Portland, Oregon
ERVER
VOLUME XIX NUMBER 29
JOIN THE FUN!
COLUMBIA
VILLA ANNUAL
PICNIC
SATURDAY,
JULY 29!
25<
JULY 27,1989
INTRODUCING
AMERICAN
BRIDGE
ASSOCIATION’S
NATIONAL
TOURNAMENT
IN PORTLAND,
OREGON
GUEST COMMENTARY
One of the objectives of the Oregon State Commission for Women is to
address issues affecting low income women. On April 21, the Commission
sponsored a conference on Welfare Reform. The purpose of the conference
was to create a forum that would enhance public debate on welfare reform
in Oregon and scrutinize Oregon’s New JOBS program as a model of
welfare reform. The final recommendations in the report from the confer­
ence show that Oregon has taken a leadership role in initialing welfare
reform.
The Women’s Commission is concerned about the nature of the accusa­
tions concerning the Administrator of Adult and Family Services Division,
Ms. Freddye Webb-Petett’s letter to Governor Goldschmidt, dated May 25,
Come celebrate the future of
she
was willing to accept the challenging assignment, make difficult
Columbia Villa. Join the residents
More than 2000 Bridge Players,
decisions
and take aggressive action to best serve the citizens of Oregon,
and the Housing Authority of Port­
most of them African-Americans will
now, with the recent public charges and questions about expenditures facing
land at the Second Annual Columbia
begin to assemble in Portland. Ore­
her performance as Administrator, Ms. Petett may never see these goals and
Villa Community Picnic.The last few
gon August 2, 1989, when the 56th
recommendations become a reality.
months have been filled with change
Annual Summer National Tourna­
From a historical perspective, AFS has always had trouble with budget
for this North Portland neighborhood.
ment of the A.B. A. gets underway at
deficits and low employee morale. Since the 1970’s the AFS budget has
HAP increased its staff presence at
the Hilton Hotel.lt is the first time
been cut and programs serving low income women and children have
Columbia Villa, the Safety Action
the Tournament has been held in the
undergone cuts while some programs such as two-parent welfare have been
Team moved in , and a multitude of
Pacific Northwest. The tournament
scrapped altogether. One former Administrator, was quoted as saying that
services began operating on-site, such
is expected to attract bridge enthusi­
AFS was the hardest job in state government. Some of the actions that Ms.
as the State Employment Division
asts from all over the country, who
Petett took are some of the same actions that other administrators took to
and the Youth Gang Outreach work­
will compete for prizes and master
raise employee morale and try to make the division more efficient. Ms.
ers. The picnic is a great opportunity
point awards.
Petett
found an agency demoralized over the past years by constant budget
to meet and talk with residents about
The A.B.A. a nationwide organi­
cuts,
staff
layoffs, holding of vacancies and deterioration of facilities. How
the changes in Columbia Villa and
zation with membership exceeding
could
AFS
and it’s employees expect to service clients in a professional,
how they have been affected by them.
5000 was formed in 1932. The pri­
dignified
m
annerjf the employees themselves didn’t feel much better than
The picnic’s co-sponsor. Bureau of
mary objective of the charter mem­
the
person
sitting
across from them?
Labor and Industries’ Job Corps, has
bers was to create an organization
Ms.
Petett
challenged
her management staff to build a team that works
been busily soliciting donations for
where African Americans could com­
effectively
together.
She
developed
new approaches and removed obstacles.She
the picnic from such as Franz Bak­
pete in tournament bridge, since the
stressed
the
need
to
hold
the
line
(or
reduce) caseloads, stabilize the agency,
ery, Nabisco, and Payless for food,
existing bridge organization denied
and
improve
communications
within
the division. Under Ms. Petett’s
and prizes for the games organized
them membership and participation.
management,
the
CASCADE
system
has
been fully implemented, there has
by the residents.
The A.B.A. is a social service
been
a
real
commitment
to
have
a
multi-ethnic
staff, and the division has
Please plan to join the fun:
club in the broadest sense of the
made
progress
with
long
range
planning
processes.
She emphasized the
Saturday, July 29, 1989
word. It advocates competition, but
importance
of
providing
consistent
but
fair
treatment
for
clients. The bottom
Vemellia Ruth Randall, 41, has been selected for the 1989 edition of also addresses social concerns. The
8920 North Woolsey Avenue
line
was
to
maintain
a
balanced
budget
W ho’s Who in American Law. Ms. Randall is an associate with Bullibant,
Columbia Villa
organization’s sensitivity is marked
Some of the questions o f expenditures in Ms. Petett’s administration
Houser, Bailey, Pendergrass & Hoffman where she practices primarily in
12:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
by programs designed to balance in­
Concern
meetings at resorts” , “ leather-bound gifts to employees” and
Live music donated by the band the areas of health care law, personal injury defense, professional malprac­ equities. Through competitions, fi­
silk
flowers
in offices” . Governor Goldschmidt directed the AFS Review
tice defense, and life, health, and disability insurance coverage issues. Ms.
