Media Resources
For general information about NDI and for interviews, please call Janet Hamada, our Executive Director, at 541-308-2201.
History of The Next Door
Best Practice & Evidence-Based Programming
Common Acronyms
Community Partners
Lay Health Promoters: Definition & Description
The Next Door's Strategic Plan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Heidi Seymour, 541-490-8689
STAND UP COMEDY COMES TO HOOD RIVER
Save the date for a night of laughs
March 9, 2010
Hood River, Oregon (March 9): Local non-profit, The Next Door, Inc. (NDI) is bringing a night of laughter to the Gorge. Saturday, April 3 at 6 and 8pm, Laugh ‘Til It Helps, will rollick the Columbia Center for the Arts with an evening of high-quality comedy.
This year's star is nationally touring comedian Dave Anderson. Dave has performed at the country’s premier comedy clubs, including the world famous Improv in Los Angeles. He has appeared on numerous television shows including “Star Search,” Showtime’s “Comedy Club Network,” and “An Evening at the Improv.” Most recently Dave was a contributing writer for the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” He is currently co-host of the highly rated Mark and Dave Show on 1190 KEX in Portland and host of the long running morning television talk show AM Northwest on KATU TV.
The audience plays a major role in Dave’s show. He has an amazing ability to turn ordinary conversations into hilarious comedy routines while remaining clean and inoffensive.
The Oregonian dubbed him “The quickest wit around.” The San Francisco Examiner said he was, “relaxed, likeable, and funny . . . ” Willamette Week said, “He ad-libs better than most comedians write.”
Award-winning Hood River storyteller Brad Harmon will warm up the crowd with his own peculiar humor to round out an evening of high quality entertainment.
NDI created Laugh ‘Til It Helps to raise funds to aid families and children in the community on a number of levels. They hope to raise $10,000 for effective programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters and New Parent Services. At the same time, they will inform the community about services that can help them; parenting classes, playgroups, first baby visits, and mentoring. People with a little time to spare will have an opportunity to get involved as mentors and volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Klahre House, Teen Court and Independent Living.
Tickets, $20 for adults or $10 for students, are available online at www.showtix4u.com and at Waucoma Books. Major funding for the event is being provided by American Family Insurance, Tofurky, Deborah Phillips & Insitu.
A limited number of program ads are still available. Call Heidi Seymour at 541-490-8689 to become a sponsor or for more information.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prepared by: Ron Kurtz (203) 750-2407Reviewed by: Jenny Halsch 541-308-2231
ABB Foundation grants $10,000 to Gorge mentoring organization
Global company supports local programs where its employees live and work
The Dalles, Oregon, September 4, 2009 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced today a grant in the amount of $10,000 was given to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge through the ABB Foundation. Don Dickinson of ABB presented the check to Jennifer Halsch, Program Manager for the mentoring organization.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor and volunteer supported program. The support from the ABB Foundation and from their employees who are volunteer “Bigs” is amazing. They recognize the importance of youth mentoring in Wasco County,” Halsch shared. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge is a program of The Next Door, Inc. Children (“Littles”) are primarily served through one-to-one, professionally supported mentoring relationships with caring adult volunteers (“Bigs”). The caring “Bigs” help their “Littles” in Wasco County achieve their goals by gaining greater self-confidence, increasing success in school, and developing healthier relationships with peers and family members.
“The ABB Foundation is committed to helping improve the quality of life in the communities in which ABB employees live and work by funding local programs that promote education, culture, arts, health and welfare,” said Patrick Sclafani, president of the foundation. “The foundation receives donations from employees that are matched by the company.”
He went on to say the ABB Foundation was created to help employees improve the quality of life in the communities in which they live and work. “Unlike other foundations, our employees help determine where the funds go. It’s our way of giving back to these communities. This grant is an example.” He noted the foundation has awarded grants totaling some $1 million to local causes throughout the United States since its creation in 2005.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 110,000 people. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, ABB Group had revenues of $34 billion in 2008.
ABB operations in North America, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, employ around 11,000 people in manufacturing and other facilities.
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For more information, contact:Jennifer Halsch
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbian Gorge
(541) 308-2231
Don Dickinson
ABB Inc.
