Liason Report on North by Northeast Community Health Center

Recently, our Impact Partner Liaison Trina Brodsky met up with North by Northeast Community Health Center to catch up on their activities. If you are interested in learning more about being a liaison to an impact partner, please contact Van Pham.

Executive Director Suzy Jeffreys was very welcoming and appreciative of ninety-nine girlfriends’ commitment to the health center and especially grateful for our trust-based philanthropy approach. 

North by Northeast Community Health Center is a primary care clinic in Northeast Portland, caring for local, primarily Black residents, although all are welcome. They are looking for a new medical director as their founding medical director has retired. They are also seeking a clinical social worker to help with screening for social determinants of health, providing resources and referrals, and offering integrated behavioral health visits. They have noticed an increased demand for mental health services post-pandemic. 

The clinic offers blood pressure monitoring in local barber shops, although the area has fewer barber shops since the pandemic. They are hoping to obtain home blood pressure and glucose monitoring equipment and expand their clinic hours.  

The clinic offers additional services, sometimes through a partnership with Metro. For example, “Safe Homes! Healthy Homes!,” 24-hour sharps disposal, paint recycling, mold and hazard cleanup, home fire extinguishers, and monthly fresh produce boxes. They’ve also hosted a backpack with school supplies giveaway, a bike and bike helmet giveaway, and a summer safety program. Together with Portland Parks and Rec, they offer a summer water safety program.

It’s an honor to be a liaison for this wonderful impact partner and to see their wonderful work. I plan to volunteer at their annual fundraiser on April 3, 2025.  ~ Trina 

Spread the Love: Amplify the Power of Ninety-Nine Girlfriends on Social Media

Craft a social media post to share why you’re a Girlfriend!

Promoting ninety-nine girlfriends on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook isn't just about spreading the word—it's about amplifying the impact of our mission. Your shares and posts are working! Since May, we've seen increases in our social media follows by 5% (LinkedIn), Instagram (3%) and Facebook (1%).

When you like, comment and share our content, you help to build a stronger community of supporters who believe in the power of collective giving. Each interaction increases our visibility, reaching more potential members and partners. You also send a powerful message that you stand with us in creating positive change. Every like, comment, and share isn't just a click—it's a step toward making a meaningful difference.

Member Spotlight on Jane Ullman

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

One of the founders of ninety-nine girlfriends invited me several years ago, and I became a member based on my respect for her and her commitment to our region. I figured I'd try it for a year and then probably drop out. Ha! I was so impressed with the nonprofits we supported and the group's rigor and thoughtfulness that now I expect to be a member forever.

What keeps you engaged/interested/connected?

Impact – ninety-nine girlfriends makes it easy for me to donate to local organizations that have deeply positive impacts on our community. I want to contribute locally, but I couldn't possibly identify and vet all the amazing organizations we support. Ninety-nine girlfriends does the heavy lifting and I get to tag along.

Flexibility – If I want to participate in social events or educational sessions or reviewing grant applications, I can. But I don't have to. There's no pressure, but there's lots of opportunity.

Women – The women I've met through ninety-nine girlfriends are smart and engaging and have a wide range of experiences. In person or virtually, it's been delightful to meet women I would not otherwise have met through my regular professional and social channels.

Community Energy Project

This year, our 2023 Impact Partner Community Energy Project (CEP) collected detailed demographic data to ensure their services reached Portland's most vulnerable communities. They also launched a strategic plan to support growth and deepen their impact. They released some key highlights from their equity report in their latest newsletter: 

56% of their clients are people of color

63% earn at or below 50% of Median Family Income

80% of their staff have experienced being low-income

67% of their board members identify as women

North by Northeast Community Healthcare

On August 22, North by Northeast Community Health Center held their Safe Homes, Healthy Homes: Back to School Edition event, handing out over 70 backpacks to students getting ready to return to school! If you need a little midweek pick me up, check out this fun video from the NxNE staff after their annual fundraiser (very pleased to report this is not their first video inspired by top hits). 

Extend Your Girlfriend Network Beyond the Portland Area

As a member, you have access to lots of virtual learning and networking opportunities through Philanos, a national giving circle network that includes nearly 100 similar organizations. Attend a monthly learning webinar or jump into an informal affinity group to meet other women engaged in membership, communications, grantmaking, or operations. If you have questions, you can reach out to Michelle, one of our Girlfriends who’s on the Philanos board. 

Member Spotlight on Marie Gettel-Gilmartin

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

After working in corporate for 29 years, I started a communications consulting firm in 2019. Throughout my career I served on and led teams, including 13 years managing 70 communications professionals in 5 northwest states (including Alaska and Hawaii). I love being my own boss but I miss the daily collaboration and interaction. For several years I managed communications for my global firm’s sustainability and corporate citizenship programs, including our company foundation. I enjoyed amplifying our amazing work in building sustainable communities around the world. I was drawn to ninety-nine girlfriends because I share your commitment to making the world a better place and giving back.

