FinAbility

FinAbility seeks volunteer financial mentors who can empower survivors to achieve greater financial independence through one-on-one support. No specialized financial background is required. You just need to complete financial coaching training, meet with mentees 3-5 hours a month over the year, and support at least one mentee per quarter. Learn more and apply at finabilityus.org/financial-mentoring.

Committing to protect philanthropic work

Our governing board voted unanimously to endorse the Council on Foundations’ public commitment to protecting our freedom to express ourselves, give, and invest in our communities. 

A Public Statement from Philanthropy

Everyone—wherever we're from or whatever our point of view—wants to live in a nation that upholds the fundamental rights and liberties we all deserve and need to thrive.

As charitable giving organizations – private and family foundations, community foundations, corporate foundations, and more – we contribute to communities in every corner of America. Together, we support new parents and elders, veterans and school children, hospitals and libraries, churches and food kitchens, artists and researchers, throughout rural, suburban, and urban communities in every state and territory. Yet in this moment, we face the threat of governmental attacks on our ability to carry out this vital mission, when the communities, organizations, and individuals we support need it most. Read the rest of the statement.

Discovery Forum unpacks critical issue

Sixty-five Girlfriends engaged with each other and the complex nature of homelessness at our recent Discovery Forum. Dr. Marisa Zapata, Director of PSU’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative, challenged us to look at our views of housing people in our own neighborhoods. You can find our program, “Understanding Homelessness: From Education to Action” and suggested actions on our website.

We will continue to examine housing and home stability throughout this year. If you have resources or ideas on this topic or one of our other focus areas, please contact Karen or Barbara, your member ed co-chairs. Enjoy the photo gallery. 

Member Spotlight on Jodeanne (Jody) Scheer

My son first encouraged me to join ninety-nine girlfriends, because his best friend’s mother was a founding member. At the time, I loved the idea of a women’s philanthropy group, but I was also overwhelmed with work, the birth of my first grandson, and other family and volunteer activities. When I retired, my friend and colleague Kathy Masarie invited me to attend an educational workshop with the Girlfriends. This workshop was scheduled on the exact same day as the COVID epidemic was called, and it was a memorable day of learning while we all faced a new and unknown adversary. I was immediately hooked on the experience of women working in service to create community. I have been a member ever since.

I love that there are so many opportunities to be involved that vary in responsibility, time investment, interest, and skills. I have enjoyed being on the member education committee, working on ideas for moving beyond a traditional land acknowledgment, attending educational offerings, and learning from other Girlfriends a deeper appreciation for and practice of philanthropy, racial equity, and social justice. I am delighted to work with such a large group of inspirational women dedicated to creating the world we want to live in.

I have spent my life as a wife, mother, pediatrician, world traveler, riverhouse community member, nature lover, sea kayaker, author, and seeker. I am also grandma to three rambunctious and adorable boys (ages three, five, and eight), who keep me entertained (and humble) two days a week. I also enjoy far too many book groups! 

I am deeply grateful for the people and support systems that helped me, an orphanage survivor, a foreign exchange student, and an emancipated minor, to achieve my dreams. I would love for all kids from humble beginnings—like mine–to have homes, food, healthcare, education, security, and mentorship to live their best lives and to know they matter. Working with women to make this happen, for me, is joyful work.

Jody Scheer

Path Home

Suzanne Savaria, our liaison to Path Home, recently attended their Family Reunion.

“It was a beautiful and inspiring event celebrating 25 years of serving women, children, and families. The evening began with food, drink, and games like Buckets, Cornhole, and Putt Putt golf, where guests could earn raffle tickets for game prize packages. Later in the evening, we celebrated many of the people who have contributed time, effort, and money as Path Home has grown from its small beginnings as Goose Hollow Women’s Shelter.  

A special performance by Amenta Abioto featured her “Flower, Love of My Life” lullaby written with a Path Home resident. Amenta is one of the singer/songwriters who participated in the Lullaby Project – a collaborative program with Path Home, Oregon Symphony, and local singer/songwriters.  Songwriters work with parents to write lullabies for their children.The Lullaby Project will share the songs at a concert on Tuesday, May 13 at the Alberta Rose Theater. Tickets are only $10. 

In a powerful and moving part of the Family Reunion called the “Mission Moment,” a mother and son who stayed at the shelter 15 years ago shared their experience. The values of dignity, family, innovation, and compassion were center stage throughout the evening. It was a special event, and I’m proud that ninety-nine girlfriends is supporting such a wonderful organization.”

Get more out of your membership and VOLUNTEER!

Ninety-nine girlfriends is totally volunteer run, thanks to your generosity. You will connect with other Girlfriends and benefit from giving back when you volunteer. Our volunteer needs range from leadership positions to one-time tasks. Whether you have 30 hours or 30 minutes to spare and bring professional experience or want to grow your skills in a new area, your help means we can help more of our community members!

