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TRIBUTE TO NONPROFITS 2022 Presented by The Chronicle & The Chief
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Tribute to Nonprofits 2022 Presented by The Chronicle & The Chief
TRIBUTE TO NONPROFITS 2022 This special presentation features a sampling of our community’s nonprofits and their commitment to their clients and our community. The nonprofits illustrate spirit, heart and passion and each offer strength to the community. The Chronicle and The Chief are proud to partner with the nonprofits as they enhance and strengthen the livability of our community through inspiration, engagement, leadership and economic growth. Our goal is to raise awareness of our community nonprofits, helping them to successfully navigate through their challenges and to attract more volunteers, monetary donations, and increase memberships and partnerships. We encourage you to support these nonprofits.
Jeremy C. Ruark
Katherine Mace
Kelli Nicholson
Zoe Gottlieb
James Yang
Jon Lowrance
Publisher / Executive Editor General Assignment Reporter
DEAR COLUMBIA COUNTY,
Marketing Consultant Graphic Designer
Office Manager Driver
The River City Singers and The River City Children’s Choir
CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE, IN YOUR COMMUNITY, URGENTLY NEED YOUR SUPPORT... Join one of our ongoing information sessions to learn more about becoming a COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE
VOLUNTEER WITH US CASAHELPSKIDS.ORG
We’ve got big plans coming up! If you’d like to be part of them, contact Marilyn at (503) 396-0939
Times have been tough but keep a song in your heart.
Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
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Child Abuse is devastating, but there is help By Amani Center Nonprofit Advertorial
Child abuse is a devastating public health epidemic. The National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention reports that 1,700 children in the US die of abuse or neglect and the National Children’s Alliance reports 700,000 children are victims of abuse, every year. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, the Amani
Center was faced with the unprecedented challenge of continuing to provide services to children and their families during a global health crisis and dangerous pandemic. At that time, the state of Oregon recognized that child abuse intervention services were essential and that delay in care for these children could cause irreversible harm. Unlike the media attention received by overcrowded hospital emergency rooms, a silent story unfolded as individuals in your community quietly and tirelessly worked behind the scene on the front line, throughout the pandemic to ensure that children were safe from abuse. Law Enforcement Officers and DHS Child Welfare workers continued
to respond to the homes of child victims, even when the risk to themselves was high. Teachers, therapists and domestic violence advocates did their best to support children and families in incredibly challenging circumstances. And the Amani Center’s staff worked unrelentingly to provide medical care and forensic interviews for child victims, putting their own health at risk to ensure that our local children received the care and services needed to intervene in child abuse and neglect. In 2021, 185 child victims from Columbia County received services from the Amani Center and the Oregon Child Welfare Databook indicates that 635 reports of abuse were referred to the Columbia County
DHS Child Welfare Branch for investigation. Residents of Columbia County can help these children. If you or someone you know has concerns for a child, please call the child welfare hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). Those who are able to donate or give your time can consider supporting non-profits like the Amani Center, CASA and SAFE of Columbia County and others. Non-profits in your community are also facing pandemic related financial challenges (increased costs, loss of fundraising revenue due to pandemic restrictions and more). Supporting non-profits now will help them continue to provide services and make a direct impact on the children and families in need, in our community.
Courtesy photo
Pictured above, Program Manager Brandy, Family Support Specialist Alexa, Forensic Interviewer Michelle. Not pictured but essential to our continued service during this pandemic are current and former staff Linda, Roberta, Terri, Beth, Maria, Heather, Shaunee, Kimmy, Ellen, Hannah and Cassy.