701B Hostetler Way W
The Dalles, OR 97058
(503) 298-4161
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Jenny Halsch, 541-308-2231Janet Hamada, 541-490-7904
Hood River Leos Support Local Littles in a Big Way:
Leos Raise Funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters at Movies in the Park
This summer they are selling candy at Movies in the Park on Saturday evenings at Jackson Park to benefit BBBS. "The Hood River Leos are an amazing group of young people. They are spending their Saturday nights raising funds to help kids. Their dedication to our community is tremendous," shared Jenny Halsch, program manager of BBBS.
"Our club is all about serving in the community" said Anne Iskra, high school student and Leos member, "Leos is a club that has great opportunities to volunteer so you don't have to look to find one on your own."
Hardworking Leos have raised nearly $900 so far for this summer. In addition, a generous community member is matching the funds the Leos raise up to $100 each evening, which is making this a very successful fundraiser. The community can help support the Leos and BBBS by buying candy at the upcoming Movies in the Park on August 15th and 22nd.
This isn’t the first time the Hood River Leos have supported BBBS. In March they raised nearly $3,000 at the BBBS annual fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake. "We are lucky to have this dynamic group of young people in our community. The Leos give all funds they raise to important organizations in our community; that is pretty amazing," Halsch said.
Anne Iskra and her fellow Hood River Leos enjoy supporting local causes, "When we raise the money we know that it is going to a good cause and that fun memories will come from the hours spent working to raise the money." Iskra shared.
BBBS matches youth ages 6-14 with caring, safe, and supportive mentors and is a program of The Next Door, Inc. To find out how to become involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters or The Next Door visit their website at www.nextdoorinc.org or come to 212 2nd St. in Hood River.
The Hood River Valley Leos Club accepts young people, ages 12 through 18, who want to give back to their community. Email leos@gorge.net to find out how to become involved.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Tonia Farman
Kiteboarding 4 Cancer
phone: 541-490-9621
3rd Annual Kiteboarding 4 Cancer & Standup Paddle 4 Cancer Set for August 7-9th at the Hood River Event Site
Participating athletes will again race in the 6-hour Kite Derby Endurance Race, raising money for our partnering cancer beneficiaries. New for 2009, the Standup Paddle Race will challenge even the most prepared competitors with swell, currents, and wind conditions as part of the race. Also new for 2009, the Sliderbox 4 Cancer, where riders attempt kiteboarding the 60 foot A-Frame Rail with wall ride in front of the event site. A spectacular site for sure, the Sliderbox 4 Cancer will not only draw spectators with top park-style riders performing technical maneuvers, but will produce some quality crashes for the crowd as well.
Additional events at KB4C include the Live & Silent auctions, All Day Live Music Stage, Full Sail BBQ & Pit, Raffle, Children’s Healing Art Project Tent and Awards Party.
The John Wayne Cancer Foundation is again partnering with KB4C this year as our primary charity sponsor. JWCF has supported KB4C since the beginning of our event, embracing the enthusiasm, health and energy contributions of the action sports community to give to the cause of cancer. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation is matching Kiteboarding 4 Cancer’s donations to our beneficiaries for 2009.
Kiteboarding 4 Cancer has researched many deserving and impactful cancer programs to benefit from donor funding to come up with 4 amazing organizations that drive cancer research, awareness, prevention and treatment programs in the Pacific Northwest and west coast:
• Children’s Healing Art Project – Bringing the healing power of art to kids with cancer -- Portland, OR
• The Next Door Inc. – Breast Cancer Prevention Program – Hood River, OR
• Children’s Hospital of Seattle -- Child Life Program – Seattle, WA
• Celilo Cancer Center -- Uncompensated Care Program --The Dalles, OR
Kiteboarding 4 Cancer was founded by a group of Northwest kiteboarders to unite the kiteboarding community and those in need for a great cause. Kiteboarding 4 Cancer is dedicated to bringing the healing power of wind and water to those affected by cancer through funding of advocacy, awareness, and prevention programs. KB4C raises funds through our annual Kiteboarding 4 Cancer and Stand-Up Paddle 4 Cancer events in Hood River, Oregon.
Kiteboarding 4 Cancer is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, IRS tax ID #42-1737854. We fund our event and charities solely through tax-deductible contributions from private individuals, corporations and foundations.
email: tonia@kb4c.org
website: www.kb4c.org
blog: www.kb4c.wordpress.com
facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/77945?m=3f1cca43
twitter: http://twitter.com/KB4C
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Karen Enns, 541-308-2238
Janet Hamada, 541-490-7904
HATS OFF TO NEW PARENT SERVICES!
