpm.org
2701 NW Vaughn, Suite 102
Pdx OR 97210
Main Phone: 503-221-1224
Fax: 503-505-5028

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

Pittock Mansion Field Trip!

2009-11-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

Visit the Pittock Mansion this holiday season and enjoy the festivities. Tickets were generously donated for this event!
Each year, volunteers transform Pittock Mansion into a holiday wonderland as ribbon and garland, colorful poinsettias, and decorated trees fill the 16,000 square-foot Mansion.
In honor of the 150th anniversary of Oregon ’s statehood, decorated rooms in the Mansion will illustrate different traditions of Christmas, including decorating trees, writing Christmas cards, serving holiday foods, playing Christmas music, and giving gifts.

Call Dave at 503-221-1224 ext.100 for details and pickup times! Arrival at the Mansion is 11:00am.

Date:	Friday, December 4, 2009
Time:	11:00am - 1:00pm
Destination:	Pittock Mansion
Street:	3229 N.W. Pittock Dr
City/Town:	Portland, OR

Come join us on a free trip to the Japanese Gardens!

2009-11-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

In partnership with TriMet's RideWise program, the Riders Club program offers opportunities for older adults and people with disabilities to take guided trips using public transportation. Guides, called Ride Ambassadors, are responsible only for leading the group. The transit portion of this TriMet trip requires about three blocks of walking altogether. TriMet routes and schedules are suject to change.
Host: NW Portland Ministries
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Location: Bus Line #63 stop at SW 18th Ave. & SW Morrison St, Porland, OR 97205
Cost: Transit and admission are FREE!
RSVP: To sign up, call Northwest Portland Ministries at (503) 221-1224 x100.
See or print the flyer - click the image below!

To share this information by email, click the little white envelope below.

Halloween Decorating at Irving Street

2009-10-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

Photos from Wednesday's decorating...

Café Reese Benefit!

2009-09-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Support the important community programs and services provided by Northwest Portland Ministries by attending our upcoming fundraisers. Please forward this information to your social networks, friends, family and neighbors using the little white envelope below. We look forward to seeing you!

On Monday, September 28, 2009 Café Reese will be donating proceeds to the NWPM Food for Kids Backpack program. Please tell your friends, neighbors and family to go out and show your support. The menu boasts a nice selection of soup, salad and panini sandwiches.

Café Reese - 1037 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Phone: 503-219-06337:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

And We're Live!

2009-08-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

We've had the "Save the Date" image at the top of the blog for a while now that links to information about our 4th Annual Fall Auction and Dinner on October 24th.
Well if you click there now, you can view the catalog of auction items online plus find out more great information about this exciting event!
Who's hosting? What are the items to bid on? What do the bids start at?
It's all there for you to see right now at wwww.nwpmauction.blogspot.com. So take a look, then be sure to RSVP, donate, or become a sponsor or volunteer to help make this year's event a great success! Click here!

Ride with a Volunteer on MAX to Boka Marimba!

2009-08-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

For neighbors able to use public transit, we are doing “Transit Adventure” field trips. Join us for this lunchtime concert. We'll ride the MAX to the Lloyd Center area:

Wednesday, Aug 19: Boka Marimba, See, print and share the flyer here!
Time: 11 a.m.— 2 p.m.
Place: Meet at mask sculpture at the entrance of PGE Park, 18th and Morrison.
Cost: The concert and transit is free! Just bring a sack lunch or money to buy lunch! Our Volunteer Manager, Kelly, and/or a Ride Wise Volunteer will meet the group and escort you on the MAX.

<a href="http://www.linkedtube.com/4cKbJXsiKbI8da624db6feb1fa0caaeea8ed4bf9339.htm">LinkedTube</a>

For more information on this MAX Adventure, contact Kelly or Codi at (503) 221-1224 or e-mail info@nwpm.org.

Ride with a Volunteer on MAX to a Lunchtime Concert!

2009-07-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

For those neighbors able to use public transit, we are offering “Transit Adventure” field trips to these two lunchtime concerts in the Lloyd Center area:

Wed. August 5th: Linda Hornbuckle, See, print and share the flyer here!

Wednesday, Aug 19: Boka Marimba, See, print and share the flyer here!

Time: 11 a.m.— 2 p.m.
Place: Meet at mask sculpture at the entrance of PGE Park, 18th and Morrison.
Cost: The concert and transit is free! Just bring a sack lunch or money to buy lunch! Our Volunteer Manager, Kelly, and/or a Ride Wise Volunteer will meet the group and escort you on the MAX.

For more information on this MAX Adventure, contact Kelly or Codi at (503) 221-1224 or e-mail info@nwpm.org.

