Just Another Week
A CHI family and their Case Manager waiting for PPE and Financial Assistance. The City of Portland and Multnomah County called on POIC + RAHS to distribute nearly 50 $250 gift cards to BIPOC families hit hardest by COVID-19 and the rise in gun violence. Aug.25, 2020
As the first week of November 2020 started for POIC + RAHS staff, the election's specter was looming and top of mind. Since we focus on the marginalized in our community, so much was riding on these elections. This urged an increase in messaging on our social media, calling for higher voter participation. Those efforts all led up to this week, but that wasn’t the only thing impacting Portland. A state of emergency was called by Governor Kate Brown due to fear of civil unrest, and the spread of COVID-19 reached a record-level number of cases. All these stressors prompted CHI Director, Kim Filla, to send out self-care tips on Monday, to ensure all staff members weren’t neglecting their mental health during this difficult time.
“Sharing this resource re: self-care plan for staff. Take care of YOU this week.” - CHI Director Kim Filla
Amidst all these challenges and all the uncertainty, this is just another week for the people we serve. Start of the month, bills to pay, work to do, meals to find... all while figuring out how to get an opportunity for a better tomorrow. Until we see tangible systemic change in how underserved communities are treated, our mission goes unchanged. ALL members of our community deserve an equal right to succeed. The support we receive can tip the scales toward equity.
Even during a transition of power or a pandemic, our participant's safety and success is our highest priority. We will continue to put our values into action every day—through every individual student, young adult, trainee, or family we encounter.
We count on your support, please consider donating today.
