| Sunday ServicesSunday, July 15: Service at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
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The Tragic Gap-Rev. Mary GearParker Palmer names the tragic gap between the reality of what is and possibility of what might be. In times when the ideal of democracy is challenged, how do we live with hope in the tragic gap?
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| Bill's Blog returning in August
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Construction Work Continues in the SanctuarySummer services are being held in the Eliot Chapel this summer as work takes place in our Sanctuary to make the Chancel area accessible and to make other aesthetic improvements in the space. Services will continue in Eliot Chapel at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. this summer. Social hour will continue to be held in Margaret Fuller Hall and the Buchan Atrium after each service. This is all thanks to the Ramp It Up auction proceeds. Much appreciation goes to everyone who donated to make that possible.
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Teachers for 2018–19
We currently are looking to place 11 teachers in the Learning Community for the upcoming year. Yes, it is a commitment. Yes, you will receive as much from the kids as they receive from you. Yes, you will have tons of support. We hope you say “Yes!” Please contact Cassandra Scheffman for more information.
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Booked Your Group's Room for Next Year?
Does your group use a room at church for meetings? If so, have you reserved a room for the 2018–2019 church year? If not, contact John Rosette. Please note that Sundays are busy times at the church with events for all ages. We’ll do our best to accommodate groups, but space may be tight. For social justice groups, contact Dana Buhl.
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Take Action to Stop the Proposed Jordan Cove Export Terminal and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline
Thursday, July 12 - 6:30 p.m Doors open for snacks and tabling
- 7 p.m. Program starts
- Enter off Salmon between SW 12th and 13th, Buchan Reception
Youth ages 10 and up are encouraged to attend. Record-breaking numbers of public comments and testimony have helped stop previous coal and oil projects in the Pacific Northwest. Now we have an opportunity to stop a 230-mile pipeline through Southern Oregon and a terminal in Coos Bay that would liquefy and export fracked gas from our state. See here for more details.We need your voice! Tell our agencies why you are concerned about these projects and how you would be impacted by the resulting pollution and degradation of our rivers and streams. Note: If you can’t make it on the 12th, same program at Havurah Shalom on July 17 or visit www.nolngexports.org and follow the Take Action link for information on how to write an effective comment from the comfort of your home. Sponsored by: Community for Earth of First Unitarian Church and Stop Fracked Gas PDX.
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A Different Kind of Gun ShowJuly 20 at First Unitarian, 7 p.m.
Students tackle the gun issue head on themselves in A Different Kind of Gun Show, a compilation of one acts and poetry about gun violence. This is a fundraiser for Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence in America. Tickets $10, $8 for seniors and students at door. Online tickets at portlandcomedy.com/buy-tickets
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Forming a First Unitarian Delegation for Faith Floods the DesertFirst Unitarian's Social Justice Director, Dana Buhl, and members of the Immigrant Justice Action Group will be traveling to the border to join the national religious witness called #Faith Floods the Desert. We will be joining a delegation led by the UU College of Social Justice and No More Deaths / No Más Muertes on Aug. 3 –6. We will join with humanitarian aid workers who provide food and water in the desert and together resist government repression of this lifesaving work. First Unitarian would like to encourage young adults to join the delegation. If you are a young adult, are interested and available to join us but would need financial help to come, please email Dana: dbuhl@firstunitarianportland.org.
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July's Art WallIn July and August, the Art Wall Committee members show their work. This year we're featuring a collage titled "Chalice." It was made by ten UUs at an auction party, using recycled church programs. Come to Fuller Hall and share the joy! See more here.
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Bookstore
The bookstore is looking for a couple special volunteers willing to do the quiet shift during the second service.
The bookstore isn’t very busy during this time, but some congregants enjoy browsing when the bookstore isn’t crowded, and it gives the volunteer time to peruse our selection too!
Would you like to give it a try one Sunday a month? Contact Julia Spence. 503-335-9235 Julia.spence@neilkelly.com
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Program EventsAdult Programs, Learning Community, Music & Arts, Social Justice
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Find information and sign up for summer offerings at the Adult Programs table beginning July 1.
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The Adult Programs table in Fuller Hall will be staffed in the month of July. Stop by for summer program information! Aging Solo
Four Thursdays, starting July 19
1–3 p.m. Class is full and there is a waiting list. Class will be offered again in the fall.
Many of us aging into our later years are doing so alone. Through reading, writing, and connecting with one another, we will examine the freedoms and the challenges of managing our health and preparing for the unknown in the years ahead to live out our best lives. We will use the book Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old by Joyce Loverde. If there is interest, an ongoing group could continue after class to support one another in the journey.