Triple digits expected as heat wave scorches Portland area

2009-07-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

"Senior centers and community centers across the region are opening during the day as cooling centers for at-risk populations during a Pacific Northwest heat wave," reports Erica Heartquist on Kgw.com. “Any isolated seniors that you have in your neighborhood, if you know someone, give them a call, but more importantly, visit them and make sure they have everything they need to endure this heat wave,” Amber Kern-Johnson said.
Meanwhile, katu.com reports that, "Elm Court Loaves and Fishes Center in downtown Portland is serving as a cooling center for those age 60 and older. It is located at 1032 S.W. Main (see map) and will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday", their site reported this morning.
The following heat safety tips comes from the American Red Cross:
* Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
* Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
* Drink water! Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
* Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
* Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
* Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
* Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR.
More on the effect of the heat on prescription medications here: http://www.kgw.com/video/index.html?nvid=383343&shu=1

Ride, Baby, Ride!

2009-07-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

One very important and successful program that Northwest Portland Ministries offers is our Transportation Program. Now, we are pleased to announce great new transportation resources available this summer to NW neighbors who are elderly or disabled, including:
New grocery trips
Rides to free concerts, and
Service to neighborhood nutrition resources!
As mentioned in the post below, our Senior Shuttle is now the NW Shopping RideAbout! It's true. Two days a week, the RideAbout makes a loop serving a variety of locations including:

Gretchen Kafoury Commons, Rose Schnitzer Tower, Elm Court Loaves & Fishes, Helen Swindells, Rosenbaum Plaza, The Morrison,Union Manor, Gallagher Plaza, Medallion Apartments, Northwest Tower, Fred Meyer and Trader Joe's.

For more details or to learn more about our transportation options, click here! Or, contact Dave Truman at: 503-221-1224, ext. 100.

Summer Newsletter

2009-07-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the recently mailed Northwest Portland Ministries' Summer Newsletter. In it, you'll find news about the new RideAbout Shopping Shuttle, updated "key messages" developed by our board, and how one local high school's Community 101 class raised money for our Food for Kids Backpack program. Also, find out how you can tour our programs, and see who Congregation Beth Israel honored with the Song of Miriam Award in June. The Summer newsletter may also be accessed via the link on the sidebar of this blog, or by clicking here.

Volunteer Drivers Wanted!

2009-05-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Northwest Portland Ministries gets over 1000 requests for rides each month!

We are very much in need of volunteer drivers to get folks to medical appointments and other key locations. Drivers can use one of the NWPM vehicles or drive their own car. (If you use your own vehicle you are eligible for a reimbursement or tax write-off of 50 cents per mile.)

There is a special approval process to ensure liability issues are properly addressed:
1) Complete a Ride Connection Driver Application & return it to NWPM
2) Once approved, (you must have 5 years of good driving history, be at least 23, and pass a background check) make an appointment for a brief orientation, and then you are ready to go.

For a complete details and to express interest, please contact David@nwpm.org or 503-221-1224.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

2009-05-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

Be a Volunteer Driver: A day or few hours a week. Learn more here.
Be a Friendly Receptionist for NWPM Transportation:
Loaves & Fishes Senior Lunch Program on Weekdays:
Emergency Food Box Volunteers: Feed the Hungry!
Make a Community Share Delivery!
Transit Adventure Volunteers Wanted!:
Looking for a Volunteer Human Resources Consultant:
Friendly Visitor/Helping Hand:
New Project:

Be a Friendly Receptionist for NWPM Transportation: Help answer the phone and take ride requests at the NWPM office when seniors are calling in to request rides. Mornings are especially busy times.

Loaves & Fishes Senior Lunch Program on Weekdays: Come help set-up and serve lunch and then we clean up the space (so it can be used for other purposes in the afternoons). Help on Wednesdays is especially needed..

Emergency Food Box Volunteers: Feed the Hungry! Choose a shift on: Tuesdays or Fridays from 10:45 am-1:00 pm,2nd Weds. 9:00-11:30 am for fresh produce distribution.
Various tasks & activities are also available at other times.Please inquire!

Make a Community Share Delivery! Keep food from being wasted & get it to folks who need it. Drop off surplus perishable food at a low-income building in the area. The ideal times are on Tuesday & Friday afternoons, with options sometimes available on Mon. & Thurs. too.

Transit Adventure Volunteers Wanted!: Work with NWPM & Ridewise to help organize affordable and fun senior fieldtrips via public transportation. (Training from Ridewise required). The most recent example of this is a trip to the zoo on Sept. 16th. See previous posting).

Looking for a Volunteer Human Resources Consultant: Skilled & creative writer & editor needed to help create job descriptions and update other volunteer management tools & documents.

Friendly Visitor/Helping Hand: One-on-one matches with seniors in need. Examples include light housekeeping, packing help, file/paperwork help, or just a social visit.

