Dear friend,

Each year, The CommuniCare Foundation partners with high school students across the state to support community-based organizations. Started by Harold and Arlene Schnitzer in 1997, the CommuniCare program channels The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation’s commitment to small, community giving into a school-based youth philanthropy program.

During the fall and winter months, students are tasked to raise $1,500 which is then matched 10 to 1 by the CommuniCare Foundation. Students spend the remainder of the school year completing the grantmaking process by researching Oregon nonprofits whose work aligns with their mission, evaluating grant proposals, meeting with representatives from those organizations, and deciding which organizations to fund.

This year, the CommuniCare Foundation announced $550,000 in grants to 81 nonprofit and school programs throughout Oregon. After meeting with our Executive Director Stephanie, students from Lincoln High School selected Lift UP as their partnering organization. We were fortunate to be the recipient of a $2,500 grant!

A virtual awards ceremony was held on Thursday June 17. The full ceremony can be viewed here.

Thank you to the students at Lincoln High School and everyone at CommuniCare!

Street Roots Interview with Susannah Morgan

Street Roots, Portland’s award-winning weekly street newspaper, recently interviewed Susannah Morgan, CEO at Oregon Food Bank. In the article, Susannah discusses the increased need for food access and the fundamental links between economic injustice, racial injustice, and health care access. Read the full article here.

UPDate: The Sanctuary Promise Act

The legislative session has ended and the Sanctuary Promise Act passed! The Sanctuary Promise Act strengthens and clarifies Oregon law to live up to the values of safety and fairness for immigrant communities. It draws a clear line between our local institutions and federal immigration enforcement and allows those unjustly harmed to enforce their rights in court. Lift UP supported the Sanctuary Promise Act, so it’s cause for celebration! We appreciate everyone who joined us in advocating for our immigrant neighbors.

Gratefully,

The Lift UP Team

Food brings us together.