20th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraising Party on June 26th was a great success. Commemorating New Parent Services’ 20-year history of providing opportunities and supports to families with young children, this year’s theme was “Hats Off to NPS!” Over 150 guests donned hats of all kinds, from helmets, to paper bags, to Viking and princess hats!
Guests dined, danced and donated the night away at Divots Restaurant at Indian Creek Golf Course. A total of $16,000 was raised through ticket sales, sponsorships, silent auction, party boards, a hat contest, and a wall of wine.
Hood Technology Corporation was this year’s lead sponsor. Every aspect of the event was possible only through generous business and community donations of cash sponsorships, auction items, time and enthusiasm.
“What a great way to celebrate our 20th Anniversary,” said Karen Enns, New Parent Services Program Director. “The support and generosity our community shows year after year is truly amazing! Very special thanks go out to our event sponsors, hosts, local businesses and wineries, and last but not least, the volunteer organizers of the entire event.”
New Parent Services, a program of The Next Door, provides high-quality supportive services to struggling families. As more and more families face joblessness, financial hardship, single parenting, isolation, and other major life stress, New Parent Services provides relief and support, keeping babies safe and families strong.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Gabriel Muro, 541-308-2226
Janet Hamada, 541-490-7904
THE NEXT DOOR RESCUES FOREST SERVICE JOBS
Trail and Recreation Crew Leaders Needed
“It was a tough decision,” said Hamada. “I know we will probably get a grant to cover the shortfall next year, but finances are very tight right now.” In the end, she decided to take the risk partly because by managing this program, NDI can keep $125,000 or more in our community just when it’s badly needed.
Claudia Montaño, program manager for Nuestra Comunidad Sana, stepped up to the plate to help manage the program, in partnership with Pattiann Monzie from the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Luckily, and coincidentally, Gabriel Muro, a current health promoter with Nuestra Comunidad Sana, had worked on the trail crews through the Summer Youth Conservation Corps for two years and then as a Forest Service employee for five years throughout his college days. He will be the Coordinator of the project this summer and states, “I’m excited to get back to the trails!”
The Forest Service youth jobs program has essential benefits for our youth and our community.
- 25+ young people age 16-21 will have summer employment at a time when jobs are scarce
- Five adults age 21 and over will have summer employment as their crew leaders
- As of today, May 6, more than 50 people have applied for these 30 jobs
- All these workers gain significant skills while learning about their environment
- Workers make connections and build references and support to help them get their next job
- Crew members are given incentives to graduate high school and go on to college, and
- Making a good impression can lead to better, longer, higher paying Forest Service jobs.
To apply for a Forest Service Crew or Crew Leader position, go to their website at www.nextdoorinc.org or come to 212 2nd St. in Hood River for an application.
In the meantime, Hamada and her staff have looked very closely at every program and expense to see what they could change without compromising their services to those in need.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nicole Mejia, 541-308-2221
UNDERWOOD WOMAN WINS RAFFLE
Mammogram program increases early cancer detection
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Bingen, Washington (April 23): In a room of about 30 
workers on their lunch break at the Underwood Fruit Company in Bingen, WA, Carmen Villanueva covered her surprised face with her hands when she realized she had won $200 cash. Villanueva, who has been packing fruit at Underwood for about five years, said she had never won anything before that Wednesday, April 8. The cash prize was warmly handed over with a smile to Villanueva by Community Health Worker Toña Sanchez. Sanchez works for Nuestra Comunidad Sana (NCS), which means Our Healthy Community in Spanish, and is a program of The Next Door in Hood River.
Villanueva was entered into the raffle because she had a clinical breast exam at La Clinica del Cariño Family Health Care Center and a mammogram at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital last year as part of a breast cancer prevention program run by NCS and facilitated by Sanchez.
For eight years, Sanchez has provided breast cancer outreach and education. She recruits women who are 40 years or older, or if they are younger and have a history of breast cancer in their family to receive a reduced price clinical breast exam. La Clinica then refers them to Providence for a free mammogram.
Last year, 48 women from Columbia Gorge communities, such as Hood River, Odell, Parkdale, The Dalles, Mosier, Bingen, and White Salmon, took part in the program and received mammograms. Like Villanueva, many women throughout the Gorge do not have health insurance and may not otherwise have been able to afford a mammogram. A needs assessment by La Clinica del Cariño Family Health Care Center in 2000 estimated 18% of whites and 58% of Latinos in the Columbia Gorge area have no health insurance.