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Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
Food bank to be community hub ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Operations inside Columbia County’s regional food bank are about to get a whole lot more efficient, with the brand-new site just weeks away from completion. Workers are putting finishing touches on the Columbia Pacific Food Bank (CPFB) building, formerly known as Columbia Electric Feed & Seed on Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens. CPFB Executive Director Alex Tardif said he expects the building will be ready for move-in sometime in February, and the transfer from the old food bank on 474 Milton Way will be completed by March, “if everything goes according to plan.” According to Casey Wheeler, former executive director for the food bank, staff members have had to be creative in the meantime, uti-
Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle
The Columbia Pacific Food Bank’s new location is at this renovated former feed store on Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens.
lizing storage units to handle the inflow of canned goods. “There’s a lot of food being offered by the government right now but without those rental spaces, we’d be turning down half of what was being offered to us,” Wheeler said. “With this (new building), we’ll have the space.” In our previous coverage, The Chronicle reported that the new structure boasts 12,500 sq. ft and features a walk-in freezer, walk-in
cooler, residential-style kitchen, storage space, and a multipurpose community room. The building came with a $350,000 price tag and required another $1.5 million grant from the City of St. Helens for development. CPFB organizers held a Hunger Run fundraiser on March 7, 2020, to raise $400,000 for the new building. Organizers offered incentives for runners, including a costume contest and an after-party.
The Chronicle also learned from Lower Columbia Engineering Interiors Project Manager Mandi Jenks that the new building will have ample space for staff to hold cooking classes and provide clients with skill-building opportunities. Jenks added that the food bank’s new location is on a piece of prime real estate in a highly trafficked downtown area. “There is going to be plenty of street parking
Zoe Gottlieb / The Chronicle
A worker sands a large natural wood fixture to be placed inside the food bank.
available,” Tardif said, addressing possible concerns about increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic. “We are adding six spaces, including two handicap spaces on 14th Street in addition to those available on Columbia Boulevard.” As for the future of the old building on Milton Way in St. Helens, Tardif said CPFB plans to sell it to offset the costs of the new building. Columbia Pacific Food
Bank is Columbia County’s regional food bank and has fed 31,135 individuals through 38 food pantries, meal programs, and resource distribution points. CPFB organizers will hold their third annual Hunger Run in person on March 5 and virtually TBD. The deadline for registration is March 1. To donate or to learn more about the food bank, call 503-397-9708.
CCMH creates safe and supportive opportunities for healing and recovery, enhancing the overall quality of life for members of Columbia County.
Columbia Community Mental Health
is a non-profit agency dedicated to excellence in behavioral healthcare.
Congratulations to the recipients of grants from the Columbia County Cultural Coalition for 2022: Clatskanie Arts Commission, “Raymond Carver Writing Festival”, Clatskanie Farmers’ Market, “Live Music at CFM”, Friends of the Clatskanie Public Library, “Vera Brosgol Author Visit”; Columbia Chorale of Oregon, operating costs grant; Rainier Public Library, “”Rain OR Rhyme Poetry Contest”; Scappoose Public Library District, “Cultural Activity Kits.” If you are interested in the work of the CCCC or in donating to it or to the Oregon Cultural Trust, visit our website at https://columbiacultural.org.
We are open and provide tele-health apointments. If you are in crisis, call: (503) 782-4499 Let the team know we are doing: contactccmh@ccmh1.com
Main Campus: 58646 McNulty Way St. Helens, OR 97051 Walk-In Clinic Schedule Mon and Tues, 1pm-3pm Thurs and Fri, 9-11am
*call if these days/times don’t work for you
Youth and Family Building: 58646 McNulty Way, St. Helens, OR 97051 Walk in assessment schedule Thurs 3-5:30pm
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Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
North county nonprofits team up
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Kelly Miller cuts the ribbon at the HOPE of Rainier’s new thrift store as Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole gives the thumbs up. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Two north Columbia County nonprofits that connect social services to
residents in Clatskanie and Rainier are collaborating to best serve clients. In the following conversation with Kelly Miller, the director of Clatskanie’s
Turning Point and Hope of Rainier, we find out more about these vital community services. The Chief: Certainly, the
Turning Point is located along Highway 30 in downtown Clatskanie.