New Project: Interior Decorators and Apartment Organizers are invited to help low income neighbors make the most of their space. This can be done in a number of ways from making a display to offering one-on-one support.

Contact:
Kelly Caldwell
Volunteer Manager, Northwest Portland Ministries
Kelly@nwpm.org <=== click here!
(503) 221-1224 ext.105
Use your back button to return to the Community Connections blog.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions

2009-05-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

People struggling with chronic health issues can learn ways to cope with these challenges and improve their quality of life through an upcoming workshop: Living Well with Chronic Conditions. The workshop empowers those living with conditions like arthritis, heart problems, asthma, stroke, pain, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, emphysema and cancer, and allows them make the best of their situation through:

Symptom management
Dealing with anger, depression and other emotions
Goal setting and problem solving
Improving nutrition and developing a suitable exercise program
Medication management
Breathing exercises and managing stress
Communicating with family, friends and health care professionals

The workshop meets for 2 ½ hours, once a week for six weeks. Two trained leaders facilitate the workshop

This workshop, created at Stanford University, is designed for people who have one or more chronic conditions. They are welcome to bring a friend, relative or caregiver to the sessions, as well. The cost for either class below is free; however, donations of any amount are gladly accepted for materials/handouts.

Class #1
Location: First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ
1430 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201
Dates: Thursdays, June 4- July 9
Time: 12:30pm-3pm

Facilitators: Linda Payne, & Gert Welsh
Registration: Northwest Portland Ministries, codi@nwpm.org, 503-221-1224

Class #2
Location: Friendly House
2617 NW Savior St.
Portland, OR.
503-224-2640
Dates: Mondays, June 15- July 20
Time: 1:00 to 3:30 pm

Facilitators: Joyce Holohan-Bell, Cameliah Hanamann, & Sally Deleuw
Registration: Northwest Portland Ministries, codi@nwpm.org, 503-221-1224

May 2009: NWPM Food Box Fundraiser/Food Drive

2009-05-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Northwest Portland Ministries May 2009

During the month of May you can support the NWPM Food Box by donating food at participating locations, attending raffels and special events at participating businesses, and donating cash at point of sale cash boxes at Food Front, Blooming Moon Spa, and Chown Hardware.

Please pass this information on to your friends, family, and co-workers!

Thank You
Codi Kodama,
Office Manager, Northwest Portland Ministries
codi@nwpm.org
Phone: 503-221-1224
Fax: 503-505-5028

Northwest Portland Ministries
2701 NW Vaughn St. Suite 102
Portland, Oregon 97210
info@nwpm.org
nwpmcommunity.blogspot.com

Mental Health Awareness Training

2009-05-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Approximately 26.2 percent of adult Americans suffer from diagnosable mental disorders in a given year. Additionally, mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States. This means that community volunteers who help the elderly and disabled are very likely to come into contact with someone who is mentally ill.

Community volunteers, congregations, and agencies that work with disabled and mentally ill populations are invited to come to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Wednesday, May 27th at 6pm for Mental Health Awareness Training.

Listen to first hand experiences of what it’s like living with a mental illness
Learn ways to enhance recovery of mentally ill individuals
Discover ways to reduce stigma
Learn about the different mental illnesses
Find helpful ways to cope with difficult situations
Cover skills for compassion and listening boundaries
Provide basic info about community resources

Date: Wednesday, May 27th
Time: 6:00 pm -to- 9:00 pm

6:00 to 7:30 - Presentation: “In Our Own Voice” by NAMI Multnomah

7:30 to 9:00 - Volunteer training and a question and answer period

Location: Bishop Scott Room of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
(147 NW 19th, 97209)

Food and beverages will be provided.

Please R.S.V.P beore May 20th to Codi at the NWPM office. Call 503-221-1224 or email him at codi@nwpm.org.

Thursday Workparty May 21st: Volunteers Needed

2009-05-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

What: Come help us organize at the food warehouse
When: Thursday, May 21, 2009, 10:30am - 1:00pm
Where: NWPM Warehouse at 2145 NW Overton, a green colored building with a green awning on NW Overton between NW 21st and NW 22nd.
To learn more about the warehouse work parties and why they're so important to our Emergency Food Pantry, Food for Kids Backpacks and Community Share programs, click here and here .
If you’d like to help at the warehouse but can’t make it to this event, please contact us and we'll find an alternate time or activity that fits your schedule.

Contact:
Kelly Caldwell
Volunteer Manager, Northwest Portland Ministries
Kelly@nwpm.org
(503) 221-1224 ext.105

Warehouse Work Party on Monday at Noon!

2009-04-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

We just got a big delivery of food donations to sort & organize &
also have a variety of upcoming projects to prepare for, so we
are organizing a last minute NWPM Warehouse Workparty for those
who are interested & available! Let us know if you'd like to help!