“ Cliche.”
nancial and human to support the ac­
Commission,
chaired by Gary H. Heide, to review these concerns. The
Randall is also an adjunct professor at Lewis & Clark Northwestern School
For more information call 249-
tivities of others who work to pre-
Review
Commission
reported positive changes during Ms P etett’s admini­
of Law where she teaches health care law and is a recognized expert in
5514 or 229-6902.
r.rve the rights, respect, and general
stration.
According
to
Mr. Heide in his letter to Gov. Goldschmidt: “ We
health care law issues. She graduated from Lewis & Clark Northwestern
welfare of the race. The A.B.A. has
strongly
affirm
her
emphasis
on staff training and group building as a means
School of Law in 1987, has a M aster’s in Community & Family Nursing and
contributed many of its resources to
to
achieve
positive
effects
on the morale and the effectiveness of the
practiced nursing 14 years before attending law school.
the improvement of civic and cul­
Division’s
employees.
Her
insistence
on professionalism for all our workers
Ms. Randall is the vice-chair of the American Bar Associations, Young
tural activities within the commu­
and
her
efforts
to
improve
the
appearance
of our local offices speak
Lawyers Division, Health Law Committee. She is on the Board of Directors
nity.
eloquently
of
her
respect
for
our
clients”
.
for the American Heart Association (Oregon Affiliate), the Oregon Legal
The tournament is being hosted
In the opinion of the Review Commission, nothing was found in any
Services, and Oregon Women Lawyers. She is also very active in affirma­ by the Pacific Northwest Section
sense to be violation of the budget, or administrative rules concerning
tive action efforts at Lewis & Clark Northwestern School of Law, the
which include clubs in the cities of
expenditures. The Review Commission pledged to continue working with
Multnomah Bar Association, and the Oregon Bar Association.She is the
Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, and
Ms. Petett and her staff to accomplish their goals. There were some poor
secretary for the Association of Oregon Black Lawyers and chair of the
Portland, Oregon. The Northwest
administrative judgments made for some expenses, but none that were not
Special Events/Public Relations Committee for the Oregon United Negro
Section has approximately 200 made in the previous administration or in other state agencies. These
College Fund Campaign.
members. Portland is the host city expenditures are basically standard operating procedures. Most state agen­
Ms. Randall lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon with her two sons (Tshaka,
with Martha B. Jordan (Portland) and cies have the same type of expenses. Does this mean that state agencies
18 and Issa, 12). She is the daughter o f Ernest and Grace Randall of
Ed West (Seattle) co-chairing the
cannot spend within their budgets to improve and create an efficient office
Northeast Portland.
host activities.
as private industry does? Meetings have been held at the same resorts by
There will be 10 days o f bridge AFS and other state agencies for over a decade. These resorts charge lower
play where the general public is in­ rates for state government than they do the public.
vited to play and/or attend the Gen­
When the press reports such accusations and questions, it actually takes
eral Membership meeting on Tues­
on the responsibility of influencing public reaction about a state agency. The
day August 8, 1989.The Tournament
public should ask itself: Why is AFS a favorite “ whipping boy” of the
games will be organized into four press? It is not popular being poor in our society. And the press perpetuates
basic fields. Starting time for after­
the problem by reporting only negative opinions about the state agency that
The Job Corps project would target teen parents and provide on-site child care
noon sessions is 1:00 pm, with eve­
serves low income clients. What part of the criticism is based on fact and
Calling it “ a coup” for Portland, Congressman Ron Wyden (D-3rd) announced today that the Department
ning sessions beginning at 8:00. All
what part is based on an underlying belief that poor people and those who
of Labor has approved a proposal to establish a new job training project in Portland.
bridge players are invited to partici­
serve them, (mostly women, many of whom are former recipients) don’t
The project, which will be located at the former Washington-Monroe School in southeast Portland, will target
pate.
deserve the public’s money. Why does the press ignore Freddye Webb-
teenage parents and provide on-site day care for children o f the participants.
Petett’s letter and twenty-three page report, dated May 25, to Governor
“ W e’re in a crisis right now.So many young people want to break out of the cycle of poverty, but can’t
Goldschmidt?
In the case o f Ms. Petett, what part of the criticism is
because they don’t have the skills or they can’t afford day care. This project tackles both of these problems head
motivated
by
sexist
and racist attitudes? Finally, when the press has the
on.” Wyden said. “ With this project, we literally have a chance to have members of two generations of
facts,
why
doesn’t
it
report them just as vigorously as it does the accusa­
Oregonians become self-sufficient, productive citizens,” he said.
tions?
What
obligation
does the press have to the public in this regard?
Wyden said the project, dubbed PIVOT-Partners In Vocational Opportunity Training-is a “ first o f its kind”
The
W
omen’s
Commission
supports the changes that have been made by
in the country because it combines state, local and private resources with the Federal contribution.
Ms.