Villanueva plans to use the raffle prize to pay her rent. She told a co-worker that the prize is a small incentive compared to the benefits of detecting breast cancer early. Although Villanueva said she is always nervous to go in for her mammogram because she is afraid to get abnormal results, she said it is important to take care of her health in order to provide for her children. That is why she gets a mammogram each year as suggested by her doctor.
Breast cancer mortality is higher for women of color, women who come from rural areas, those of low socioeconomic status, and women who are non-English speakers. Latinas in particular are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer, which is more difficult to survive than if it is detected early.
Some women at the Underwood Fruit Company have been so enthusiastic about the program's importance that they have volunteered to do breast health outreach with Sanchez in order to educate other women in their community about breast health and the importance of getting their annual mammograms. The women hope the program continues because it provides an incentive for them and others to get their annual mammograms. However, the program is dependent on funding which has not yet been secured this year.
For more information on Nuestra Comunidad Sana's programs call (541) 308-2221, or visit our website at www.nextdoorinc.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Enns 541-308-2238
Mid-Columbia Medical Center Helps Families in Need
Families First of Wasco County Receives Generous Funding Support
The Dalles, Oregon (February 6, 2009): Even with the economic downturn, generous donations are still being made to help those most in need. Mid-Columbia Medical Center has pledged $42,000 a year for the next two years to Families First of Wasco County, a program of The Next Door. This is the 9th consecutive year of support that the hospital has given to this worthy program.
As Mid-Columbia Medical Center CEO, Duane W. Francis, stated, “I have the privilege of working for an organization that is as compassionate and community oriented as they come.”
Karen Enns, Program Director of Families First said that this support will “make a very significant impact on Wasco County, especially in these tough economic times for already-stressed families. I know that the results will be more children in loving homes, developing on track emotionally and cognitively, healthy, and free from abuse or neglect.”
Families First’s goal is to ensure healthy, thriving children and strong, nurturing families by offering parenting support and resources. The core program is Healthy Start, an accredited, national program that is proven to be successful in preventing child abuse and neglect. In fact, the child abuse rate in Oregon for 0-2 year old children who are not in Healthy Start is almost double the rate for children who are in Healthy Start. Healthy Start also has a strong focus on health and school readiness.
Families First utilizes trained Home Visitors to visit first-time parents regularly for up to three years to help them learn how to take care of their young children. This ultimately helps the children to stay in their homes and not need state intervention in the future. In fact, for every child who is not abused and removed from his/her home to be placed into foster care, $23,000 per year is saved.
That is what makes the support of the Mid-Columbia Medical Center so significant. This program is about prevention of abuse and neglect, which not only helps individual children and their families, but also helps the community at large.
Catherine Whalen, MCMC Community Initiatives Director and board member of The Next Door states, “It is the vision of the Mid-Columbia Medical Center to lead as a center for health which will continually upgrade the quality of life in the community. Prevention programs such as Families First are highly effective programs that empower families, and ultimately communities, to provide the best care for their children.” What a win-win partnership!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Heidi Seymour, 541-490-8689
Janet Hamada, 541-308-2201
TIM SWEENEY RECEIVES KLAHRE AWARD
Local contractor makes a difference with a lifetime of service to youth
Friday, October 10, 2008:
Hood River, Oregon (October 10): Tim Sweeney, long-time resident of the Columbia Gorge and owner of Hood River Construction, has been chosen to be the recipient of the Klahre Award for Hood River County.
This award is given annually to one resident from each county of the Mid-Columbia for distinguished service to children and outstanding achievement on behalf of children.
Tim was surprised to hear he was being honored. “I like kids. I’ve always liked kids,” he stated. “I guess because they don’t judge me. They like me because I get right down on their level.”
“I got involved with kids and the Next Door because of Michael Mehling,” stated Sweeney. “He asked me to help out and I’ve been showing up ever since.” Mehling was the director of the Next Door, Inc. from 1987 to 1999.
Tim’s commitment to youth goes back to his own childhood.
“My mother, Stella, was in the Marines, and I got my values from her and my dad. With them there was a definite right and wrong, and we had consequences if we did something wrong.”
Once, Tim caught a 9-year-old boy stealing from his company. He went to the boy’s mother and said he wanted the boy to work for free for a week. Tim taught the boy a lot about values during that week together, and he ended up working for him for the entire summer.
One of Tim’s current workers is a graduate of the Next Door, Inc. (NDI) Klahre House program. When other employers were hesitant to hire him, Tim gave him a chance. He’s been working with Tim five years now.
