BLANCHET HOUSE
A nonprofit social services organization located in Old Town Portland. They provide warm meal, clothing and supportive housing to our houseless population.
My Project: I independently organized a community donation drive to support Blanchet House. I reached out to friends and neighbors asking for contributions of warm blankets and sleeping bags, then collected, washed, and prepared each item at home. After gathering the donations, I personally delivered them to Blanchet House, ensuring they went directly to people in need. The project taught me initiative, responsibility, and the impact of mobilizing a community to provide comfort and care for others.
Another Blanchet House Project: I volunteered by preparing sack lunches for people experiencing homelessness, helping provide simple, nourishing meals to those in need. I added stickers and messages to the outside of the paper bags hoping to be a bright light to someone's day.
OUTDOOR SCHOOL
Outdoor School in Oregon (Multnomah Education Service District) is a unique program designed to give middle and elementary school students hands-on experiences in nature, environmental science, and teamwork. It started in the 1960s as a way to connect students with the outdoors and teach them about ecology, conservation, and the natural world through immersive, week-long camps.
My Project: I served as a week-long camp counselor at Outdoor School, where I was in charge of the “WATER” area. During the day, I led students through experiments and activities exploring water science, helping them engage directly with the environment while learning important concepts about ecosystems and conservation. By morning and night I was in charge of a cabin full of 6th grade students managing their every need from breakfast to lights out. Being a camp counselor taught me patience, creativity, and how to engage others in learning.
FRIENDS OF TREES
Friends of Trees is a nonprofit organization based in the Pacific Northwest (primarily Oregon and Washington) that focuses on community tree planting and care. Their mission is to improve neighborhoods, enhance urban forests, and promote environmental sustainability by planting trees and native plants with volunteers.
My Project: Volunteered to plant and nurture young trees alongside community members, helping combat soil erosion, enhance local green spaces, and support environmental sustainability, while learning the importance of teamwork and stewardship of the environment.
