After fleeing domestic violence, Josie was left no choice but to endure houselessness on the streets of Portland. Six months pregnant and a mom to four children under the age of 9, she arrived in the Gorge with nowhere to call home. Every day became about survival, and Josie’s mental health struggles were weighing heavily on her ability to envision a better life for herself and her children. But she kept moving forward, taking life one day at a time until she found our Family Support & Connections program at The Next Door (TNDI).

In honor of National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate those who generously dedicate themselves to making a difference in their communities, The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) is thrilled to recognize Christy King as our Volunteer of the Year. 

In 1971, concerned community members opened The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) to provide a safe home for local teens. They could not have imagined what that small but powerful act of compassion would become.

As we celebrate our 55th anniversary at The Next Door, we reflect on decades of meeting children and teenagers where they are, supporting parents through their most difficult times, advocating for traditionally overlooked communities, advising organizations, businesses, and government entities, and even helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and flourish. Today, The Next Door is the Gorge’s largest social service agency, offering more than 36 programs that meet children and families in moments of crisis, transition, and hope.

As 2025 comes to a close, The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) is thrilled to announce our Philanthropists of the Year! With so many people stepping up to support and care for others, we’ve decided to award not one, not two, but three recipients this year: Molly Fauth in Hood River County, Pray Electric of Wasco County, and donors who wish to remain anonymous from Klickitat County. This recognition celebrates their exceptional generosity, deep commitment to community involvement, and significant philanthropic impact on TNDI and the people we serve.  

For the last several months, The Next Door Inc.’s (TNDI) bilingual Marketing Coordinator and staff members have collaborated to develop TNDI’s first fully translated website in Spanish. TNDI is proud to announce that Spanish-speaking community members and partners can now learn more about The Next Door and its programs at www.nextdoorincespanol.org!