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Gentle Yoga in the Evening
A drop-in yoga class for those of all ages and abilities to build body, mind, spirit and community. Meets at Revival Harmonic Health, 1034 SW Taylor at 11th, Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5:30; July 10 through August 29; $64 for 8 classes or $12 drop-in. #MeToo Women's CirclesThis fall we will be offering Reflection Circles for women who want to connect with other women and explore their experience of patriarchy. We'll being registration in September, with circles beginning later that month. Stay tuned for more information!
Travel to the Birthplace of UnitarianismIn July 2019, the UU Congregation of Salem is planning a pilgrimage to Romania/Transylvania to visit the historical sites of our faith tradition and their sister church in Simenfalva. They invite other UUs to join them. If you are interested and want more information, please contact Rev. Mary at mgear@firstunitarianportland.
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First Share Every Sunday
Enjoy every Sunday July through September. Bring your overabundance of produce and flowers to exchange or give to the First Share table in Fuller Hall. Everyone is welcome to take something home!
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New Director of Family Ministries!Come and meet Cassandra Scheffman in the Buchan Atrium after each service on Sunday/today. Enjoy cookies, coffee or tea, and conversation about religious education in the year to come.
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Learning Community Summer Program BeginsDuring the 9:15 a.m. service only, there will be drop-in programming for children ages 10 and younger following the Story for All Ages. Children ages 4 to 6 will gather in room A106 for the Caldecott Books series. Children ages 7 to 10 will gather in room A108 for Circle of Trees, a multigenerational program; parents, grandparents, and caregivers are encouraged to join. Please stop by the Info Desk in the Eliot Center hallway for more information. Childcare for ages 3 and under is always available during both services.
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Nursery and Childcare Available
We always have childcare for our wee ones on Sunday mornings.
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Thirteen Salmon Family Center Closing
Last month Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS), the not-for-profit organization that has operated our Thirteen Salmon Family Center since it opened in the fall of 2009, announced big news that is exciting for them and bittersweet to our church community –on May 23 PHFS became the owner of a new large shelter in the Lents neighborhood of Southeast Portland. The new shelter will open for families later this summer, at which time our Thirteen Salmon Family Center will close. Read more here.
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Thank YouThe Committee for Hunger and Homelessness thanks you for the outpouring of generosity of gifts and help you've given the winter shelter. We sincerely couldn't have done it without your help. The winter shelter closed April 30, until winter months return. A reminder: we still have families at the Thirteen Salmon Family Center in the lower level of our Buchan Building. Donna Richards webbed@msn.com.
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Supplies NeededThe cupboards are almost bare at Thirteen Salmon and with one baby and seven little ones we need diapers (all sizes) baby formula, diaper rash ointment, and baby food. We also need chicken noodle and tomato soup, tuna, canned fruit, peanut butter, marinara sauce, and individual applesauce cups. Donna Lane lanedonjer@msn.com for questions. Please leave supplies in Fuller Hall cupboards by the kitchen.
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| Get InvolvedMake a difference in the First Unitarian Portland community
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Social Hour Helpers Needed Sunday Mornings
With two services continuing through the summer, we need a few more beverage service helpers and subs on Sundays in Fuller Hall. Choose one Sunday each month, either 8 a.m.–10:50 a.m. or 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., with time to attend service in between. Please contact Emily at 541-408-1516 or ewh1960@gmail.com. Training provided by experienced volunteers.
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Attention LiveStream Viewers
Do you regularly watch First Unitarian’s Sunday services in real time on Sunday mornings? Are you adept at sending and receiving text messages?
Our Sunday morning sound and video technicians could use help from a couple of techy types out in cyberland to let them know when there is a livestream glitch while the service is being streamed. Please email the church office (office@firstunitarianportland.org) if you’re interested in volunteering for this important job. We need you!
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| Help Wanted!A team of volunteers has formed to address the unrelentingly vigorous weeds in the beds around our church campus, and we need more help! As the summer progresses, projects will be planned to control weed growth and highlight our native plants. If you would like to spend a couple of hours with the team, please contact Marti Yoder at marti.yoder@gmail.com and have your name added to the notification list. More hands are needed to make this light work.
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| Seeking Sunday Welcoming Volunteers
If you like to greet people and make them feel welcome, this volunteer opportunity is for you: become a Welcome Desk or Newcomer Table host before or after a Sunday service.
This is a great way to connect with congregation members and newcomers. Contact Membership Chair Ed McClaran or call 971-279-2778.
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| Sunday Drivers Needed
Can you provide an occasional ride to Sunday services for a neighbor? Do you, or someone you know, need help getting to church?
Our First Unitarian Neighborhood Connections rideshare program helps match riders with drivers in Portland and Lake Oswego, and is organized by ZIP code. To learn more, contact Leslie Comnes, 503-236-2963.