When: Monday, April 13th Noon-1:30
Where: NWPM Warehouse, 2145 NW Overton

Thanks!

2009-04-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

Northwest Portland Ministries invites you to a free theater performance:

A Sunday Afternoon of Song
with Jen & Jack

a medley of popular show tunes

Featuring: Jennifer Keltner ~ Vocals & Jack Bishop ~ Piano

On May 3rd at 1:30 PM
Doors open at 1:30 pm for light refreshments

Please be in your seats before the show starts promptly at 2 PM!

At Congregation Beth Israel
1972 NW Flanders

Blumauer Auditorium, Sherman Education Building

This event is a free cultural activity (all are welcome)

with a special focus on NWPM Volunteer Appreciation.

Questions? Contact NWPM at 503-221-1224 or info@nwpm.org

Be Good to the Earth; Be Good to your Neighbors!

2009-04-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

"The City Repair Project is group of citizen activists creating public gathering places and helping others to creatively transform the places where they live.
City Repair’s projects:

inspire people to both understand themselves as part of a larger community and fulfill their own creative potential, and
activate people to be part of the communities around them, as well as part of the decision-making that shapes the future of their communities."

Northwest Portland Ministries has secured a booth at the annual City Repair Earth Day Celebration which takes place on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 from 10:00am - 7:00pm in Wallace Park. Our goal is to celebrate and participate in the "partnerships formed by bringing people together to create a mindful celebration in a neighborhood each year." Learn about last year's Earth day event.

We'd like to help show how people can volunteer right here in NW Portland and make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteer local; help the environment! Have you heard the phrase, "Charity begins at home?" Well so too (to paraphrase City Repair) does local ecological sustainability start at home.

This very day, we will be doing a Portable Pantry event at Alder House in downtown Portland. We can use help staffing the booth or delivering food, or helping out at our warehouse on Overton. We may also have some direct service opportunities doing Helping Hands type activities as well if there is interest (must sign up beforehand).

If you or someone you know is interested, please contact:

Kelly Caldwell,
Northwest Portland Ministries
Volunteer Manager
Kelly@nwpm.org
2701 NW Vaughn, Suite 102
Pdx OR 97210
Main Phone: 503-221-1224
Fax: 503-505-5028

Portable Pantry Premieres

2009-04-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday, March 30th, volunteers and staff delivered and staged food from our warehouse in the reception area of Rosenbaum Plaza, an 80-unit apartment building in downtown Portland for low-income and disabled residents. Most of the residents we served are not able to get to the Pantry on their own, nor would they be able to transport any meaningful supply of food back to their homes. During this event, we helped a number of residents get the food up and into their apartments.
This video provides a little more context of our first Portable Pantry than the slide-show at the bottom of the blog. After volunteers set up the food, they assisted in checking-in residents and helped them with food selection.

Speaking of service, the City of Portland named this facility in 1976 in honor of Fred M. Rosenbaum for his dedication to service in his community. Click here to read more about Mr. Rosenbaum.

Volunteer Just Do It!

2009-04-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

It was a busy day for NWPM volunteers on March 30th! While a handful were at Rosenbaum Plaza sharing food to grateful residents, others were busy loading a truck in NE Portland in order to help a disabled woman move to a new home.
When the food distribution at Rosenbaum was done, it became evident that additional manpower would be welcome to unload the woman's belongings at William Temple house in NW Portland. So - off we went ! With the extra help, including from a friendly William Temple house resident, we were done in no time.
Don't mind the old ABBA tune; it just seemed to work with this clip!

Food, Wine and Art to Benefit Kids

2009-03-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

What: A 3 course dinner with wine pairings, music and a featured artist benefiting the Food for Kids Backpack Program, sponsored by Caplan Art Designs and the Daily Café in the Pearl.
The dinner is $70 and $10 of that goes to the Food for Kids Backpack Program, as well as 15% of the featured artists work sold for the month! People attending the event will have the opportunity to donate directly to the program as well.
When: Wednesday April 1st, from 6:30-8:45 PM.
Where: Daily Café, 902 NW 13th Ave., Portland, OR 97210
Reservations: (503) 706-8627. Please help make this fundraiser a big success. Share this notice with your friends and neighbors by clicking the little white envelope at the bottom of this post. See you April 1st! THANK YOU!

Curves in Montgomery Park is donating food to us!

2009-03-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Curves of Montgomery park is donating their food to Northwest Portland Ministries during their food drive and is offering women in our community the opportunity to join for free with the donation of a bag of groceries!
Curves - the world’s leader in women’s fitness - offers complete fitness and nutrition solutions. Their workouts exercise every major muscle group, burning up to 500 calories via strength training, cardio and stretching.
In addition to Curves' commitment to help women the world over become strong and healthy, they also encourage women to support local charities, learn about health issues and forge lasting friendships as members of the global Curves community.
This is no-service fee offer is for new members who sign up for a 12 month program and is valid now through March 28th. Curves will also extend the offer to women who donate food directly to NWPM when they bring a note from NWPM as proof.