COVID-19 pandemic has challenged local nonprofits. What challenges has Turning Point in Clatskanie and Hope of Rainier faced and how are those nonprofits navigating through those challenges? Kelly Miller: Yes, we have been challenged during the pandemic. Yet we have also managed to work with the current guidelines and challenges to continue meeting the needs of our community. With protocols in place and a few minor changes within the food pantries, we are continuing to serve our clients with a more robust determination than ever. The Chief: What are the range of services your nonprofits offer and approximately how many people do they serve annually? Miller: The range of services has continued to evolve at the pantries in that our clients’ needs are ever-evolving. If a client comes to us needing a form of assistance that is not currently offered, I do my best to create the resource so that it becomes policy and can continue to be offered for future needs. Currently at
both food pantries we offer a 3-5 day supply of food to families - normally once a month, but currently we are offering them twice a month. Other services include utility help, both electricity and water, wood, propane, gas vouchers for medical appointments, RX help, eviction prevention, deposit help for housing and utilities, as well as funding for application fees when looking for a new home. Both pantries also have a thrift store that supports each pantry and is a low-cost resource for household items, clothing, etc. We also offer free items to those who need help through our voucher program. One of my favorite challenges is creating new and exciting resources for my communities! Last year at Turning Point we served a total of 932 families, totaling 2777 people in the 97016 zip code. Last year at HOPE of Rainier we served a total of 966 families, totaling 1958 people in the 97048 zip code. These numbers are up roughly 10% - 12% from the previous year. The Chief: How does Turning Point and Hope of Rainier fund the services
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
provided to the community? Miller: Our funding is through a range of sources. Individual donations, corporate donations, grants, and the income from our thrift stores. Going forward, I have many ideas for bettering the services we provide to our communities through the addition of unique and targeted resources. As with any resource offered, funding plays a role. If anyone would like to donate to help us continue to help our communities this can be done by sending directly to the pantries: HOPE of Rainier, is located at 404 E. A Street in Rainier. Hope of Rainier’s mailing address is P.O. Box 448, Rainier, OR 97048. Turning Point is located at 220 E. Columbia River Highway in Clatskanie. The mailing address is P.O. Box 773, Clatskanie, OR 97016. Another option for donating to HOPE of Rainier is to visit the website at hopeofrainier.com and donate through Givelify. Turning Point in Clatskanie may be reached at 503-728-3126. HOPE of Rainier many be reached at 503-556-0701.
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Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
Nonprofit organizations in Columbia County
This is a list of nonprofit organizations in Columbia County compiled by The Chronicle and The Chief. It is current as of Feb. 11, 2022. We at The Chronicle and The Chief would like to extend our gratitude for the service you provide to our county. If you represent or are a part of a nonprofit in Columbia County and want to be included in the 2023 edition of the Nonprofit Guide, please reach out to us at chronicleads@countrymedia.net or call 503-397-0116.
Amani Center (Columbia County Child Abuse Assessment Center) Address: 1621 Columbia Blvd. St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: www.amanicenter.org Phone number: 503-366-4005 Email: info@amanicenter.org CASA for Children Address: 2514 Sykes Rd. St. Helens, OR 97051 Website:casahelpskids.org Phone number: 503-410-5097 Email: casa.office@casahelpskids.org CCMH (Columbia Community Mental Health) Mailing Address: PO Box 1234 St. Helens, OR 97051 Office Address: 58646 McNulty Way, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Phone: 503-397-5211 Website: CCMH1.com Email: contactccmh@ccmh1.com
Columbia County Habitat for Humanity
Good for you
Save money on everything from furniture to building supplies. A great place to shop for vintage, collectibles and art.
Good for the Community
Money you spend at the ReStore funds home construction and ramps. We provide opportunities for community service.
