Outreach Core Program: a community that is a family
Outreach in Burnside is clear in thinking of its clients as members of a family. We act as family for 100 people, assisting them with personal care, advocacy with legal and social service agencies, helping them find and secure housing, and managing their money.
Our life together is based in the living room—a warm, comfortable lounge for Members that is open on weekdays. We also have a wheelchair-accessible bathroom with a shower, and laundry facilities.
We celebrate birthdays and holidays here at Outreach in Burnside. We arrange for outings to the coast or parks. We try to maintain contact with each Member’s family of origin, and when they die, we hold memorial services.
Usually Members stay with us for life. We take seriously the commitments and relationships that define family.
We recognize that what we do is important, and enjoy sharing what seem to be best practices with others. Nursing students from Oregon Health Sciences University, student groups from Christ the King Parish School, Sunstone Montessori School, St. Mary’s Academy, and Ione, Oregon have made significant imprints at Outreach in Burnside because they understand the relational values that define our work. Adult volunteers assist with clerical and repair projects, and free the staff to focus more on Members’ needs.
Read some Stories of Members, and about Members' Events.
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Community Harmony Award From the Metropolitan Human Rights Center of Portland and Multnomah County for crossing ethnic and cultural lines to respond to injustice and to promote harmony, 2002 |
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Non-Profit Diversity Award From the Metropolitan Human Rights Center, 1998 |
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Mayor's Spirit Of Portland Award For demonstrating a commitment to the community and making positive contributions to the city and its neighborhoods, 1997 |
