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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 26, 2011)
^orttani» (Obserurr Page IO O ctober 26, 2011 Building Bridges to a Strong Future continued from front school, or they will never become whatever their dreams and aspira tions are. “But they want to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, and police offic ers,” she said. “They want to help the community, but they need some one to help them realize they can rise above all of the negative words and become whatever they want to be.” And this, she said, is exactly what she intends to do— one child at a time. Urban Bridges Studio will cel ebrate its 5th year anniversary on Nov. 6. Over that period, the orga nization has worked with more than 70 young girls and over 40 young men through classes, work shops and train in g s available throughout the year. Feathers said each of its two- month long programs serve as a safe place for youth to go after school, where they can learn how to boost their self-esteem through table etiquette instruction, how to conduct themselves at home and in interviews, modeling classes and image enhancement. The program also includes workshops with pro fessional individuals from within the community who share their experi ences as bank representatives, po photo by M indy C ooper /T he P ortland O bserver licemen, and teachers. Founder of Urban Bridges Studio, Inc. Patricia Feathers and Denisha Craig sit inside Feather’s studio in northeast Portland at a “What we do is offer more than a typical finishing school,” said practice table where youth who participate in their 2-month long program learn etiquette and social skills to use within their own Feathers. “I work with the kids homes and within the community. from the time they come through “By the time she graduated from their lives they are too big, too tall, The program , however, really fundraiser, which will last until Janu the door.” the program, she was so much more too short. helps give them som ething to do, ary. The program has survived on Feathers said she remembers the loose, and her confidence has “I'll do whatever 1 need to do to she said. “Our program specifi class fees and small donations, but day almost two-years ago when one soared.” help these kids,” she said. cally increases their self-esteem , Feathers said they are always ac of her young pupils, who arrived Feathers said, when the youth Feathers also said the program self-confidence, social skills and cepting donations, and any amount with an enthused friend, walked begin the program, they often have truly helps kids stay out of trouble. social protocol in the com m unity, helps. through the door with her head down their shoulders down, a tough exte “A lot of our kids really need things at home and in schools. It’s a For more further information and fists clinched. “She was really rior and broken language. She said to do after school,” she said. “In great way to learn how to love about Urban Bridges Studio, Inc., afraid, and felt like she was a ‘big this is often because of their low Portland specifically, a lot of our yourself.” and for a class schedule visit girl,” said Feathers. “1 just thought self-confidence in themselves, and youth join gangs and they turn to Currently, delivery is available urbanbridges.org or call 503-493- to myself; you just wait.” maybe they have been told all of the streets.” for the Urban Bridges bake sale 9436. B U S I N E S S G u id e lane ' I FAMILY REUNION I PORTLAND. O R E G O N ASA Certified Tech - Jason Sharp HARRIS RHOrOGRARHY 503-730-1156 Providing Insurance and Financial Service RESTAURANT Weddings Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61/10 Barbeque Pit Ribs & Beef Since 1957 Corporate Events Enjoy our Great Rood and Casual, Friendly Ambiance Onsite 5x7 Printing Online Proofs & Orders CLUBS FAMILY REUNIONS SCHOOL CLUBS BUSINESSES SCREEN PRINTING 503-762-6042 971-570-8214 8804 SE Stark St. Portland, OR 97203 Wednesday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 24 Hour Good Neighbor Service® Phone # 503-517-0950 SHARP Ernest J. Hill, Jr. Agent 4946 N Vancouver Avenue Portland, OR 97217 503 2861103 Fax 503 286 1146 ernie.iiiil 05mM$tatefarnRom Morning into early evening $5.00 TEES State Farm* Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 automotive Lu Parker (503) 281-8696 Make the “Sharp" decision! Pick us for all your automotive needs! 3217 j V. Williams Avenue Portland, Oregon 97227 U N II IN IN A antonioharris.com