Good for the Planet
The ReStore promotes reuse, and recycles metal. We divert 180 tons of material from the landfill annually. ReStore hours: 9 to 5, Tues - Sat Donations accepted until 4:30 164 Little Street, St. Helens, OR www.facebook.com/sthelensrestore
Clatskanie Arts Commission Address: 75 S. Nehalem Clatskanie, OR 97016 Mailing: PO Box 1110, Clatskanie, OR 97016 Website: clatskaniearts.org Phone number: 503-728-3403 Email: elsawooley1@gmail.com Clatskanie Farmers Market Address: 11 Lillich St. Clatskanie, OR 97016 Website: clatskaniefarmersmarket.com Mail: PO BOX 1501, Clatskanie, OR 97016 Email: CFMmarketmanager@gmail.com Clatskanie Foundation Address: 75 S. Nehalem, Clatskanie, OR 97016 Mailing: PO Box 243 Clatskanie, OR 97016 Website: clatskaniefoundation.com Phone numbers:
Deborah Hazen: 503-338-8268 and Elsa Wooley: 503-728-3403
Phone number: 503-366-3050 Email: info@columbiacultural.org
Columbia Chorale of Oregon: River City Singers Address: Po Box 1309 St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: www.columbiachorale.org Email: columbiachoraleoregon@gmail.com Phone number: 503-543-3222
Columbia County Habitat for Humanity Address: 164 Little St., PO Box 921 St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: habitatcolumbiacounty.org Phone number: 503-366-1400 Email: info@habitatcolumbiacounty.org
Columbia City Community Library and Secondhand Prose Used Book Shop Address: 2000 Second St. Columbia City, OR 97018 Website: www.columbiacitylibrary.com Phone number: 503-366-8020 Email: ccclibrary@live.com Columbia County Cultural Coalition Address: 29232 Huber Rd. Scappoose, OR 97056 Website: columbiacultural.org
Columbia Health Services Address: 2370 Gable Rd. PO Box 995, St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: www.columbia-health.org Phone number: 800-244-4870 Email: contact@columbia-health.org Columbia Pacific Food Bank Address: 474 Milton Way St. Helens OR 97051 Mailing: PO Box 1031, St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: cpfoodbank.org Phone number: 503-397-9708
Join the Columbia Pacific Food Bank for our third annual Hunger Run! Two options this year!
In-person race March 5, 2022 Virtual race the month of March 2022 Register by March 1, 2022
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Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
Nonprofit organizations in Columbia County This is a list of nonprofit organizations in Columbia County compiled by The Chronicle and The Chief. It is current as of Feb. 11, 2022. We at The Chronicle and The Chief would like to extend our gratitude for the service you provide to our county. If you represent or are a part of a nonprofit in Columbia County and want to be included in the 2023 edition of the Nonprofit Guide, please reach out to us at chronicleads@countrymedia.net or call 503-397-0116.
CONNECT St. Helens Address: 59902 Tamarack Dr. St. Helens, OR 97051 Mailing: PO Box 711, St. Helens, OR 97018 Website: www.connectsh.org Phone number: 503-308-8704 Email: connect@connectsh.org
Monday Night Live Alanon Family Group Address: PO Box 69 St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: oregonal-anon.org Phone number: 503-369-1195 NAMI Oregon (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Address: 4701 SE 24th Ave. Ste. E Portland, OR 97202 Website: www.namior.org Phone number: 503-230-8009 Email: namioregon@namior.org
HOPE of Rainier Address: 404 E. A St. Rainier, OR 97048 Website: www.hopeofrainier.com Phone number: 503-556-0701 lifempowered Address: 105 Port Ave., St. Helens, OR Website: www.lifemp.org Phone number: 503-397-1922 Email: cindys@lifemp.org
OSSDAR Caples House Museum Complex Address: 1925 1st St. Columbia City, OR 97018 Mail: Po Box 263, Columbia City, OR 97018 Website: www.capleshouse.com
St. Helens Day Breakers Kiwanis “Serving the Children of the World” The Day Breakers plan to hold the Children’s Fair in October 2022 and the Safety and Bike Fair in May 2022, depending on COVID. We work with local students to improve grades (elementary) and to help teens stay in school. The ever-popular Shred Day will be held on June 11, 2022
Meetings: Second and fourth Tuesday, 7 am, on Zoom. To visit a meeting, Contact - Call Jeff Auxier, President c/o PO Box 314 for information.