Tim serves on NDI’s Board of Directors and Facilities Committee and the Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Board and Bowl for Kids’ Sake Committee. “For a man who hates meetings, he spends an awful lot of time in them,” stated NDI Executive Director Janet Hamada. “He does this because he knows that without governance, guidance and fundraising assistance, we couldn’t do what we do for all the families and children we reach every year.”
“There are not enough words available to thank Tim for everything he has done and continues to do for the Next Door,” said Hamada. “I am thrilled that he is being recognized by the larger community for all his contributions.”
Tim also helps out at NDI’s Klahre House Alternative Day Treatment School in whatever capacity he is needed. He has just completed remodeling The Dalles office of NDI. His remodeling skills have been a boon to more than just the Next Door. He also did an extensive remodel at the Young Women’s Center in Hood River, a transitional housing program for victims of crime who would otherwise be homeless.
Hamada will present the Klahre Award to Tim during the Mid-Columbia Symposium on Children, a forum for people in the Mid-Columbia area who share an interest in the welfare of children. The symposium will be held at the Discovery Center in The Dalles, Oregon, on Friday, October 17. Visitors are welcome to attend the ceremony from 11:30-12:00 pm.
The Klahre Award was established in 1987 in honor of Jim Klahre, a local businessman and volunteer who advocated for children and helped found the Next Door, Inc.
Past Hood River County winners are Manuel Gutierrez, Lennie Mueller, Rick Negas, Marin Tyler, Bea Scott, Mabel Lucas, Janice Merz, Maija Yasui, Carolyn Bondurant, Aileen Pobanz, Tom Schaefer, Jennie Copper, Dana Lance, Ron & Anita Phillips, Anne Holmstrom, Maria Ramirez, Martha Capovilla & Steve Fisk, Tobi Kuykendall, Chris Burzio & Janette Skarda.
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Photo by Ralph Kupersmith
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jane Palmer RN
PHONE: 509-403-1558
Date of release: July 14, 2008
Childhood Trauma, Help for the Helpers
Foster Parents & Libraries Receive 100 Books
Klickitat County foster parents and caregivers of children in out-of-home placements have a helpful resource thanks to the support of funds provided by Community Mobilization Against Substance Abuse/CMASA, The Drug Free Communities Mentoring Grant and Skamania Klickitat Community Network/SKCN.
One hundred copies of the book, “The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog” by Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz are now in the hands of local foster parents, out of home caregivers and at local public and school libraries. This book offers the reader insight into the effects of early severe neglect on brain development and child behavior. Foster parents are able to earn a continuing education certificate for reading the book and completing an evaluation. These parents are grateful to have this information and the support for the work they do.
Children who have been maltreated suffer from high rates of traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, social problems, aggression, and hoplessness. Those caring adults who are charged with parenting these children are often at a loss of how to address and support the effects of maltreatment.
Bruce Perry is a child psychiatrist who runs a child trauma center in Texas and has served as a consultant on many high profile child welfare cases, including the children rescued from the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. He tells about severely neglected children and of their delayed, impaired and bizarre development. Reading this book is an “easy read” and of value for those working in child welfare, foster parents, therapists or anyone with an interest in the welfare of vulnerable children.
The book was chosen and distributed by an ad hoc committee including Marta Daniels Placement Coordinator with the Department of Social and Health Services/Children’s Administration, Heidi Seymour, Coordinated Services Manager with the Next Door Inc. and Jane Palmer, Nursing and Community Programs Manager with the Klickitat County Health Department. The group is pleased at the welcome reception this valuable resource has received. The group attended the Washington State Children’s Administration’s Reasonable Efforts Symposium conducted late in 2007 in Goldendale, and chose this project as their “reasonable effort” to address child abuse and neglect.
The SKCN and CMASA groups meet regularly in Klicktat County and are open to interested and concerned citizens. For more information, contact Klickitat County Health Department at 509-493-1558.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Becci Crane
May 30, 2008
541-386-5520
The Next Door Honors Foster Parents
The Next Door, Inc. recently honored foster parents with gifts, fun, and loving words from their foster children. On Tuesday May 13, 2008 at The Dalles Civic Auditorium The Next Door Inc. held their annual Foster Parent Recognition Banquet. Seventy people attended including Foster Parents, Foster youth, and staff.
The theme of the party was “Hollywood” with an emphasis on our foster parents as the stars. “We truly appreciate the work that you do! You are amazing and we wouldn’t be able to do this with out you.” stated Becci Crane, Foster Parent Certifier.
