Our FriendsPDX 2021 Impact Report

As the pandemic wanes, I am reminded that we entered this crisis with underserved families and youth already facing immense challenges related to poverty and inequitable systems. This dual pandemic—and racial unrest—has significantly impacted the youth and families we walk alongside. We have all learned from and supported each other as we moved through a year filled with uncertainty, stops and starts to in-person service, and transitions.

Through it all, we leaned into our core values to Put Children First, Build Relationships on Love, Pursue Goals Relentlessly, Commit to Empowerment, and Demand Equity. We use our values to make informed decisions; hire, coach, manage; and, most importantly, change the way the world treats and views our highest-priority youth with a vision of long-term systemic transformation.

I am so inspired by everyone within the FriendsPDX community—including our steadfast donors and supporters who took this journey with the youth and families we are so honored to walk alongside. Together, we made great things happen despite formidable odds and constant change. Thank you for making our work possible and for supporting our mission to impact generational change, one youth at a time—no matter what.

In Gratitude,
Traci Rossi
Executive Director

The above message is from our executive director, Traci Rossi, in her welcoming letter in the 2021 Impact Report. It has been shortened for brevity, but we encourage you to read it in full by clicking below!