Evolution of the NWPM Food Pantry

2009-02-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

Some pics and video that show how far we've come getting the Pantry up and running.

Weekend Warehouse Workparty in March!

2009-02-22T15:25:00.000-08:00

What: Come help us organize at the food warehouse.
When: Saturday afternoon, March 14th, 2009, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: NWPM Warehouse at 2145 NW Overton, a green colored building with a green awning.
To learn more about the warehouse workparties and why they're so important to our Emergency Food Pantry, Backpacks for Kids and Community Share programs, click here and here.
If you’d like to work at the warehouse but can’t make it to a workparty, let us know and we can find a way to schedule something that you can do. Thanks so much!

Contact:
Kelly Caldwell
Volunteer Manager, Northwest Portland Ministries
Kelly@nwpm.org <=== click here!
(503) 221-1224 ext.105

Donate at the Register!

2009-01-26T16:10:00.000-08:00

"At Food Front, we're proud to be more than a grocery store of delicious, all-natural foods. Over the years, we've worked to cultivate relationships with the community we serve and the organizations that share our commitment to sustainability. We also support dozens of community events and celebrations through sponsorships, food donations and gift certificates."
What: During the month of February, Food Front will provide customers the opportunity to donate directly to the NWPM “Food for Kids Backpack Program” at check out time.
When: The entire month of February!
Where: Food Front is located at 2375 NW Thurman Street, Portland, OR 97210
Donate! Donations made during the whole month will benefit the “Food for Kids Backpack Program.” Learn more about Food Front here and here. Share this notice with your friends and neighbors by clicking the little white envelope below, then head over to Food Front all throughout the month of February. Thank you!

Join NWPM in Participating in National Day of Service January 19, 2009

2009-01-12T16:04:00.000-08:00

"It will take ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose to get this country back on track. This national day of service is an important first step in our continuing commitment." - Michelle Obama.

What: Emergency Food Warehouse Workparty
When: Monday, January 19 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: NWPM Warehouse, 2145 NW Overton, Portland, OR 97210

Click here to signup!

Thank you!
Kelly Caldwell
Volunteer Manager, Northwest Portland Ministries
Kelly@nwpm.org
(503) 221-1224 ext.105

Dine for Dollars February Event!

2009-01-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

≈

What: Northwest Portland Ministries is partnering with Serratto to bring you fabulous dining while benefiting the “Food for Kids Backpack Program.” Serratto is a lively and elegant neighborhood restaurant and bar serving authentic and innovative dishes from Italy, France and the greater Mediterranean region. Bring friends, family and co-workers!

When: Monday, February 23rd, 11:30am-10pm.
Where: Serratto Restaurant, 2112 NW Kearney St., Portland, OR 97210
Participate! Proceeds for the day will benefit the “Food for Kids Backpack Program.” They've gotten some lovely reviews and comments. Click here to check out their site, 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 Serratto on Monday, Feb. 23! THANK YOU!

Thank you, volunteers!

2008-12-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who showed up at the warehouse this past Saturday and worked together to pull it together! We are fortunate to have the space to store and sort food for the Emergency Food Pantry, Backpacks for Kids and Community Share programs, and grateful to you for the time and energy you invested there to support these programs.
Whether building shelves, labeling, sorting and storing, cleaning, moving or packing, you made a difference. You built shelves to store canned vegetables. You moved a whole lot of beans, baked goods, pasta, pastries, and more. You unloaded, moved and reloaded a large shelving unit for better accessibility. And you were great self-starters.

(click photos for larger view)
Northwest Portland Ministries has ongoing volunteer opportunities available and will certainly have more work parties. We hope you share your experience with friends and family and encourage them to visit our blog, read our newsletter and become involved.
Thank you again!
Kelly Caldwell
Volunteer Manager, Northwest Portland Ministries
Kelly@nwpm.org
(503) 221-1224 ext.105

The Need to Feed

2008-12-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

CNN.com reports, the sagging economy is taking a bite out of federal school-meal subsidies as more students take advantage of free or low-price breakfasts and lunches. A non-profit group, the School Nutrition Association, says 425,000 more kids are participating in the national lunch and breakfast programs this year than last year. Click photo, left, or here to read more.
On the international side, actress Susan Sarandon talks briefly in another CNN report about what she has seen and her favorite hunger charity. "In my trips overseas I saw the choices people are forced to make. I saw how difficult it is to get a toehold to lift yourself up from poverty because you’re always struggling to feed yourself one more day. With a gift that helps them feed themselves ... they become responsible for helping lift up a neighbor through “Passing on the Gift” ... in their communities." Read the full article here or click photo at right.
Here in Oregon - where 75,000 children need emergency food in an average month - requests for emergency food are skyrocketing to record levels according to a recent article by the Oregon Food Bank. Meanwhile, Public News Service-Oregon reports our state has jumped from 18th in the nation to third in the most recent state rankings of food "insecurity." Read more here.