Several youth presented awards to their foster parents. The presentations were very emotional ranging from funny to heartfelt.
“I make mistakes, it happens. But my foster parents still let me come back and live with them.” “No one else would take me!” “My foster parents have helped me stay in contact with my family and have taught me a lot. They have become more like parents to me than my real parents.” “My foster parents treat me like an equal. They encourage me and work hard to try and help me stay here.”
The Next Door Inc. foster parents provide homes for youth who are receiving treatment services. The average stay of the youth in the home is about 9 months to a year. Once the youth have completed their treatment program they are able to transition back to living in their home, with relative, or into an independent living program.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2008
Contact: David Spangler
Phone: (541) 386-5520 ext. 409
Klahre House School Participates in National Youth Service Day
On National Youth Service Day, Friday April 25 from 9 AM to 12 PM, students from the Klahre House began building three raised beds at the OSU Mid-Columbia Agricultural and Research Extension Center Learning Garden just south of Hood River. In addition, they started developing a vegetable garden at the Klahre House School. These gardens have become part of the curriculum at the Klahre House School. The raised beds at the Extension Center Learning Garden are made of three different materials to educate the Klahre House students and the community about raised bed vegetable gardening and the types of raised beds.
Youth Service America and the Department of Justice have awarded a $1,000 grant to the Klahre House School and Day Treatment program, which is a program of the Next Door Inc., and the Central Gorge Master Gardener Association. The grant will enable students at the school to begin a raised bed garden community service project.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Liz DiLauro
April 7, 2008
Phone: 202/638-1144
Jon Reeves of Salem and Karen Enns of Hood River Named Birth to Three State Advocacy Leaders: Will Help To Improve Services for Babies, Toddlers and Families of Oregon
Washington, D.C. – Jon Reeves, Program Director of Child Care Information Service in the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency and Karen Enns, Program Manager of New Parent Services and Families First at Next Door, Inc. in Hood River have been named among the first Birth to Three State Advocacy Leaders by the national nonprofit organization ZERO TO THREE.
Reeves and Enns will work with state public and private partners to improve and coordinate programs and services for the 134,794 babies and toddlers of Oregon. Specifically, they will work with the Early Childhood Coordinating Council to develop priorities for infants and toddlers as part of their early childhood policy framework and educate legislators as to the connection between these priorities and Oregon’s school readiness agenda.
States across the country are working hard to strengthen and coordinate their early childhood policies and services,’ says Matthew E. Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE. “Karen Enns, Jon Reeves and the other Birth to Three State Advocacy Leaders have the experience, passion and knowledge to help make this a reality for Oregon’s young children.”
Enns and Reeves are two of 12 infant-toddler professionals nationwide to be selected as a Birth to Three State Advocacy Leader in ZERO TO THREE’s new initiative Creating Connections for Babies.
The project involves six states that are committed to engaging new leaders of the infant-toddler professional field in establishing coordinated and comprehensive services for babies and toddlers: Kentucky, Oregon, New Mexico, New York, Virginia and Wyoming. The work is supported by the Buffett Early Childhood Fund.
Reeves and Enns were named State Advocacy Leaders after a competitive selection process where national and state panelists chose individuals based on their commitment to policy change and their experience and leadership in child development.
Enns has been working in the maternal and child health field for more than 20 years, focusing most recently on child abuse prevention and parent support for families in Hood River, Wasco and Sherman counties.
Reeves has worked with children and families in Oregon for 13 years. In addition to his role as a child care resource and referral director, Reeves became one of the first recipients of the Portland State University Infant Toddler Mental Health Graduate Certificate.
ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization that informs, trains and supports professionals, policymakers and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. www.zerotothree.org
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3/24/08
2008 Bowl for Kids’ Sake BIG & Little Success!
The annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fund raiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Program surpassed their 2008 pledge goals for Hood River and The Dalles teams. More than $41,000 was raised Saturday, March 8, 2008 as Gorge teams bowled after collecting pledges to support the program.
Jenny Halsch, Program Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters stated, “It takes businesses, families, students and seniors to make this annual event successful. These funds will enable our program to continue matching positive mentors with kids in need in the gorge. That is pretty amazing!”
Top fundraisers for The Dalles included: Napa Auto Parts, Mid-Columbia Womens’ Clinic, and Wasco County Sherriff’s Office
For more information on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, contact Jennifer Halsch, Program Director @ 541-308-2231
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