Phone number: 503-397-5390 Email: capleshouse@comcast.net Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM) Mailing Address: 106 W. B St. Rainier, OR 97048, mailing PO Box 762, Rainier, OR 97048 Phone: 360-751-7039 Website: Rainiermuseum.org Email: rainiermuseum@hotmail.com Rotary Club of Columbia County Address: PO Box 721 St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: Rotary.org SAFE of Columbia County Address: PO Box 22, St. Helens 97051 Website: www.safeofcolumbiacounty.org Phone number: 503-397-6161 crisis line,
503-397-7110 office line Toll free: 866-397-6161 Email: ellynb@safeofcolumbiacounty.org ShoeString Community Players Address: PO Box 481 St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: www.sscptheater.org Phone number: 503-410-2842 Email: shannon@sscptheater.org St. Helens Daybreakers Kiwanis Address: PO Box 314 St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: www.facebook.com/Kiwanis. St.Helens.Or St. Helens Kiwanis Club Address: P.O. Box 295 St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: sthelens-or.kiwanisone.org Email: sthelenskiwanis@gmail.com
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Nonprofit organizations in Columbia County St. Helens Lions Club Address: P.O. Box 1359, St. Helens, OR. 97051 Website: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ sthelens/index.php Phone number: 503-396-7046 (President, Linda McCoy) Email: lbmccoy4967@gmail.com (President, Linda McCoy) St. Helens Senior Center Address: 375 S. 15th St., PO Box 692 St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: shseniorcenter.org Phone number: 503-397-3377 Email: manager@shseniorcenter.org Top Notch Thrift Store, supporting the St. Helens Senior Center Address: 1844 Columbia Blvd. St. Helens, OR 97051 Website: tnthriftstore.com Phone number: 503-397-5386 Email: manager@tnthriftstore.com Turning Point CSC Address: 220 E. Columbia River Hwy. Clatskanie, OR 97016 Website: www.clatskanieturningpoint.org Phone number: 503-728-3126 Email: turning3point@gmail.com United Way of Columbia County Address: 305 W. 3rd St. Rainier, OR 97048 PO Box 538, Rainier, OR Phone: 503-556-3614 Website: www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty. com Email: info@unitedwayofcolumbiacounty. com
This is a list of nonprofit organizations in Columbia County compiled by The Chronicle and The Chief. It is current as of Feb. 11, 2022. We at The Chronicle and The Chief would like to extend our gratitude for the service you provide to our county. If you represent or are a part of a nonprofit in Columbia County and want to be included in the 2023 edition of the Nonprofit Guide, please reach out to us at chronicleads@countrymedia.net or call 503-397-0116.
Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
United Way: ‘Flexible and responsive to community needs’ see www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Chronicle: How does United Way of Columbia County fund the services provided to the community?