Warehouse Work Party This Saturday!

2008-12-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Join the work party with service club volunteers from Lincoln High School!

What: We need lots of help this weekend getting organized.
When: Saturday afternoon, Dec. 13th, 2008, 1:30 - 3:30
Where: NWPM Warehouse at 2145 NW Overton,

We will be moving shelving & making our spaces more organized. We also expect a food donation on Friday so we'll sort that if we have time (or if some volunteers are needing less physical types of activities).

More Volunteers Welcome!

Contact:
Kelly Caldwell
Volunteer Manager, Northwest Portland Ministries
Kelly@nwpm.org <=== click here!
(503) 221-1224 ext.105

Volunteer Signup Status

2008-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

We are in a process-development mode, testing different volunteer sign-up tools that we can use online. Currently, we are using free functionality called Sly Reply to create and manage events.

The "Volunteer Here!" icon on the left, just above the Blog Archive, has been changed to winter. If you click this winter photo, a new window will open which explains how to sign-up for the Warehouse Work Party this Saturday.

As we gain experience with this tool, adjustments will be made. Thanks for you patience and continued support!

Opportunities with the Northwest Portland Ministries Emergency Food Pantry

2008-12-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

Northwest Portland Minstries adopted an emergency food bank program last December. We’ve been running it “as-is” this year, as we've learned more about how food banks work and about what our community needs. We are now gearing up to make significant improvements and changes. Read more in our newsletter, then see below for the many related volunteer opportunities available.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kelly@nwpm.org.

Shop the Docks on Monday Morning at the Oregon Food Bank Warehouse: Job Description: Choose one or more Monday morning (between 9:30-AM-12:30 PM) per month. Select fresh produce at OFB (7900 NE 33rd) and deliver to the NWPM Food Pantry (1808 NW Irving) for our regular Tuesday distribution day. Help put away fresh produce & stock shelves.

Staff the Food Box During Open Hours: Tues & Fri. 10:30-1:30 (2 x a month) Job Description: Greet clients and sign them in, Assist with filling food requests, stock shelves, maintain neat shelves and racks. Basic clean-up duties. Address: 1806 NW Irving, First Immanuel Lutheran Church

Warehouse Volunteer: (Flexible Scheduling) Job Description: Help sort & pack up donated food. Help get items from the NWPM Warehouse (2145 NW Overton) to our distribution site (1808 NW Irving). Vehicle required.

Delivery Person: Help get perishables out into the community -quickly-via our Community Share Program. Vehicle, Bike trailer or little red wagon needed. Flexible scheduling.

Make clear & attractive signs! Do you have great art & design skills? We need basic signs made helping recipients know how many of various items are available for them to select, pictures of food, numbers & other such.

Food Box Team Leaders: We are looking for a few very responsible volunteers who can take the lead for volunteer-run shifts during distribution hours or for stocking work parties. Must be willing to open, close & supervise other volunteers. Advanced Training provided.

Friday Morning Trader Joe's Gleaning: Job Description: Use your large vehicle to pick up several bags of donated produce and other perishables at about 9 AM (2 Fridays a month) to be distributed that day. If you don’t have a car, you can still help us sort the donated food!

Bread Pick-up at Franz Bakery (NE 19th & Everett): On Wednesdays at 8:15 AM a volunteer gets bread for use in the Food For Kids BackPack Program, and delivers it to the NWPM Warehouse at 2145 NW Overton.

Organize a Food Drive for NWPM Nutrition Program: At your work, school, congregation, or via a party! Assistance available!

Food Pantry Recycling Volunteer: we need help managing the many boxes & other materials. Flexible schedule, vehicle required.

Handy People & Plumber Wanted!: NWPM is looking for a skilled plumber to donate his/her time to put in a sink in our food pantry. We also need people to create shelving, fix things etc. All expenses paid. Talk to Kelly for specifics.

Please note: If addressing hunger is of interest to you please know we’d love your help. If these opportunities are not a fit, we’d like to hear how you’d like to contribute!

Contact Kelly@nwpm.org

If you know anyone or any organizations that might be able to supply volunteers, please click the small white envelope below to forward this post to them!

Volunteers Kick-off Community Share Program...

