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CareOregon is supporting nonprofits across Oregon that show up for the youth and families in their community, providing everything from afternoon snacks to kids, to connecting them to mentors who speak their language.
“The programming these organizations provide are here to support the long-term health of kids and families and help them navigate challenges early on,” said Shawn DeCarlo, CareOregon’s Director of Community Impact.
Youth and Families grant-funded initiatives reflect the breadth of needs facing Oregon families in four core areas—education, mental health, engagement and resilience. This includes family navigation services in housing, health care and more that help strengthen resilience and stability.
“When families have access to these resources kids are more likely to stay engaged in school, develop healthy coping strategies and avoid long-term health and social challenges,” DeCarlo said.
The grants have supported a wide range of services, including in Washington County where HomePlate Youth Services is expanding its Peer Support program to bring behavioral and mental health services directly to young people experiencing houselessness. And in Clatsop County, where Consejo Hispano is helping Latinx girls and young women gain leadership skills.
For nearly 20 years, HomePlate has been the only organization in the county solely focused on serving unhoused and housing-insecure youth ages 12 to 24. In addition to providing shelter, the organization offers connections to employment, education, health care, and mental health support. These services are built on the belief that housing alone is not enough to build long-term stability.
Peer Support Specialists, many with lived experience, help youth open up, feel heard, and connect to resources that support their overall well-being. Amber Sparks, HomePlate’s Director of Operations & Finance, describes the Peer Support program as a vital bridge for youth navigating complex needs.
“This program meets youth where they are and provides support for their behavioral and mental health needs,” she said. “This grant allows us to remove barriers by bringing those services directly to the spaces youth already trust.”
Consejo Hispano is helping Spanish-speaking families access educational support and navigate local resources.
Support from CareOregon will help the facilitation and expansion of their Chicas Empoderando Chicas programming, a culturally specific youth-led initiative designed to help young Latinx girls and young women connect with one another. Participants learn about leadership, health and wellness, and more.
“This program will allow us to deepen our commitment to youth and families in our region—helping them navigate challenging systems and build the confidence and leadership skills needed to succeed,” said Jenny Pool Radway, Executive Director of Consejo Hispano.
In the long-term, support from grants like these helps hundreds of families experience fewer emergencies related to mental health, homelessness or child welfare because they receive resources early on that increase their ability to stay stable. This leads to stronger relationships and healthier home environments. Young children are also able to benefit from better health care and early learning programs, which improves their chances of doing well in school, such as reading on grade level by third grade and developing important social and emotional skills that support long-term success.
“When families have people and places they trust, kids do better. That is what these organizations provide,” said Alison Arella, Vice President of Community Impact at CareOregon. “Our goal is to lift up the work that’s already happening in these communities and help it reach more people.”
Over the past two years, CareOregon has invested more than $1.3 million in 18 community organizations through its Youth and Families grant initiative.
Supports the La Plaza Esperanza Preschool Program and Operations, offering free, culturally responsive early learning for Latino children and families in the Rockwood neighborhood.
Supports the HOLLA School Nutrition Program, ensuring students receive nutritious, culturally specific meals in a school rooted in racial equity and community-centered education.
Funds Mentored Health Education and Healthcare Career Exploration, bringing peer mentors and health care professionals into classrooms to help underserved youth build health literacy and explore careers.
Enables the SHIFA Healing Program, delivering culturally specific mental health counseling and support to East African immigrant and refugee families in the Portland area.
Supports Recovery Services for School-Aged youth, providing mental health, crisis recovery and reintegration services for students in Jackson County.
Funds the Youth Hub: Community Access and Empowerment for youth, providing mentorship, peer support, education and leadership development for youth in Clackamas County.
Supports the Youth & Family Services program at the CareOregon Club in Rockwood, offering counseling, academic support, meals and resource navigation for low-income youth and families.
Funds the Building Relationships, Changing Lives program, embedding long-term, culturally responsive mentorship into local schools to boost student achievement and leadership among youth of color.
Funds expansion of Chicas Empoderando Chicas, a mentorship program for Latinx girls in rural counties, building confidence and leadership through culturally relevant group support and mentorship.
Supports culturally specific youth and family programming to promote mental health and community belonging among African immigrant and refugee families.
Advances the School Meals for All campaign, advocating for free, nutritious and culturally appropriate school meals for every student in Oregon to support health and learning.
Funds Program Support for Summer Deficit, expanding access to high-quality early childhood care and education for infants and toddlers in Tillamook County.
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