What has engaged you/interested you so far?

I’ve jumped in with both feet! I participated in the Discovery Forum on poverty, attended the Letters of Interest Workshop, joined the awesome Communications Team, and served on a Grant Review Team. I have been impressed by people’s warmth, intelligence and shared passion for using our money for good.

A little about me

I met my British husband while teaching English in Japan. We have three sons (now 27, 21, and 17), the oldest of whom was born at just 24 weeks gestation and is a walking, thriving miracle. One of my callings is raising kind men who are respectful to women. My hubby was a stay-at-home dad for most of our parenthood years.

My superpowers are generating ideas, communicating, and connecting people. After the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor I became a podcaster and interviewed 150+ people around the world from marginalized communities. Hearing and amplifying their stories has been one of my life’s greatest honors. I fiercely believe in diversity, equity and inclusion and write on these topics regularly.

I adore traveling, reading, walking in nature and being creative. I also love music and have played violin, guitar, cello, organ and mandolin. I also lead music and communications for my progressive Lutheran-Catholic church, Spirit of Grace.

Oregon Tradeswomen

Oregon Tradeswomen, 2023 Impact Partner, is seeking sponsors, guests, or volunteers for their annual Blue-Collar Fundraising Gala and Industry Awards,coming up on September 13 at the Melody Event Center. The event will raise funds for the organization’s compelling work and honor exemplary tradespeople. Their Woman on the Rise Award recognizes women in the skilled trades who are rising as leaders in their careers, industry or communities, and the Wanda Hall Legacy Award recognizes a worker who champions others and serves as a role model and mentor s. The gala also features a raffle for two round-trip airfare tickets from Alaska Airlines. 

Community Energy Project

Earlier this month, 2023 Impact Partner, Community Energy Projectrevealed its new mission statement: “Community Energy Project partners with low-income families on the front lines of climate change to create more resilient, efficient and healthy homes. We transform homes, share skills and community wisdom and advocate for energy justice.” Read more about their vision for a just and sustainable, clean energy future in their newsletter, linked above.

A New Fellow Joins the Program

We are delighted to welcome Catherine Wehage, new to ninety-nine girlfriends in 2024, as one of our Fellows. Catherine will join Lan Fendors and Jane Ullman on the Finance & Operations Committee. For the last 10 years, Catherine has streamlined operations for tech, healthcare and nonprofit organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing bachata and salsa, hiking and traveling. Born in Portland, Catherine now lives in Clark County with her husband and two children and works for the City of Portland. We are so happy that Fellows alum Ana Rau introduced Catherine to us! you would like to learn more about becoming or mentoring a Fellow, please reach out to Michelle

Spotlight on Melaura Wittemyer

I joined ninety-nine girlfriends when a friend, whom I greatly admire, invited me to a World Cafe to learn about the mission.

I was, and continue to be, inspired by the concept of giving back to your local community. The power of collective giving is so evident in ninety-nine girlfriends’ impact. 

I really value learning about local non-profits I would otherwise not have exposure to. I am committed to reform of our justice system, and so appreciate being introduced to the non-profit groups that provide bridges back to the community with job training for women released from prison.

I am impressed with how ninety-nine girlfriends has evolved over the years - such as the recent expansion to a wider member base - offering different contribution levels. The commitment of member volunteers in governance, administration, grant preparation, and ongoing support to grant recipients, etc., is amazing. I, unfortunately, am not able to donate my time, but certainly value those who do. 

Thank you for the leadership, innovation and inspiration ninety-nine girlfriends provides to so many. You are all truly remarkable.

Cheers! 


Friends of Noise

Friends of Noise (FoN) is thrilled to once again partner with the Waterfront Blues Festival, which will be held Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7.

Through our partnership, FoN is able to connect its teen sound engineers with opportunities to shadow backstage. Musicians from the FoN community will perform onstage as well! This year they are proud to present the following bands at the Crossroads Stage:

Red Strings: Thurs, 7/4 at 5:00

Blvk Harmony: Thurs, 7/4 at 5:30

Earl Gracious: Sat, 7/6 at 1:00

Jack 10: Sat, 7/6 at 1:30

They will also have an info table all four days, so be sure to stop by and say hello! 


Get Your Girlfriend Updates by Text

The survey results are in. Enough of you are interested in hearing from us via text that we are adding this channel to our communications. Beginning with our August 21 issue, we will text a link to Member Updates to the phone number we have on file for you. If you prefer not to receive texts, just opt out by following the prompt in the message. This will stop you from receiving any future texts as well. We intend to use texting to complement our outreach for important reminders like voting, membership renewal, and exciting announcements.