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| Seeking Ushers
Here's a great volunteer opportunity: Become an usher and connect more deeply to members of our congregation. Won't you join our team? Contact usher coordinator Dev Dion or call 503-805-5899. Thank you.
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In the CommunityCommunity milestones, joys, and sorrows
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Member Bernie Lee died on July 5 at the age of 92. Bernie had a stroke in April and was in declining health since then. He leaves his children, Julia and David, his daughter-in-law Jean, and his grandchildren Erin and Matthew. Bernie and his wife, Helen, joined the church in the early 70s. Helen died on 2014. His family plans a gathering in his honor but a date has not been set. Member Kathy Kelly Moore had knee replacement surgery on June 20 and is home recovering well. Kathy and her family have requested help with dinners as well as healing thoughts. Kathy's family lives in Southeast Portland. If you are able to help, please contact the church office for their contact information. We send Kathy our prayers for a speedy recovery.
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Board of Trustees—
A summary of the results of our 2018 Annual Congregational survey, along with notes and presentation materials from the Board’s May 6, 2018 congregant forum, are now posted on the Board’s Communications Committee page.
The Board will resume regular monthly meetings on September 6.
As always, please check out the Board's main webpage for the latest time/location for all Board-related events.
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Naming First Unitarian Foundation in Your Will or Estate PlanHelp assure the long-term sustainability of this beloved congregation by including First Unitarian Portland in your will or estate plan.
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Sunday Attendance1st Service: 100
2nd Service: 187
Musicians: 23
Total: 310
Livestream: 79
Grand Total: 389
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Yarn Donations Needed
The UU Knitters, who meet at the church on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month to work on projects for the benefit of the community, is getting low on donated yarn. We are looking for yarn of any type–wool, cotton, and synthetics. Please bring donations to the church office, and staff will get them to the right place. Thank you!
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Add to Our Media Collection
Taken any nice photos of First Unitarian Portland or its events? Send them our way to help build our media collection! Sending us your photos gives us permission to publish and/or use images for publications, website content, and social media. If you'd like to limit your permission, just let us know. Please email your photos to photos@firstunitarianportland.org or click here.
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Ongoing GroupsThe following church groups meet on a regular schedule during our program year (approximately September through May or June). Many groups meet on an irregular basis. Many groups take the summer months off, so if you are unsure about a particular group's schedule, please contact the individual listed.
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| Africa Connections
This church social justice group supports advocacy and outreach work in communities in Kenya and Zimbabwe that have been deeply impacted by HIV AIDS. We do this through support of the IMANI Project, Zimbabwe Artists Project, and Quilts for Empowerment. Questions? Email Annie Bennett.
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The Alliance
The Alliance meets September through May, usually on the first Wednesday of the month, for a luncheon, business meeting, and program. Visit the Alliance web page. Questions? Email Alliance.
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| Animal Ministry Group
Normally meets on the fourth Sunday, 12:45 p.m., A303. Visit the Animal Ministry web page for special meeting times. Questions? 503-520-9012.
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Caregiver Support GroupWe usually meet the fourth Sunday of the month, September through May. We do not meet during the summer and will resume September 23, 2018.
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| Children's Mosaic Restoration Group
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| Committee on Hunger & Homelessness (COHHO)Meets monthly September through May on the third Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in A303, the Fireside Room, or visit our table in Fuller Hall on the second and fourth Sundays. Questions? Email co-chairs Mary Andrews and Ellen Vanderslice.
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Community for Earth (CFE)
The Community for Earth (CFE) is again selling the eco-friendly and community supportive Chinook book—each with its own app ($25)—and individual apps ($15). Use of the wide variety of coupons frequently more than covers the cost of the Chinook book and/or app. Buy yours today in our Beacon Bookstore. Cash sales at the CFE table. Questions? Susan Weinstein at 360-440-0564.
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| Contemplative Practice Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8 p.m., A301. Offers a regular opportunity for building community through silent meditation, mindfulness poetry, and deep discussion on church themes. Questions? Ron Walker.
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| Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG)The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) educates and advocates on issues of economic justice. Watch for our speaker, book, and movie events. Stop by our table for the latest information on fair trade, health care, democracy, and inequality and its dimensions. We meet the third Sunday of every month, September to June, at 9 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Contact: Michael Wade for more information.
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| Ending the New Jim Crow—Healing the Justice System Usually, monthly on the fourth Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m., B302. Questions? Kathryn Scotten.
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Good Times Committee
Join with fellow congregants for social gatherings—from happy hour to hikes, from dinners to plays. Learn more and sign up with Good Times during social hour on Sundays. Questions? Laura Gadley, 847-525-8700.