2008-12-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

A huge "Thank You!" to the families from Springwater Environmental Charter School and other volunteers who came to NWPM's warehouse on November 18th!
With the energy and enthusiasm of these volunteers, we were able to sort, pack and distribute several boxes of food to many neighbors in need in our community. This effort represented the kick-off of our Community Share Program & Delivery of Community Share Food Boxes to ten locations. (More information about Community Share will be comming soon.)
Watch this quick video of the work "party!"

Please note! We will be doing another NWPM Food Pantry Workparty with service club volunteers from Lincoln High School!
When: Saturday afternoon, Dec. 13th, 2008.
Where: Two locations - (1) NWPM Warehouse at 2145 NW Overton, and (2) NWPM Food Pantry at 1808 NW Irving (First Immanuel Lutheran Church)
More Volunteers Welcome!
Contact:
Kelly Caldwell
Volunteer Manager, Northwest Portland Ministries
Kelly@nwpm.org
(503) 221-1224 ext.105

Thanks Everyone!

2008-11-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-13T17:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-13T17:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

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!

NEW! BackPacks for Kids Program

2008-09-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Program Overview:
The NWPM BackPack Program meets the needs of hungry children by providing them with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to take home on weekends & school vacations. Each Thursday of the school year we are sending BackPacks with children who are enrolled in Chapman Elementary School and either currently live in homeless shelters, or who are referred to the program by the School Socialworker. This program is entirely volunteer run, and coordinated by NWPM.

Essential Elements of the BackPack Program:
1) Identify Leader & Helper Volunteers for current week
2) List & count out items to be included in each BackPack (flexible)
3) Pack up Back Packs prior to 1 PM on Thursday
4) Deliver full BackPacks to Chapman Elementary School between 1 & 2 PM (This may require multiple trips or vehicles).
5) Track volunteer hours, supplies that need to ordered, any other important notes to keep the program running successfully.
6) Empty backpacks need to be picked up on Fridays between 1 & 2 PM.

Other Key Elements include: Ordering supplies, soliciting donations, recruiting new volunteers, promoting the program, summarizing efforts for reporting needs, & making improvements.

To learn more, donate or volunteer for the NWPM BackPack Program contact

Kelly Caldwell, 503-413-5530 Kelly@nwpm.org
NWPM Volunteer Program Manager

NCJW resuscitates emergency food-box program

2008-07-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

In the photo at right, Zinaida Iskaliera selects bread at the food-box pantry. The photo is from an article by Jenn Knudsen, published in the Jewish Review. Jenn happens to be the daughter of Nikki Director who is NWPM's liaison from the National Council of Jewish Women. Nikki helped spearhead the volunteers to support the Nob Hill Business Association food drive back in May and is also serving on the auction committee.

"Thanks in large part to a substantial grant from the National Council of Jewish Women to Northwest Portland Ministries, Inc., its emergency food-box program is helping feed thousands of the working poor and their families, as well as the elderly on fixed incomes."
Read the full article here! - Jenn Director Knundson Photo

Can You Imagine Needing Help Moving?

2008-07-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

Would you be willing to spend a couple of hours helping someone move?
Over the last few months, NWPM Ministries volunteers have helped 5 different people move.

Activities like packing, unpacking, lifting, and finding a vehicle can be
a challenge for any of us, but it especially difficult for those with few resources & poor health.
For fragile older adults and people with disabilities, the prospect of
moving is daunting.

Currently we are looking for:

1) One volunteer who can help transport a new
recliner for an elderly lady in the downtown area. Friday July 18th
at 9:30 AM.

2) Two volunteers who can help a woman with a foot injury
move her items from her apartment to a smaller unit in the same building
(very near Couch Park in NW Portland) on Sat. 7/19 at 1 PM.

3) I'd like to start a list of people potentially interested & available, so
that when future opportunities to help move come up I'll have a "go-to" list
to start from.

Thank you so much for your consideration!

Kelly Caldwell , NWPM Volunteer Manager
Kelly@nwpm.org or 503-413-5530

Senior Affordable Housing Dwindling; Awareness, Ideas & Action Needed!

2008-06-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

In these uncertain economic times with gas prices soaring and affordable housing at a minimum it is hard for working families and individuals to make ends meet and have a standard of living that is rewarding. This same dilemma is also faced by are senior citizens who often times have limited income resources and limited opportunities to strive to live a more fulfilling life.

With the housing market collapsing and the City of Portland going condo crazy, affordable housing for seniors is dwindling as the price of current rent keeps rising. More and more seniors are being forced out of their current places of dwelling because they can’t afford the rising cost of rent or live in an apartment complex that has been sold to developers who want to build more condominiums that will not benefit those most in need.

Of the many seniors that I have driven, I hear many of the same complaints about the price of rent going up and up, sometimes as much as 20-25% in a year. Most all retired seniors are living on a fixed income either from pensions, savings and social security checks that often times is just enough money to get them from one month to the next.

