Our 2023 FriendsPDX Graduates

We recently celebrated the graduation of 24 FriendsPDX program youth! It was such a wonderful time to spend with these young people. Thank you to all the staff that came out to show their support. We had a great turnout of youth and families! A few caregivers shared the tremendous impact that these seven mentors have had on their youth and families. More than a few tears were shed!

After the reception we invited the grads to Dave and Busters. It was so great to see the youth hanging out and getting to act like kids. The relationships they formed throughout their time in the program really shined as they engaged with staff and their peers.

What are these young people up to next? A handful are planning to attend college at the following schools:

• Eastern Washington University
• Lewis & Clark College
• Portland Community College
• Portland State University
• University of Las Vegas
• Western Washington University

Others plan to find employment or are employed, enroll in trade school, and/or pursue education for their diploma/GED. Some of the career paths that have been expressed are auto mechanic, filmmaker, electrician, construction, nail technician, ultrasound technician, marketing, sports physical therapy, college football, and nursing, to name a few!

Congratulations to our FriendsPDX class of 2023!