A key nonprofit that assists social service agencies in the area is the United Way of Columbia County. In the following conversation United Way of Columbia County’s Executive Director Claire Catt responses to our questions. The Chronicle: Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged local nonprofits. What challenges has United Way of Columbia County faced and how is your nonprofit navigating through those challenges? Claire Catt: Like many small, local nonprofits, COVID-19 has presented some challenges including a loss of donors and an increased need for services and programs. United Way of Columbia County has been uniquely positioned to receive regional, state, and federal support throughout the pandemic. Through funding from the CARES Act and American Family Recovery Act, United Way of Columbia County has not only been able to maintain normal operations, but also create additional funding opportunities for our nonprofit partners, such as the Columbia Pacific Food Bank,
Community Action Team, Amani Center, and Rainier Senior Center. The Chronicle: What is the range of services United Way of Columbia County offers and approximately how many people does United Way of Columbia County serve annually? Catt: United Way of Columbia County provides annual funding to 12 local nonprofits. In addition, United Way of Columbia County brings the following programs to our community: Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program, 211info, MyFree Taxes, and the FamilyWize Prescription
2022
Discount Program. As a small nonprofit, under the leadership of a 100% local board of directors, United Way of Columbia County is flexible and responsive to community needs. In 2021, United Way of Columbia County stepped up to provide work supplies to individuals re-entering the workforce, educational and food supplies to Scappoose families during the summer break, diapers to young families in need, and more! It is estimated that 1 in 4 families in Columbia County are touched by United Way of Columbia County work and funding annually. For a full list of programs and partners,
Saturday
April 23 10am - 5pm
Catt: Local donors make all of our important work possible. From individuals participating in workplace campaigns to individuals who use AmazonSmile, more than 70% of our budget is from local donors! The Georgia Pacific Foundation is our leadership donor, covering administrative costs, so more donor dollars can go to the programs that are essential to Columbia County. Local donors ensure that United Way of Columbia County is able to leverage matching contributions from local and federal government, increasing the dollars allocated to partner agencies. To give today, visit www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com! The Chronicle: What are the key elements of United Way of Columbia County’s community education efforts? Catt: Through the Dolly Partons Imagination Library, more that 2,000 local youngsters have been able to build their home library and love for literacy!
Sunday
April 24 11am - 3pm
At The Columbia County Fairgrounds 58892 Saulser Rd. St. Helens, OR 97051
$3 Admission At The Gate
Free tickets available at Th e Chronicle office 1805 S Columbia Blvd, St. He lens, OR
Dates subject to change or cancelation in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions PRESENTED BY
The Chronicle The Chief
SPONSORED BY
Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
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Compassionate. Caring. Committed. Community. Family. Dedicated. Strong. By lifempowered Nonprofit Advertorial
For nearly 50 years, employees of lifempowered have been supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Columbia County. In those 5 decades, we have led the field in making decisions with the people who choose our services to ensure we are doing the most we can in a way that makes sense to and for them. We are proud to have grown and changed over and over, ensuring that our staff and supports are in line with best practices while always striving to be better. To be the best. Our volunteer board of directors includes a person who experiences IDD as well as a parent and other community members. We
Living inspired, fully empowered
feel we are richer as an agency when we have a diverse workforce and include all voices at the table as we navigate these difficult times. While Covid-19 has been extremely challenging for us, financially and in terms of a healthy workforce, we have persevered only because of those dedicated, committed, caring and compassionate employees. As we move forward with our next endeavors;
creating smaller living settings options for those we support and proceeding with the rebuilding of an Empowerment Center, we look to the future with optimism and hope. Our Empowerment Center will serve as a hub for those we support to learn new skills, practice healthy habits emotionally and physically, as well as provide an outward facing image that represents our professionalism and commitment to our
community at large. We are so lucky to do business in this community, where individuals and businesses care as equally about our success as we do and how that impacts those who we support. We are better because of you. We at lifempowered are actively recruiting additional board members as well as people interested in joining us on sub-committees to move us forward in our capital campaign for the building of the Empowered Center. And of course, we are always interested in hiring more Direct Support Professionals, the backbone of our services. Please see our website for more information about how you can get involved. https://www.lifempowered. org.
Join our team! We are excited to offer employment in the following new and now open positions!
Direct Support Professional: You will get to work directly with people to meet their life goals, learn new skills, and have fun in the process. Yes, there are some personal supports required and what a great chance to build a trusting, safe and respectful relationship with people who may not have had many opportunities for that in their lives? Fiscal Manager: After more than 20 years with lifempowered, our FM is retiring. This position is administrative and is responsible for agency AP/AR, billing, and financial tracking. This position reports the financial status to our Board of Directors monthly. We operate on an accrual basis and utilize QuickBooks and Quicken. Development Director: This position, which is also administrative, will be responsible for grant writing, marketing the agency, social media and community engagement. Watch for an updated posting for more information! We are very excited about this new position and would love for you to join our team and share your expertise!
