NW Community Corner Garden Project Proposal

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

SHARE How Seniors Can Help Oregon's Economy

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

5th Annual Fall Auction & Dinner!

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

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

Central City Concern Graduation Ceremony

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.

Food Pantry Service Hours Changing

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

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 Food 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!

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

Jewish Museum Field Trip!

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.

Super Bowl Party!

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

NWPM 2010 Annual Meeting & Luncheon

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

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!

Ride, Baby, Ride!

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.

Weekend Warehouse Workparty in March!

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!

"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!

Dine for Dollars February Event!

≈

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!

Beth Israel volunteers pitch in for NWPM

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!”