Portland News and Events for April 16 -May 11, 2015

Equity Training for Advocates

PAALF's Executive Committee cordially invites the public to the PolicyLink Training "Equity as a Superior Growth Model" on April 18, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Self Enhancement Inc., 3920 N Kerby Ave, Portland, OR.

The training is designed to give folks an opportunity to learn advocacy and organizers skills as they attempt to work in their own organizations to empower and uplift Portland's Black community.
There is no fee for this training and we will be serving breakfast, as well as lunch. Please RSVP by emailing us at [email protected] with 'Training' in the subject line.

Youthbuild Vancouver GED and Construction Skills Program

Clark County residents, ages 17-24, who do not have a high school diploma and are interested in obtaining a GED and job-related skills are invited to attend a YouthBuild Vancouver information session to learn more about the program.
The session is Tuesday, April 21 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Partners in Careers, 3210 NE 52nd Street, Vancouver. To register for the free information session, contact Dave Cole at 360-696-8417 or [email protected].
To participate in YouthBuild, an individual must be:
* A Clark County resident
* 17 to 24 years old
* A high school dropout in need of a high school diploma or GED
* Interested in gaining job skills and experience
Those enrolled in YouthBuild will have the opportunity, at no cost, to:
* Obtain their GED or high school diploma
* Gain two nationally-recognized construction certifications
* Participate in building a house for a family in need
* Receive services, including job, college and career preparation
Led by the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC), the YouthBuild team is a collaboration of nonprofit organizations that includes Partners in Careers, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, Vancouver Housing Authority and WorkSource.
YouthBuild is a community-based alternative education program that provides classroom instruction and occupational skills training to youth who have been in the juvenile justice system, are aging out of foster care, have dropped out of high school or are otherwise at risk of failing to reach key educational and career milestones.

Tapping Fresh Talent Career Expo

The Eighth Annual Tapping Fresh Talent Career Expo for job seekers with disabilities will take place at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballrooms 256-257 on April 23, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event is free to any job seeker with any type of disability, including veterans with disabilities.

Resume review is available from 10 a.m. to noon. Workshops on empowerment and networking take place at 9 and 9:30 a.m. Student Central, an event for students and young adults with disabilities, will take place from 10 – noon.

2015 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 1990, when the ADA passed the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was twice that of the non-disabled population.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be available for attendees who are hard of hearing or deaf. Interested participants who would like to attend, but need accommodations may contact Incight at [email protected]. For more information including all exhibiting employers, directions, specific instructions on public transportation please visit: www.tappingfreshtalent.org.

Multnomah County Library Used Book Sale

More than 20,000 items will be offered at the Friends of the Multnomah County Library’s Annual Spring Used Book Sale the weekend of April 17-19 in the Gresham Station shopping center, 1271 NW Civic Dr., Gresham.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Multnomah County Library.

Kicking things off is a Members-Only Night on Friday, April 17th, from 6 PM to 9 PM. Annual memberships start at $10 for individuals and $15 for families. Memberships can be purchased at any time, including at the door Friday night.

Admission is free to the public on Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday will be a 50 percent off Discount Day on all remaining regular items.

The sale offers 20,000 items at great prices. Hardcover and quality trade paperbacks start at $2, mass market paperbacks and children’s books at 50 cents, CDs at $2, and DVDs at $3. Also available in this new and used collection are audio books, pamphlets, sheet music, and maps in good to excellent condition.

The sale space is at 1271 NW Civic Drive in the northwest corner of the Gresham Station shopping center. Free parking is available, and the site is served by TriMet No. 4 bus on Division and MAX—use the Civic Drive stop one block north.

May Day Fundraiser for Black Midwives

Come celebrate International Midwives Month with a special screening of "Bringin' In Da Spirit," narrated by Phylicia Rashad. It’s a documentary celebrating the history of the Black midwives who committed themselves to holistic answers in the face of powerful misconceptions about the practice.

The event is Friday, May 1, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Terrell Hall, Room 122PCC Cascade Campus, 72 N Killingsworth St.

After the film, Shafia Monroe will moderate a panel discussion with Pastor E.d. Mondiane, Mariah Taylor and Willie Poinsette with reflections on the film and their stories about the midwives in their lives, the role that Black midwives play today and how to get more women to become midwives. After the discussion join the panelist, guests and the ICTC members for refreshments, socializing and purchase ICTC -T-shirts. 
This is a fundraiser, reserve your spot by April 28 at www.ictcmidwives.org.

Portland Rescue Mission Seeks Presents for Birthday Party for Homeless

On Monday, May 11, hundreds of Portland-area people in need will celebrate their birthday at Portland Rescue Mission’s seventh annual Birthday Party for the Homeless, at the Mission’s Burnside Shelter in downtown Portland. The Mission seeks birthday presents and cards from the community to provide each guest to help them feel loved and remembered.

The Birthday Party celebration includes music, games, decorations, gift bags, and a special dinner for all guests, thanks to the generosity of our community partners including Fred Meyer, Beaverton Toyota and A Jesus Church - Bridgetown.

Community members can support the birthday celebration by donating a gift of $16 to provide 10 hot, nutritious meals for people in need. Participants can also download a birthday card template, and all cards should be mailed by May 4 to Portland Rescue Mission at P.O. Box 3713 Portland, OR 97208. For more information, visit www.portlandrescuemission.org/birthday.