#wearelifempowered
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Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
Building dreams, one house at a time JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
It’s an annual project called ‘Walls Up.’ But over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Columbia County Habitat for Humanity to cancel the volunteer home building. The ‘Walls Up’ refers to constructing a new home for families that qualify for the nonprofit group’s assistance. Such a ‘Walls Up’ project occurred on Saturday, Feb. 5 on South 8th Street in St. Helens. To gain insight into such community efforts, The Chronicle reached out to Columbia County Habitat for Humanity’s (CCHFH) Executive Director Jennifer Anderson. The Chronicle: What
South 8th Street in St. Helens and why that location?
impact has the pandemic had on your group’s efforts over the past two years? Jennifer Anderson: The pandemic impacted our organization in many ways. Initially, we closed the Restore completely for several months. Reopening fully did not happen for another six months because we felt we needed to quarantine the donations for a period of time. Many of our ReStore volunteers are seniors and some of them did not want to volunteer anymore for fear of being exposed to COVID. We really struggled to have enough volunteers to keep the store running. On the construction side, we were not able to have large groups of volunteers, there were sharp increases in the price of lumber and supply
Anderson: We build wherever we can buy inexpensive land. The home we are building as well as the last two homes are on a distressed property we acquired from an estate. I love that we are taking a property that was an eyesore and a problem for the neighborhood and providing stable affordable homes for hardworking people that really appreciate the opportunity. Courtesy photo
Andrea Hulin and her children stand proud in the framing of their new home on South 8th Street in St. Helens.
chain issues, especially with appliances. Some of these issues continue especially on the construction side. I want to thank Paul and Wela at Columbia Economic Team who really worked
overtime to get information and resources out to struggling businesses and nonprofits. The Chronicle: What is the vision of the project on
a resource available and an opportunity to meet others and be in the safety of your own environment. If there is a topic one would like to have support with for self and others, contact NAMI Oregon. Be kind to others and yourself. Remember self-care! For NAMI Columbia County Support Group information contact NAMI Oregon 503.230.8009. NAMI Columbia County is an active partner with local organizations that promote mental health. Contact NAMI Oregon for resources, programs for Support, Education, Advocacy. www.namior.org, 503.230.8009. www.facebook. com/ColumbiaCountyNAMI.
Donations direct to NAMI Oregon to support NAMI Columbia County 4701 SE 24th Ave. Suite E Portland, OR 97202
The Chronicle: Specifically describe the work that the local chapter conducts?
The Chronicle: When did the CCHFH start, why and how many projects has the group completed? Anderson: CCHFH was formed in 1999 as a grass roots organization by folks from Scappoose, St. Helens,
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a national grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with mental illness as well as individuals and families who’s love ones face the challenges of mental illness. NAMI Columbia County support group focuses on self-care of individuals and families whose lives are affected by mental illness of a loved one. We are having small in-person meetings that are still subject to change due to pandemic. Keeping in contact with one’s support resources does take effort and we have found staying connected does help our well-being. Make the effort, reach out to each other, phone, e-mail, drop off a surprise bouquet, a card in the mail, many forms of tech/social media and zoom chats are all ways we can keep connected and support one another. NAMI Oregon has many online weekly support groups throughout our state. This makes
Columbia City, Rainier, Clatskanie and Vernonia that were inspired by the housing model of using volunteers and community support to help people in need. We sent an application to Habitat for Humanity International and were approved. CCHFH is independently incorporated and is not funded by the International organization. We are working on our 12th home and have completed 37 critical home repairs which include exterior home repairs and ramps.
Anderson: CCHFH is managed individually with See WALLS UP Page 11
Kiwanis members donate time and energy to worthwhile community activities. You can help your community by volunteering or becoming a member.
Every year Kiwanis Club of St. Helens contributes thousands of dollars to needy children and families throughout Columbia County.
