2010-11 Community Partners
Student Leaders for Service maintains partnerships with over 70 community organizations. Each member is paired with a community organization where they serve five to ten hours each week. In addition to assisting the organization in a specific area, students also act as volunteer coordinators, connecting the university to their community partner.
Currently, Student Leaders for Service has members active with the following organizations. If you are interested in connecting with one of our current partners, please contact the student member serving at that site or email us at studlead@pdx.edu to identify other opportunities for service.
Mission: To improve the lives of children, their families and the community through partnering with local school communities to extend the school day and develop schools as "community centers" in their neighborhoods.
Part of the SUN Service System, SUN Community Schools provide services to students across Multnomah County outside of regular school hours. Projects and services include but are not limited to recreation, academic enrichment, leadership development and skill-building. Each school has its own set of programs and opportunities unique to the needs of the students and community. To learn more about the service opportunities at a specific program, contact one of the SLS Representatives listed below.
Kelly Elementary- Angie Rowe (bio), angie_maire@hotmail.com
Jefferson High School- Jae Wilson (bio), jaewilson09@gmail.com
Woodlawn Elementary- Jayde Wright (bio), jayde@pdx.edu
Vernon Elementary- Jesse Fassler (bio), jfassler@pdx.edu
Ockley Green Elementary- Jon Hurst (bio), jthurst@pdx.edu
OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD INVOLVEMENT
Mission: To promote a culture of civic engagement by connecting and supporting all Portlanders working together and with government to build inclusive, safe and livable neighborhoods and communities.
The Office of Neighborhood Involvement coordinates neighborhood associations and district coalition offices while acting as a communicative link between residents, neighborhoods and City of Portland bureaus. Through these and other centers and programs, ONI addresses neighborhood needs ranging from crime prevention to clean-up and beautification, to policy change.
To learn more about opportunities for involvement through SLS, contact one of the SLS Representatives listed below.
Chelsea Updegrove (bio), ceupdegrove@gmail.com
Will Wright (bio), wwright@pdx.edu
Mission: To enhance the lives of the forgotten poor through relationships, service and housing. We build community through education and outreach.
The Macdonald Center strives to foster a sense of dignity for all individuals by providing visiting services for those who are socially isolated, service education for university students and volunteers, personal care and money management for those with mental or physical disabilities and addictions, and assisted living for low income residents who require additional help with daily activities. In addition, the Macdonald Center aims to engage in continued research on the most effective means of providing basic needs and healthcare to the poor among us.
To find out how you can help the Macdonald Center through SLS, contact the SLS representative listed below.
Huy Bui (bio), csspdx@gmail.com
Mission: To improve health and survival in childbirth for mothers and newborns in low resource settings by sharing knowledge of life saving skills in a culturally sustainable manner.
Approximately 600,000 women die each year during childbirth or due to an illness related to childbirth. Safe Passage to Motherhood aims at educating and empowering high need communities to increase survival rates for both mothers and newborns. The program meets their mission by bringing Home Based Life Saving Skills to the target communities.
To find out how you can get involved through SLS, contac the Representative below.
Kim Berger (bio), kberger@pdx.edu
Mission: To bring Oregonians together to improve the environment and build a legacy of stewardship.
SOLV works to restore and improve natural spaces by bringing together individuals, businesses, service and conservation groups, and government agencies. Educational opportunities are also provided in order to encourage environmental stewardship. SOLV programs include both one-time and long-term volunteer opportunities ranging from beach cleanups to K-12 education and everything in between. To volunteer or learn more, contact the SLS Representative listed below.
Sandra Tellez (bio), stellez@pdx.edu
IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION (IRCO)
Mission: To promote the integration of refugees, immigrants, and the community at large into a self-sufficient, healthy, and inclusive multiethnic society.
IRCO is the leading refugee organization in Oregon and focuses on assisting all aspects of successful short and long-term integration into the community. IRCO offers programs assisting with heath issues, employment, family services, community development, training, youth and child services, and translation.
If you are interested in finding out how you can help IRCO with its mission, contact the SLS Representative listed below.
Sede Kemp (bio), prassedek@gmail.com
Mission: To facilitate positive changes in the lives of women and children experiencing the trauma of abuse and homelessness.
Based on the idea that every person deserves dignity and respect, Rose Haven creates a safe and compassionate community for women and children of all backgrounds. In addition to providing monthly shopping and hygiene products, advocacy services and counseling, Rose Haven offers classes rand programs based on the requests of the women. Currently, Rose Haven offers everything from knitting hour to book clubs to spirituality to arts & crafts. Volunteers are encouraged to optimize their experience by using their personal skills and backgrounds to contribute to the Rose Haven community. Opportunities include one-time events, hospitality, hosting classes and fundraising.
For more information on volunteering at Rose Haven, contact the SLS Representative listed below.
Stephanie Sasse (bio), sass@pdx.edu
Mission: To provide educational, recreational, and athletic programs to the youth of the Portland / Gresham metropolitan area with an emphasis on "disadvantaged" youth.
PAL aims to make positive connections between law enforcement and youth while providing safe opportunities for youth to engage in. Programs highlights include a youth center, sports and adventure camps, football leagues and violence free spring breaks. The youth center offers homework help, sports clinics, chess clubs and leadership programs for a small monthly membership fee that can be waived as needed. Volunteers are needed on a daily basis for duties ranging from field trip chaperones to coaching to fishing trips.
If you would like to learn how you can help PAL, contact the SLS Representative below for more information.
Teresa Li (bio), teresalilua@gmail.com
Mission: To prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
Cascade Aids Project’s goal is to make positive changes and progress regarding HIV and AIDS. It offers education and prevention efforts as well as support services for those affected. Specific services include testing, hotlines, prescription drug cards, awareness fundraisers, summer camps, outreach, housing, support groups and classes. They also hold a number of events to raise awareness and funds including the AIDS Walk, Art Auction and Red Ribbon Party.
To find out about current opportunities at CAP, contact one of the SLS Representative listed below.
Veronica Porter (bio), vap@pdx.edu
Wendy Serrano (bio), swendy@pdx.edu







