8
community
august4
2016
Where Are They Now? Katy Stevens continued from page 3
but is also a mentorship program,” ex- and education opportunities and entre-
plains Stevens. “Everyone who receives preneurial ventures, and have no age re-
assistance from us is assigned a mentor strictions. “We want to support all forms
who was previously houseless or is well of career and personal advancement,”
says Stevens. “And
versed in the field
not just direct peo-
in which they want
ple towards higher
to receive their ed-
education because
ucation.”
that doesn’t work
“It
was
for everyone.”
such an honor to
In
addition,
have her do that,”
Stevens says her
says Betsy Mill-
organization will
er. “The way she
do outreach to con-
presented it to us
nect those in the
was that it was
houseless
com-
one small way she
munity with those
could say thank
that have homes.
you and pass it
Stevens recently
forward, which I
hosted a fundraiser
thought was such
for TMSF at her
an incredibly hu-
home in Southeast
man and heartfelt
Portland on July
thing to do; that
17. She invited
she realized that
Stevens
(right),
with
her
friend
Souvanny
several leaders of
she received some
help at a critical Miller, at her SE Portland home. Miller is the some prominent
time and it pro- Chair of the Board of Directors for The Miller houseless camps in
Scholarship Foundation.
the Portland area
pelled her forward
to gain an education, and that education to speak and talk with individuals and
she received helped her become a more share their experiences about how they
compassionate human being, especially ended up living on the streets and how
towards people who might need some they make it work. “We wanted to put a
assistance. The compassion that I al- face to this national homeless crisis and
ways saw in her is truly embedded in humanize the individuals who are in this
so many ways by the people that helped situation,” says Stevens.
As part of initially assembling
her.”
Stevens says that, unlike many her nonprofit, Stevens had to gather a
education programs for homeless popu- Board of Directors. To head her organi-
lations, scholarships through TMSF are zation she turned to her old friend Sou-
available to, not only four year univer- vanny Miller, currently studying law at
sities, but also a wide range of career Lewis and Clark College, who will serve
as Chair of the Board. Stevens will act
as Executive Director. “Souvanny keeps
everybody in line, including me, just
like in high school,” says Stevens with a
laugh.
TMSF will hold fundraising
events every month for the rest of this
year and is accepting private donations
as well. Stevens says she hopes TMSF
will give away 10 scholarships in Febru-
ary.
Stevens spoke at a fundraiser for her
foundation which is named after the
Miller family who helped her when she
was homeless.
“I’m thrilled that Souvanny is
involved,” says Betsy Miller. “I can’t
tell you how honored I am that Katy’s
time with us meant that much to her. I’m
ecstatic that what she wants to do with
her life is help other people. I saw that
capacity in her from eighth grade on.
That she is living it and has embraced it
is truly wonderful.”
Stevens says she will not receive
any compensation as Executive Direc-
tor, at least for the first year of opera-
tions. “In my opinion every dollar we
raise should be going towards creating
economic opportunities for these indi-
viduals who need them the most,” says
Stevens. “I’ll work to develop my skills
as a business owner and at managing
volunteers and do my best to get as many
scholarships out there as possible.”
In addition to her work with
TMSF, Stevens recently accepted a po-
sition with SAFE of Columbia County
and will be working part time at the Ver-
nonia Health Clinic providing advocacy
for survivors of domestic and sexual vio-
lence.
It has been a long and some-
times difficult 10 year journey for Katy
Stevens, from the first days of December
2007 to graduating from both Vernonia
High School and the University of Port-
land, to creating a career she can feel
good about.
“It means the world to me that
she is soaring as high as we knew she
could,” says Betsy Miller. “She’s always
been able to see outside her own world
to the greater good. Vernonia should be
proud that these are the kinds of people
we are raising,”
For more information about The Miller
Scholarship Foundation go to www.
BeTheMillers.org.
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