To find out how you can help, contact any St. Helens Kiwanis member or message us on our Facebook page.
e
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Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
WALLS UP From Page 10
guidance from Habitat for Humanity International. We process all applications, assist with loan origination and down payment assistance, raise funds and recruit volunteers, acquire land and build or work with low income homeowners to make their homes safe and accessible. We also recently incorporated the Oregon Individual Development Account (IDA) into our services. Low income families and individuals can set up savings accounts for home purchases or repairs that are matched by the State of Oregon. On the ReStore side we take in donated home furnishings and building materials which diverts approximately 180 tons of material from the landfill annually. We recycle metal and sell reprocessed paint. We offer opportunities for community service, basic
job training skills and a place for seniors to connect. Our volunteers are fantastic. We could not run the store without them and they are so friendly to customers and each other. I love the sense of community. The Chronicle: How do you select the families to be connected to the housing projects? Anderson: We build for people with household income between 35 and 60 percent of the median income. The families we select need to be able to pay an affordable mortgage, have decent credit and low debt. Some families have tried buying homes previously, but never qualify for enough. Habitat for Humanity makes it possible. Once we have a qualified pool of applicants, we select the family with the most need. Each family is required to contribute 400 hours of sweat equity which includes financial education. It is a lot of work, but very
rewarding to the families willing to take on the challenge. The Chronicle: How are the projects funded? Anderson: About half our funds come from the ReStore. Individual donors, churches, grants and the proceeds from affordable mortgages help fill in the gap. Donated building materials and help from the City on fees are always appreciated. The Chronicle: What do you take away from these projects? Anderson: Throughout this process we really get to know the families. It is inspiring to hear about their struggles and watch them succeed! The transformation is amazing. Housing is such a basic need that having stable, affordable housing allows people to pursue other goals whether it be saving for retirement or pursuing higher educa-
Sponsor a child to receive 12 books this year for only $25.00 Donate at unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com or by texting “DOLLYP” to 41444
United Way of Columbia County is the local Imagination Library affiliate
The South 8th Street Habitat for Humanity Volunteers.
tion. New homeowner Andrea Hulin also shared her insight with The Chronicle into what the volunteer project means to her family. “It means new beginnings, a fresh start,” Hulin said. “A place for the kids and I to call home. Having
this opportunity means the world to us. Getting chosen as the partner family for habitat, has opened doors, I don’t know if I would have been able to open without their help and support. We’re so blessed to be chosen, and excited to start a new chapter of our lives. Building our own home is
Courtesy photo
so much fun, and the people I have met through habitat are amazing. Oscar, Lucy and I are ready for this next adventure.” For more information about Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, visit info@habitatcolumbiacounty.org.
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Tribute to Nonprofits 2022
RAINIER OREGON HISTORICAL MUSEUM (ROHM)
ROHM is located at 106 W. B St, Rainier, Oregon, inside Rainier City Hall. Use side entrance and take elevator to the 3rd fl. Open Saturday from noon until 4 pm, except major holiday weekends. Website: rainiermuseum.org Email: rainiermuseum@hotmail.com Our museum is working hard to raise money to build a new museum on W. A St near the Rainier Senior Center. Please help us by sending a donation to ROHM, PO Box 762, Rainier, OR 97048. Include note on check “in care of ROHM Bldg. fund.”
St. Helens
Garden Club Serving the Community since 1927
The St. Helens Lions Club
Sharing knowledge, fellowship, service, honoring our Veterans in St. Helens and Columbia City.
“We Serve” in many ways *By providing glasses, hearing aids, and special vision and hearing services to those in need; * By displaying 232 US flags along the main streets on patriotic national holidays; * By assisting with Backpack weekend meals for children in need; * By aiding the environment by recycling sheet plastic, newspapers, and cans and bottles; * By maintaining exercise stations at McCormick Park;
Meetings are the second Thursday monthly at Noon. During Covid, meetings are virtual.
For more information, call 503-396-7046
Contact Thomas Berquam, for information on becoming involved. Send a request to us at PO Box 933 St. Helens, 97051-0933
Join us – We serve better together