Dear friend,

Now that June is here and summer is just days away, many of us can finally be outside, enjoying the sunny weather and sights and sounds of Portland. With the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully nearing its end, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the fresh air, clear the mind, and reflect on the strength and diversity of our community.

At Lift UP, we celebrate diversity in as many ways as possible. Because June is Pride Month, it is a great opportunity to get to know the nonprofit organizations who serve the LGBTQ+ communities. To learn more about how to support our LGBTQ+ neighbors, visit Basic Rights Oregon. Here you’ll find information about how you can help the LGBTQ+ community in Portland and beyond.

A special thanks to the First United Methodist Church for representing Lift UP in the pre-recorded Portland Pride Parade this year! The parade will premier virtually Sunday, June 20 at 11:00am. To celebrate with us, visit the Pride Northwest YouTube channel.

Happy Pride everyone!

Produce for People

Lift UP recently partnered with Produce for People, a grassroots effort to connect community gardeners with local agencies fighting hunger by providing fresh, nutritious produce grown by our neighbors.

Our Produce for People contact Jean Krieger had this to say about our new partnership: “I wanted to do something positive during COVID, and this is my way of doing something positive for others. When you do something for others, you’ll get something in return. Building a garden is not just good for you, but for others. It’s good for your soul.”

Thank you, Jean, for not only feeding our neighbors in need, but feeding our souls as well!

Gratefully,

The Lift UP Team

Food brings us together.