In addressing this problem there is a need for all of us to be aware of the dire situation that our clients at Northwest Ministries and the general community at large are facing. By being more aware of the affordable housing problem that senior citizens are up against we can begin to think of different ways to create a public awareness of the problem in hopes of generating ideas to put into action; to develop the political will to create fairness in a housing market that is discriminatory to lower income citizens.

NWPM to conduct survey of older adults downtown & in NW Portland

2008-06-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

This summer NWPM is doing a survey of older adults in downtown & NW Portland to identify needs and interests around community resources and activities. We hope to complete at least 250 by Sept. 1st 2008. If you are over 60 & would like to be surveyed , please be in touch to schedule a time. Volunteers are also needed to help with this effort.
It is a fun way to meet neighbors and share information. The timing is very flexible, but a 90 minute training is required before getting started. In October we’ll report on the results. Contact Kelly Caldwell, NWPM Volunteer Manager at 503-413-5530 or Kelly@nwpm.org to learn more.

Beth Israel volunteers pitch in for NWPM

2008-06-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

On May 4, more than 260 members of Congregation Beth Israel participated in “Mitzvah Day”—a day of community service. Two of their projects directly benefited Northwest Portland Ministries.
In planning the day’s activities, event chair Carole Barkley, a past president of the NWPM board, enlisted the help of our volunteer coordinator, Kelly Caldwell. “It was really nice to be able to have Kelly involved,” said Carole. “I had no idea how I was going to find enough community projects for that many volunteers on a Sunday!”
With Kelly’s help, ten projects were lined up—among them pulling ivy on trails in Tryon Creek State Park, working in two community gardens, picking up litter in the neighborhood, doing “fix up” at Friendly House Community Center, and holding a food drive to benefit the NWPM emergency food box program.
“The food drive was an obvious choice,” Carole noted, “because Beth Israel is one of the sponsors of the food-box program.” Team leaders Eve Rosenfeld and Jane Netboy passed out grocery bags and flyers after services and set up collection barrels on the synagogue campus. On Mitzvah Day, a team of volunteers sorted and organized food and other grocery items into more than 60 bags and boxes for transport to the food-box pantry.
Meanwhile, another team of volunteers prepared a mailing for NWPM’s annual fund drive. Under Kelly’s direction, they stuffed, labeled, and stamped 900 letters to our organization’s supporters and friends.
At the end of the day, volunteers–some of whom had been transported to and from their work sites via NWPM vehicles—gathered on the synagogue lawn for a party, complete with live music. “This was a good example of how NWPM and a religious congregation can work together to benefit the community,” said Carole. “We plan to do it again!”

Daisy the Dog!

2008-06-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

Daisy the Shih Tzu is well known dog. Her frisky energy makes it easy for two footed creatures to engage in social connection & conversation. That is great, because her owner Nikou is just a bit shy. Originally from the Middle East, Nikou lived in France and was a world traveler before settling down to become a psychiatric nurse for many years. Today Nikou has no living relatives in this country, so her companion animal of several years is essentially her family and her best friend. When she had a stroke last year, her recovery process and medications left her so dizzy that it made it hard for her to exercise Daisy enough. Her stress and anxiety about her beloved pet’s needs was slowing down her recovery process.
NWPM volunteers stepped up to keep this cute little dog walked and well cared for. Over a several month period, five different volunteers befriended this fascinating lady and her fuzzy friend. The dedicated participation of a high school student, who stopped by regularly after her classes at the Metropolitan Learning Center, made all the difference.
As Nikou got better, she decided to move her little household downtown. On moving day in early May, a NWPM volunteer brought over a pick-up truck to transport her furniture & other items the 20 blocks to her new apartment. Small teams of people helped her with both packing and unpacking. She wanted to live in a building exclusively with older adults. Her new location on the South Park blocks makes it very easy for her take her dog outside and also nearby all their daily needs. Nikou is extremely gratefully for the help that allowed Daisy, to be well cared for during her health crisis, and for the support during her recent housing transition. Sometimes a team approach is needed to keep our elderly neighbors independent & connected!

NWPM Transportation Program

2008-04-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

Medical appointments given priorityDowntown & NW shuttle to key locations 6 days a week 8:30-4pm, 1 hour loopRegular hours 8am-4pm Weekdays- but we can try to accommodate other requests. Volunteers provide about 50% of rides.
To schedule an individual Ride call: 503-221-1224: 3 day notice desired.
Jane Smith

www.nwpm.org

Volunteer With Us!

2008-04-28T16:03:00.000-07:00

It's easy to become a volunteer with Northwest Portland Ministries. The first step is yours!
Just submit our online application form, or email Kelly at kelly@nwpm.org or call us at (503) 221-1224