Janet Hamada

Janet Hamada became Executive Director of The Next Door, Inc. (NDI) in September 2007. She had served as Program Manager of Nuestra Comunidad Sana (NCS), a program of NDI, for three years. She was very most proud of being able to support NCS Health Promoters in their vital community work.

For 15 years, Janet has managed programs in health promotion, family support, refugee resettlement, employment development, services for youth, and community organizing. She is a seasoned and successful grant writer and fundraiser. Janet understands that cooperation and collaboration between agencies serving the community is crucial to providing effective, sustainable and affordable services.

Janet earned her Bachelors Degree in American Studies from Wesleyan University and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington. Prior to working at NDI, Janet managed her own consulting company providing assistance to non-profit organizations in strategic planning, program evaluation and development. She has served as a volunteer Board Member for three organizations in Chicago.

As a life-long animal lover, Janet has also volunteered with animal welfare organizations, providing pet therapy for children in residential treatment. Over the past 12 years, she has been the happy companion of four rescued shelter dogs and one stray cat.

Janet moved to Hood River, Oregon to work at NDI in June 2004. She came with idyllic memories of blissful summers spent here as a little girl visiting her uncle and grandparents. Janet is married to Steven Glatter, and they are the proud parents of two daughters, Melanie and Elana. She enjoys time with her family outdoors, as well as reading and watching movies.