Petett
to
better
serve
low
income
people. The Commission has moni­
“ I think this project will benefit more than Portlanders,” Wyden said. “ Because of the unique partnership
tored
the
welfare
process
in
Oregon
for
over 4 years and we can say with
we’ve been able to put together, this project will be a model for the rest o f the country.”
certainty
that
welfare
reform
will
benefit
those individuals participating in
In addition to the Department of Labor, the Portland public Schools, the State Human Resources Division and
the
programs
and
the
economic
development
o f the state. The increase in
the Portland/Multnomah Private Industry Council will be partners in the project and will commit their services
pregnant
women
who
are
eligible
for
pre-natal
health care will decrease the
to the project
By Jimi Johnson
mortality rate of babies and mothers and in general free up the system to care
“ The reason I worked so hard on this project, and the reason it was selected was that we demonstrated the
for those with unavoidable health problems. What Oregon needed was an
need and we put together a unique plan that combines the talents and resources of the public and private sectors,
“ Ajo Dun” which means “ Happy
Administrator
with vision and Governor Golfdschmidt appointed one. Now
“ Wyden said. “ The result will be hundreds of young, disadvantaged Portlanders moving off the welfare rolls
Celebration” in Yoruba, Nigeria is
we
urge
the
Governor
to reinstate Freddye Wcbb-Petctt as Administrator of
and on to family wage payrolls, “ Wyden said.
what can be heard around the N.E.
Adult and Family Services Division so she can continue her work there.
The project will serve young people 16 to 21 years old who are economically disadvantaged, who have
Y.W.C.A. as they celebrate their first
children under three years of age and who are eligible for aid for Families with Dependent Children. Participants
summer youth program. Youth are
will be identified through referrals from the Portland Public Schools Teen Parent Program, the State Adult and
Submitted By the Oregon State Commission For Women
learning about themselves and other
Family Services Division, the Children’s Services Division, The Private Industry Council, the Boys and Girls
cultures through music and song. “ It’s
Aid Society and the Albina Ministerial Alliance.
fun way to play and learn because
Vocational training available will include Business/Clerical, Word Processing/Data Entry, and administra­
students can enjoy themselves and
and create a personal format for the take part in are field trips, swimming
tion. In addition to the vocational training, a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) will be offered through the
not become bored while learning,
students.
twice a week, guest speakers, and an
Portland public Schools, as well as a parenting skills class, driver’s education and other “ life skills” programs.
“ stated Charlotte Easley, a guest
The program is based on a wholcl- array of educational and cultural
Following completion o f the program, which for most students should take approximately 9 months. Job Corps
speaker at the center.
istic approach dealing with cultural awareness classes including Swahili.
placement services will be available to assist in placing graduates in full-time jobs. The project will have a
Constance “ Connie” Carley,
enrichment, selfesteem and the im­
“ Young People need to channel
capacity of 50 students at any one time.
Deputy Director of Youth Services
portance of educational awareness.
their energy in positive ways, or they’ll
“ Though Oregon has five existing residential Job Corps facilities, the inner Portland area has been without
Y .W .C .A ., says “ One unique thing
My staff and I have the willing­ use it in a negative way” stated Marie
a Job Corps facility since 1982,’’Wyden said. “ Inner Portland residents, particularly young parents, have not
about this program is we have a super
ness to lake the time to develop a DeCuir, a Youth Program Specialist.
had access to a non-residential program that provides quality job training, but also allows them to live at home
s ta f f ’. “ The young people get to
good program and provide quality
The N.E. Y.W.C.A Summer Plus
with their kids,’’Wyden said.
know the staff on a personal basis
service to our children, we need ac­ Program is a positive “ happening”
“ This is a real coup for Portland to get this project. I am extremely pleased that we’re seeing this kind of
and we encourage staff people to
tivities for our youth before they get in our community and hopefully, this
federal investm ent-an investment that will lead to self sufficiency for our disadvantaged young people-in our
interact with students on a problem­
into “ trouble” , states Carley.
program is here to stay for many
state.”
solving basis as well as a creative ba­
We encourage parental involve­ summers to come.
Wyden said he had been working with the various parties involved in the project for the last ycar-and-a-half
sis” , continued Connie Carley.
ment as well as young people to
For more information about
to work out details of the project and had been in close contact with Department o f labor officials in Washington,
The staff believes by knowing the
volunteer and become visible role “ Summer Plus” please call Gena
D.C. about the project. The PIVOT project is expected to be open in the fall of 1989.
students individually, they can be
models to our youth.
Sloan at 282-0003.
more prepared to identify the needs
Some of the activities the youth
COMMUNITY
HEALTH FAIR
(located between
Vancouver and
Williams at
Stanton)
SATURDAY
JULY 29TH 1989
10:00 am-2:00 PM
WYDEN ANNOUNCES NEW FEDERAL JOB
TRAINING PROGRAM FOR PORTLAND
N.E. Y.W.C.A.
Summer Plus
Youth Program Is
A Plus To The
Community