Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center and Rosemary Anderson High School provides the highest quality services in alternative education, mentoring, family outreach, employment training, and placement.

I learned so much about the origins of this 50+ year old organization which began by providing education, work experience, and opportunities to primarily Black adults in underserved communities. Their work is now centered on providing those same opportunities to youth who are at risk. With four school campuses many students have experienced homelessness, poverty, violence and the criminal justice system.

“Two programs at POIC+RAHS: The Kitchen and Healing Hurt People, are possible in part thanks to support from ninety-nine girlfriends.” (POIC+RAHS)

The Kitchen is a hub for healthy food for students and a place where culinary skills can be taught to adults. The Kitchen provides culturally specific, cost effective meals that are transported by van to the campuses. They found that if you provide delicious food then students will show up to school! There is a dedicated chef, and adults can attend culinary classes to learn an employable skill. A win for all!

The Healing Hurt People program is a team of about nine people with lived experience, who respond alongside first responders to violent incidents, working to prevent retaliation to gang violence and de-escalate situations. The program has expanded its work with OHSU to include Legacy Emanuel Hospital, both Level One Trauma Hospitals. Staff show up to talk with victims, their families, and friends hoping to prevent additional violence. This is an important and specialized program, particularly as POIC+RAHS has frequent experience with students involved in violent, sometimes fatal incidents. – Kristin, Impact Partner Liaison