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Immigrant Justice Action Group (IJAG)
We offer quarterly educational meetings on topics of relevance to the congregation, focused on issues/needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Through the IJAG Google group, recommended actions are disseminated. Contact Wendy here.
See our webpage for more info.
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LGBTQIA Pride Group
Find out the latest social events by picking up a flyer at our Pride Table in Fuller Hall for our monthly movie game night, monthly PDX roller skating, potlucks, and any projects being planned. Visit our Facebook page: First Unitarian Pride, Portland, OR for all of our events and the LGBTQIA events we are supporting in the Portland area.
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Meditation Group
Wednesday Night Meditation Group continues every Wednesday, 7–8:30 p.m., Eliot Chapel. Beginners welcomed. Questions? Mary Ann Harman.
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Monthly Grief GroupGrief is a common thread that connects many of us in our community. This drop-in group will hold compassionate organic space for listening, learning, and resources to live with the many forms of grief and caregiving. The group meets the third Sunday of each month from 1:15–2:45 p.m. in room B304 of the Buchan building. Facilitated by Rev. Rick Freeman and Sophia Douglas.
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| Parents of Teens Support Group, 1–2 p.m.
Second and fourth Sundays
Connect with parents of teens to talk and share parenting topics and the joys and challenges of navigating life as parents, with the guidance of a lay minister. We are an open group. Childcare provided.
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| Peace Action Group Monthly on the second Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Tess Beistel, Terri Shofner, Brianna Bragg.
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| Quilts of Love Group
Monthly on the third Thursday, 12–1:30 p.m., B310. Sew-in is on the first Thursday at Modern Domestic, 1408 NE Alberta St., from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. This group creates quilts for families served by Portland Homeless Family Solutions as they transition from the shelter to a permanent home. More. Questions? Anna Thorn, 503-720-1984.
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| Sunday Morning T'ai Chi Chih
Sunday morning T'ai Chi Chih, 8:30–9 a.m.; check the sign board in the Buchan building for meeting locations. Questions? Email Adult Programs.
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UU Knitting GroupThe knitting circle meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month during the church year. Questions? Susan Pryor, 503-894-9945.
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| UU Men's Community
Third Saturday, 9 a.m., Channing Room. An open group where men of all ages can share life experiences, learn from each other, develop friendships, support one another, and have fun. Questions? Don Liedel, 503-319-8934; more info here.
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| UU Movie Group
Meets on the fourth Sunday of the month over a potluck meal at members’ homes. For more information, contact Nancy Panitch, 503-318-0776, or Ellie Kirkham, 971-544-7003. More info at the Good Times table in Fuller Hall.
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| UU Poetry Group
Twice monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Channing Room. Questions? Albert Starr.
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| UUA Outreach Group
Monthly on the last Wednesday at 7 p.m., usually in B310, but check the sign board when entering. Questions? Ken Wheeler.
If your interest lies in the larger picture of UU ministry, join us! Bill Pryor, 503-894-9945. We'd love to hear from you.
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Women’s CirclesI: First and third Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Tess Beistel, 503-257-2042.
II: Second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. Questions? Kim, 503-869-1486.
III: First and third Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Questions? Dorothy Lewis, 503-292-1337.
IV: Twice a month on Wednesday evenings. We are looking for participants of all ages for supportive sharing and discussion about such topics as parenting and spirituality. Questions? Amy, 503-241-5451.
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Update Your Records with UsHave you moved recently? Changed your phone number or e-mail address? Anything else you'd like to let First Unitarian know?
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Do You Have an Item for E-news and/or the Sunday Bulletin?If you have an item you’d like published in our weekly Front Steps (eNews) or the Sunday Bulletin, please submit it to:
Communications@firstunitarianportland.org and include in the subject line “For eNews” –or- “For Sunday Bulletin” –or- “For eNews and Sunday Bulletin.”
This will get to all the right people. Deadline for submissions is noon on Wednesday. Because space is limited in our Sunday Bulletin, we’re unable to run articles for more than a week or two in advance, depending on the number of submissions. Articles may need to be shortened if space is tight.
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Sunday Livestream
Join us LIVE from your computer or smartphone on Sunday at 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.
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We share our offering each month with a community organization whose mission is in concert with our own.
Causa is our July shared plate recipient. Causa works to improve the lives of Latino immigrants and their families in Oregon through advocacy, coalition building, leadership development and civic engagement. It envisions a world where all people have the opportunities, and resources needed to thrive and a community that welcomes and values the contributions, strengths, and assets of Latino immigrants and their families.
Causa is a member of One Oregon, the statewide immigrant and refugee coalition, and also supports the Oregon Immigration Resource that provides legal resources and Know Your Rights resources.
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