S eptem ber 2 8 . 2011
Mississippi
Alberta
North Portland
Πlje
^ìortlanò (Obstruer
r R.o
Page 13
Vancouver
East County
Beaverton
Unity throu§h Differences
Non-profit
celebrates art
and mental
diversity
M indy C ooper
T he P ortland O bserver
by
As an alternative to the cur
rent model of support for people
I
labeled with disabilities, one
local non-profit is determined
to build a collaborative com
munity where everyone’s voice
is valued.
Project Grow, a non-profit
organization located in north
Portland, was founded on the
principle that adults with de
velopmental disabilities de
serve the right to create and
share meaningful art, establish
a closer relationship with their
food so u rce, and lead a
healthier and positive life.
As a progressive program
.
photos by M indy C ooper /T he P ortland O bserver
for adults of all mental diversi
Project Grow coordinator Emese Ilyes (left) and Patsy, a member of the community also known as “the boss," have fun inside the
ties, Project Grow believes Project Grow artist studio, where Patsy sits at her desk and enjoys learning about filing and office work.
everyone is both a student and
a teacher, and provides space
Port City Developmental
and opportunities for everyone
Center, which has provided
to grow together as a commu
employment, job training and
nity.
support services for people
“It is really about creating
with developmental disabilities
and advocating for everyone’s
in the Portland metro commu
right to be celebrated,” said
nity since 1978, provides the
Emese Ilyes, a coordinator in
resources that help keep the
the organization and a part of
program a reality, said Ilyes.
She said, however, Project
the Project Grow community
Grow emerged as an alterna
since its conception over two-
tive model to increase oppor
years ago. “Anyone can be a
part of the movement.”
tunities for individuals to be
Inside the group’s artist stu
active agents within their own
lives.
dio on a recent visit, members
of the community could be seen
The old model was called
painting with water colors,
vocational rehabilitation facili
weaving blankets and making
ties or shelter workshops, she
mobiles out of found objects.
said, which came about in the
With fiber goats in the yard
1960s when large institutions
outside and urban gardens sur
were the norm.
ro u n d in g and sca ttered
After people realized the
throughout the neighborhood,
segregate tendencies of asy
each individual is given the
lums, she said group homes
opportunity to find their voice
and vocational rehabilitation
as artists and farmers within
sites like Port City began to
an environment where every Inside Project Grow’s artist studio on North Williams Avenue, community member Zach said he has emerge, which allowed indi
one is valued for being them fun while painting watercolors and working on the non-profit's urban garden. He said he likes his
viduals labeled with disabilities
selves.
job better than his previous work, which entailed sorting hangers and laundry. “It’s a nice place to
continued
on page 22
be, ” he said.