Spring is right around the corner and we are feelin’ it! What a difference a sunny day can make. The ability to be outside with others more often is a gift. We see you, our volunteer community, as a gift, too, and such an important part of the connected community we are so happy to be part of building.

As usual, we have plenty happening that we are excited to share with you, from sharing opportunities to cook, meeting our newest staff person you’ll might work with, learning about our trauma-informed approach and more. Thanks for reading – we sure appreciate you!

SAVE THE DATE: Our Spring Volunteer Orientation on April 17th

We hope you can join us next month for our quarterly Zoom orientation for current and prospective volunteers! It’s a casual time to meet our team, connect with each other, learn about Human Solutions (and our trauma-informed care approach) and find out about upcoming volunteer needs and opportunities. Here are the details:

• WHEN: Saturday, April 17, 9:30 – 10:30 AM
• WHERE: On Zoom, of course! (Click here when the time comes. Learn to use Zoom here.)
• WHY: Because we like connecting with you and it’s a great way to meet others and know what’s going on. And, we figure you might want to build ties with Human Solutions’ broader work in the community – we do a lot!
• WHO: Current, past and prospective volunteers!
• RSVP: Not needed – just show up!
• WIN THE RAFFLE: Anyone who attends is entered to win a lovely bottle of Winderlea wine (if that’s your jam) and a copy of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s book How to Be an Antiracist.

We sure hope to see you there!

WOW! An Inspiring Bat Mitzvah Project

A huge thank you goes out to Mica, our youngest volunteer, from everyone at our Gresham Women’s Shelter, which welcomes all people who identify as women, non-binary or gender-queer. What an incredible evening of food and gifts she prepared for everyone on Valentine’s (or Galentine’s ?) Day!

As a part of her Bat Mitzvah service project, this local seventh grader planned a beautiful community-made Valentine’s Day dinner for 35 shelter residents after asking what they would enjoy. We encourage this approach because it prioritizes our residents’ goals for their futures – and it’s always important to consider dietary needs. Along with a delicious meal that she coordinated among friends and family, she made each resident an amazing self-care basket (pictured) complete with candy, make-up, gift cards and more!

Despite her event falling on the snowiest weekend in years, Mica persisted. The roads were challenging and much of the county was without power. Instead of rescheduling the event (as we offered), Mica insisted that the residents might especially appreciate a hot meal in such conditions. And right though she was, the love, care and support she displayed was a particular honor to witness. Showing people that they are special and valued is so important – especially for those experiencing homelessness who so rarely feel that from the systems where they seek services.

Welcome Analis, our Americorps VISTA

We’re excited to introduce you to Analis Rivasplata (pictured), who is spending a year with our volunteer and in-kind donations team through the federal Americorps VISTA program (run locally by Mercy Corps NW). She’s already helping our volunteer & in-kind donations coordinators, Shawna and Brielle, to organize and expand our efforts and think ahead to the days when we can invite you all back in person into our spaces. We can’t wait for that day to come (not for at least another few months)!

About Analis: Analis is a proud Peruvian-American born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. Her mother was an elementary school art teacher and her father was an eclectic basement dwelling artist, and as a result, she was fated to be raised in the arts. She eventually learned how to tie her shoes, turn her tongue into a taco, and make macaroni and cheese, and she’s spent the majority of her life doing these things for foster youth. She has spent several years traveling both in the US and abroad, volunteering with numerous organizations ranging from safe homes for victims of human trafficking to farms growing organic fruits and veggies. She loves dogs, kids, plants, books and the smell of the hardware store. She takes a keen interest in tangible life skills and loves to get her hands dirty learning survival skills, basic mechanics, carpentry and plant identification.