Member Spotlight on Diane Rulien

I had never heard of ninety-nine girlfriends until I went to a Christmas open house at an old friend's home. It was there that I met Barbara Long. We were only 2 minutes into our conversation when she brought up the subject of ninety-nine girlfriends. I was intrigued. The idea of an organization of women working together to help the community in these times was very appealing to me. There's so much frustration and helplessness about the current situation that I felt I really needed to have something positive to do. Of course a person can always give money to any number of causes, but it is especially rewarding to be involved in the process of distributing the money so that you know who it goes to and what it accomplishes. 

I retired two years ago and live in a retirement community of 54 people. The residents range in age, the youngest being in his late 60s and the oldest being 98. Most of us are politically aware and active in charities, volunteer organizations, and causes. When I mentioned ninety-nine girlfriends over breakfast, several people here asked me about it and wondered how it works. I look forward to telling them about the process and what it accomplishes. Grassroots organizing and word of mouth between individuals keeps me motivated. I'm excited about feeling useful and productive.

During my working years, I was a waitress, a sanitary engineering aid, a trainee for Pacific Northwest Bell lineman, a Greyhound bus driver, an attorney, and a real estate agent. Between these jobs, I was going to school, married, had a daughter, divorced, had a 31-year relationship, did some traveling, and became interested in 3D photography. My married daughter and grandson live in Portland. Like most parents, I have always hoped I would leave the world a better place for those who came after me. There are so many problems and I want to work with others toward solutions.

North by Northeast Community Health Center

Trina Brodsky, last year’s liaison to Impact Partner North by Northeast Community Health Center, welcomes anyone who might want to join in on the joyful experience of their annual Community Supper! Taking place on April 3, this event is more than just a fundraiser; it’s an opportunity to gather community, hear from patients, and learn about the center’s visions for the future. Find more information on the event website.

ELSO

Are you connected to youth who have an interest in design? Share information about ELSO’s online spring cohort, Studio Justice. Registration has just opened. The program is a paid opportunity, offering after-school programs and outreach events for learners ages 14-20 to learn about design as a tool that enables leadership and agency for youth. ELSO has more information on their website. Please share the application with potential participants. Registration closes Wednesday, April 2! 

Working Theory Farm

Henney, development director of Working Theory Farm, took liaisons Holly Van-Edmonds and Barbara Long for a great tour of the farm, along with his dog Bagel. It may be late winter, but there is a lot of work going on, including winter crops, pruning, seed propagation, and prep for the summer’s garden. They learned more about the youth development /mentoring that is central to the farm’s mission, food distribution, and important community partnerships (such as Centro Cultural, another Impact Partner). Working Theory Farm has partnered with Harkins House since 2019 to welcome adjudicated youth to the farm once a week and provide paid internships throughout the summer. Henney considers this a different model of workforce development. 

Support opportunity: Sign up for a CSA share at https://workingtheoryfarm.org. 

Welcome our newest Fellows!

We are delighted to welcome our newest Fellows: Bailey Bushart and Nhi Nguyen. Bailey is the grants manager for Rose Haven, one of our Impact Partners, and was encouraged by Fellows alum Liz Starke to join. Nhi is a social policy analyst at New America, and she was inspired to join after attending our 2024 awards celebration. Read more about Nhi and Bailey on the Fellows page.

Nhi Nguyen

Bailey Bushart

How to sponsor a member

Do you have a friend or family member who would like to join ninety-nine girlfriends but whose funds are a little tight? Would you like to give the gift of membership? It has never been easier to become a member sponsor. Simply go to the Donate or Sponsor page on our website, choose the “Full Sponsored Membership” option, and provide the sponsee’s contact information, selected membership level ($300, $600, $1200, $1800, or $2500), and form of payment. If you have any questions or need some help, contact us.  

Member Spotlight on Emily Borke

2025 is my first year as a member of ninety-nine girlfriends. I’m really looking forward to learning more and participating with this group. I’ve been exploring ways I can expand my impact in our community and a new friend mentioned this group as a great way to connect with other folks looking to do the same. I love the idea of collective giving and sharing resources.  

I am a social worker and my background is in healthcare, grants management, and project planning and implementation. With over 20 years of working with social service organizations in the Portland area, I’m excited to share my knowledge and also learn more about the great work happening in our community! I am especially passionate about public health, housing, and supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

I’m lucky to have lived in Oregon my whole life and I enjoy spending time with my two kiddos and our zoo (two cats and a dog), reading, gardening, hiking, having adventures of all kinds, and trying to improve my pickleball serve.

ELSO camp registration is open

ELSO is dedicated to closing the STEAMED achievement gap while fostering a sense of belonging for Black and Brown communities in both natural and built environments. Their Wayfinders' four-day Spring Break Camp (March 25-28) engages youth (K-8th grade) in exploring the scientific method through hands-on experiments in apparel design science, environmental studies, and life sciences. Registration is open. Check out their program director, Jamie Newsome, describing the program.

We’re stronger together – at home and beyond

Ninety-nine girlfriends is a member of Philanos, a national network of 100+ giving collectives like ours. Like us, Philanos recently released a statementaffirming their commitment to their mission, values and partners in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. Michelle Hynes, a founding member of ninety-nine girlfriends, serves on the Philanos board and co-chairs their education committee. Please feel free to reach out to her with questions.