New Leadership Opportunity for Younger Members 

Ninety-nine girlfriends is relaunching our Fellows Program. Since 2017, we’ve used this program to recruit and engage members in their 20s and 30s. With our strategic plan completed and the advent of tiered membership, we’ve revised the program to focus on (1) offering leadership opportunities (for example, on a committee or team); (2) hosting peer social events; and (3) matching each Fellow with another Girlfriend, based on career and personal interests. 


The redesigned Fellows Program supports Strategic Plan Goal One, “Build an engaged, diverse, and connected membership,” as well as Goal Three, Objective 1, “Strengthen governance and leadership.” 


Interested? Learn more about the program’s history here, and then please complete this short application. Have questions? Michelle Hynes would love to talk with you. 


Intisar Abioto’s Artist Talk at KSMoCA

On June 6, 2024, 2022 Impact Partner the King School Museum of Contemporary Art hosted their final program for this school year – an artist talk with Intisar Abioto, their Spring 2024 artist in residence, and an exhibition opening for her project, “The Hold: Land & Water Stewards of Pacific Northwest Turtle Island.” This event capped a remarkable year focused on artists featured in the Black Artsts of Oregon exhibition on display at Portland Art Museum earlier this year, which Intisar also curated.

Founder and co-director Lisa Jarrett kicked off the program by asking the students why they studied art. Students eagerly offered a broad range of reasons: to see things that people love doing; to see art in a long line of history; for your emotions or enjoyment; to experience art; and to be inspired to do it yourself. All of these reasons and more are present in how they support students in exploring, creating, and curating art at their school. 

Throughout the year, artists in residence engage in programs alongside the students to explore a broad range of topics through the artists’ practice(s) and create original work that culminates in an exhibition and artist talk. The program also has two dedicated classrooms in King School, one of which is the site of ongoing mentorship sessions between King students and undergraduate students enrolled in the recurring “KSMoCA: Museum in a School” class as part of the Portland State University Art and Social Practice Program. 

In her recent talk, Intisar presented her photography series highlighting Black and Indigenous stewards of the land – a powerful series of images depicting often untold or overlooked stories of people and their relationships to place. As a part of her residency, she created a new set of photographs that included a portrait of Ms. Ruby, the beloved food and nutrition steward at King School, and documentation of two workshops with a kindergarten class, where students tasted herbs and created drawings of their favorites on t-shirts.

During her talk, Intisar offered that her project was another vision of our collective relationship and a prompt to take better care of each other by taking care of the land. “Do you think the land remembers us?” was one of the questions Intisar posed to King Elementary students last week, to murmurs and shouts of “yes!” 

This question and spirit of the project feel like a core part of KSMoCA at large – an initiative that is committed to making students active, engaged authors, curators, and interpreters of art; stewards in their own right of meaning, curiosity, place, self, and community. The building of King Elementary remembers its students. The walls sing, alive with their collaborations, evident in this museum-in-a-school’s (extensive and growing) permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, activating the school’s hallways and exteriors. The works on display are the legacy of their being asked not just to learn, but also to dream, reflect on their favorite parts of themselves, look up at the sky, and imagine themselves in the shoes of activists and ancestors. The joy and power in their work is palpable. 

As summer break is right around the corner, programming will be on pause until the fall, but you can still enjoy much of their work online – their amazing catalogs are available online as PDF downloads and for sale in print for your personal bookshelves. Student works are available as collectible prints in their online shop; as well as online archives of photos from programs and audio from their podcast project.

Summer Potlucks are Coming

Girlfriends Margie S, Kathy M, and Jody BS enjoy seeing other Girlfriends during the summer. Each is offering their home for a casual potluck. They hope you can carve out time to attend one (or more!) to get to know your Girlfriends a little better. (These events are not sponsored by ninety-nine girlfriends). 


Tuesday, July 2, 5:30-8:00PM   

HOST: Kathy M. - SW Portland/Raleigh Hills

Backyard: Croquet, badminton, food and drinks

Limit: 30

Email to register: Kathy M.


Monday, July 22, 5:30-8:00PM

HOST: Jody B.S. - NW Portland out Hwy 30 near bridge to Sauvie Island

Houseboat: Swimming, kayaking, hanging out on the deck, food and drinks

Limit: 12

Email to register: Jody B.S.


Sunday, August 4, 5:30-8:00PM

HOST: Margie S. - Gresham 

Farm: Delightful hidden spaces and a beautiful view with food and drinks

Limit: 15

Email to register: Margie S.


Take the Initiative

We enthusiastically welcome everyone's contributions of time but don’t require them. It's up to you to let us know if you want to volunteer. Reach out to us to learn about existing opportunities. Or register for an event and sign up to volunteer at it. Or click through a link when we ask for help and learn more. There are many ways to share your skills and abilities. 

Link to past tips