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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2016)
6 • The Southwest Portland Post NEWS April 2016 Boys & Girls Aid offers free seminar for foster parents in Southwest By Jack Rubinger The Southwest Portland Post Boys & Girls Aid has a 130-year history in Oregon and the need for safety, security, and socialization for teens is just as important now as it was then. “There’s a crisis in Oregon,” said Ryan THE COUNTRY STORE (Continued from Page 4) Switch Shoes and Clothing celebrates 10th anniversary Co-owner Jennifer Robinson models a hat at Switch Shoes and Clothing. Switch Shoes and Clothing is celebrating their 10-year anniversary April 8 – 10 with a three-day sale, door surprises, and events. A dance party starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 8, a henna artist will be on hand from noon - 4 p.m. on Saturday, and cake and Imondi, director of communications & marketing, Boys & Girls Aid. “There are more than 8,000 kids in foster care and 2,500 in Multnomah County. There are just not enough foster beds, so kids wind up in hospitals, unsafe homes, and shelters.” According to Imondi, “While teens are perceived as an intimidating population, they’re actually a great champagne will be served on Sunday. Sales will take place during the regular daytime hours. Located in Multnomah Village, Switch opened in April 2006 as a retail shoe store. After a baby clothes business closed next door, Switch owners cut a door through the wall expanding their floor space offering items from small independent designers in Portland and Israel. “In 2010, we doubled our size and added clothing,” co-owner Jason Lensch said. “We have stayed committed to our core concepts and values throughout our decade of business. “Seventy percent of our Israeli shoes and some of our clothing lines can only be found at our store and nowhere else in the country,” Lensch said. He, and wife Jennifer Robinson, another co-owner, chair the Multnomah Village Business Association. They coordinate Multnomah Days, the holiday gala, flower baskets, and securing more business members. Rina and Moshe Menashe are the other owners. “The circle of women supporting women is truly the heart of the business,” said Rina. “It’s the heart of Switch.” Located at 7871 SW Capitol Hwy., Switch is open Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and every first Friday until 9 p.m. population at a turning point, so foster parents can have real conversations, set positive direction, and provide meaningful input during this pivotal period.” Because foster parents are often busy during the daytime working, Boys & Girls Aid has established a day program at their Johns Landing headquarters for teens which accommodates 15 children at a time. The day program, open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., also reduces foster parent burn-out because it’s tough to reward foster parents who need to take care of themselves. For those interested in learning more about helping at risk teens, Boys & Girls Aid is conducting a free informational event at the Southwest Community Center, 6820 SW 45th Avenue, on Thursday, April 14, from 6 – 8 p.m. For more information, visit: http://boysandgirlsaid.org. “Regardless of age or background, we believe children belong in families that are permanent and stable. While every child deserves a family, not every child has a family. Between the ages of 0 to 23, we have a focus on making sure every child has a lifelong adult connected to their future,” said Imondi. “Kids in foster care are Oregon’s most at-risk population. In fact, this population is 63 times more likely to be incarcerated than other groups.” Londo Ramos has fostered 20 youth over the last 3 years. Her 20th foster child came just last week. Most children in her home are teenagers, but she’s had kids between the ages of 12 – 18. Ramos and her husband follow up with kids after they leave their care. Most return home to parents and do well. Some go into other treatment programs and some to other foster homes after completing the Boys & Girls Aid program. “Being a foster parent takes a great deal of patience, love, and willingness to be flexible,” said Ramos. “Most youth in our home come from very unstable home lives. We love watching youth grow emotionally, mentally, and in height. Most youth have never had a family meal at a dinner table, no home cooked food, or food that was not out of a box. “It’s hard to see youth fail and return to detention, or see youth return to a family environment that is unhealthy, only to return to foster care or the juvenile court system,” Ramos added. “But the majority are successful. And become law abiding, self-reliant citizens.” Ramos works for the State of Oregon and the CARE Assist program. She also works for the State of Oregon in the Trauma Systems Program as a policy analyst. “Our programs offer an alternative to detention and incarceration,” said Elizabeth Vrooman, foster family outreach coordinator, Boys & Girls Aid. “We help kids get back on track during during difficult periods of transition. We also provide important life skills coaching so kids can better manage their futures.” Boys & Girls Aid also offers a new teen girl program for those close to age 18 which teaches about budgeting, setting goals, earning a college diploma and fulfilling college applications. On an emotional level, the program provides role models for healthy relationships, learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and learning how to articulate and advocate for yourself. Headquartered at 018 SW Boundary Court, this nonprofit works to secure lifelong connections for every child in Oregon. POST A-Z BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY 503-244-6933 • • • • • • • US and Foreign Coins World Currency Gold and Silver Bullion Collector Supplies/Books Appraisals Family friendly Hot coffee and Friendly conversation • ALWAYS BUYING 9214 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway 971-302-7972 www.harryscoinshop.com < HJAM FInAncIAl ServIceS, llc > Hans J Manseth, CFP ® Certified Financial Planner TM ‘lIvIng & WorkIng WItH clIentS locAlly SInce 2001’ hans@hjamfinancial.com • www.hjamfinancial.com 825 NE Multnomah Suite 1150 Portland, OR 97232 503.227.4817 ext. 3033 • 888.769.6532 Scott Ford, one of our readers, enjoyed a fabulous salad and a copy of the Southwest Portland Post in South Waterfront. Where do you read The Post? YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD HANDYMAN 20 years in Multnomah Village! “Call Kenny!” Kenneth S. Morse Deirdre McDonnell | Realtor® dmcdonnell@windermere.com OFFICE: (503) 497-5422 CELL: (503) 360-8939 www.deirdremcdonnell.withwre.com CCB License #195820 503-939-5452 morseks@aol.com Excellent SW Portland references Hans J Manseth, CFP® is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of, and securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through, Equity Services, Inc. (ESI), Member FINRA/SIPC, One National Life Dr., Montpelier, VT 05604 (800) 344-7437. HJAM Financial Services is independent of Equity Services, Inc. TC83373(0215)1