Ethiopian And Eritrean Cultural And Resource Center

Drive Change Award - PGE - 2023-2024. Acquisition of electric vehicles to transport youth, seniors, and adult participants to our various EECRC programs and events. Additionally, conducting outreach and education aimed at raising awareness about the economic and environmental benefits of electric vehicles and the ways to acquire them, in collaboration with local governments and organizations.

Meyer Memorial Trust Capacity Building Fund. In the Community MeyerProject, over 100 community members (youth, adults and seniors and women seeking to open small businesses) benefited from our financial literacy training, empowering them to make informed decisions and advancing our goal of Economic Justice. The workshops covered essential topics such as basic finance, budgeting, and emergency funds, home buying, college savings, retirement savings/supplements, and proper protection such as life, auto, and home insurance are crucial for financial security and stability. Two participants bought homes, while others invested in the Owing to Owning program and initiated emergency fund savings. Youth members were encouraged to save for college, and overall feedback highlighted a better understanding of financial concepts. The grant funds have played a pivotal role in implementing these Meyer initiatives, fostering partnerships, and contributing to the economic empowerment of Black / immigrant communities. These outcomes directly align with the grants goals, demonstrating the positive impact of collaborative efforts on community members lives.

The Oregon Health Authority Marketplace Transitional project has positively affected over 80 community members by offering assistance with health insurance application and enrollment, as well as advocating for unpaid medical bills and providing financial support. This initiative engages with over 300 individuals in person and reaches more than 3000 people through social media platforms to educate them on navigating insurance, the healthcare system, and available resources.

EECRC-REACH Community Clinical Services, Nutrition, and Exercise Project. The BIPOC Chronic Condition Nutrition Program supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in preventing and managing chronic diseases through culturally relevant nutrition education. The program addresses health disparities by offering tailored workshops, cooking demonstrations using traditional foods with healthy adaptations, one-on-one nutrition counseling, and access to screenings and resources. It also provides grocery support and peer-led wellness circles to encourage sustainable lifestyle changes. By honoring cultural foodways and combining them with evidence-based practices, the program promotes long-term health, food justice, and community resilience.

EECRC PDX Digital Divide Response tech project initiative has laid the foundation for a much-needed computer and ESL lab, benefiting newcomers and individuals seeking to enhance their language and computer skills. The desktops and printers utilized for training have become invaluable assets accessible to all community members. They are used for various purposes such as job applications, online classes for certifications like CPR/First Aid, accessing DHS resources, and staying connected with family and friends worldwide, fostering a sense of belonging.

Water Justice Initiative. This initiative provided our clients with the opportunity to learn the disparities around water justice. Through the cluturally sensitive, successful workshops provided, participants were able to learn the history of the water they use daily from source, to testing measures, to their renters rights and types of water disasters. Additionally, they learned the importance of water disaster emergency preparedness and through the recruitement, training of 4 ambassadors who speak the communities native toungue to be a point of contact for water disaster alerts, and were provided a emergency disaster kit to distribute to the community members. Two educational and engaging workshops that involved testing everyday use water for purity or contaminations using kits and two ambassador training sessions, followed up by community engagement were very impactful

PCL/EECRC Youth Tutoring and Mentoring. This project has positively transformed the lives of 35 youth aged 9-18 through weekly tutoring and mentoring sessions. More than 85% of participants improved their school attendance and advanced by at least one grade level in language, math, and reading. Five graduates went on to college and secured summer jobs while mentoring younger peers, creating a supportive community environment.The project also offered workshops on financial literacy, computer skills, mental health, cultural pride, and college/job readiness, equipping participants for future success. Additionally, eight youths participated in the Summer Learn and Earn initiative, receiving training in stress management, gardening, nutrition, emergency preparedness, and financial literacy while earning $1,200 each. The Summer Indoors and Outdoors Activities for Youth provided recreational opportunities like swimming, soccer, movie nights, and bowling. Collectively, Collectively, these programs significantly enhanced the academic and personal growth of participating youth, fostering a well-rounded, empowered community.

Safe Biking and Walking Workshops - PS-24-68-11-00 005. The Safe Biking and Walking Workshops initiative is a community-focused program designed to promote road safety, encourage active transportation, and reduce accidents among African immigrants and refugees in Oregon. Through hands-on training, educational workshops, and culturally tailored outreach, the initiative equips participants with essential biking and walking safety skills, including proper road usage, traffic rules, and protective measures. By fostering confidence in alternative transportation modes, the program empowers community members to adopt safer, healthier, and more sustainable travel habits while reducing transportation barriers.

Vaccine Equity Project by Urban Institute initiative builds on our COVID-19 emergency response work by continuing to educate and support community members in addressing post-pandemic challenges, while also connecting them with the necessary resources. language proficiency, positive learning engagement, socialization skills, and adeptness in navigating the school system.

POIC Violence Prevention Project 2024. We have completed one workshop go over violence prevention, types of abuse and how to deal with stressors in a healthy way with adults in partnership with the Portland Police. A second workshop was hosted for the youth educating them on what to watch out for in school and in their community along with how to respond to issues through engaging games and discussions. Two more youth workshops will be occuring in April for the youth as a series of education around Violence Prevention. Materials such as fidget gadgets were provided in the workshops, which particiapants learned can be a stress reliever along with other supplies to use to express emotions and address any stressors. empowering them to protect their children effectively.

CSA Food Dis to gather feedback from impacted communities to inform the development of the policy solution & campaign strategy that will establish a new program to provide food assistance benefits for immigrant, refugee and Compact of Free Association (COFA) communities in our state.

UnitedWay_PDX (Housing). United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (United Way PDX) focuses on housing stability through initiatives like the Resilient Families Initiative, eviction legal defense programs, and advocacy for housing justice. They provide support to families at risk of displacement, offer free legal defense for low-income tenants, and invest in transitional housing solutions. Their efforts aim to prevent homelessness, promote long-term stability, and ensure equitable access to safe and affordable housing in the Portland region.

OHA Marketplace 2024-2025. Gather feedback from impacted communities to inform the development of the policy solution & campaign strategy that will establish a new program to provide food assistance benefits for immigrant, refugees and Compact of Free Association (COFA) communities in our state.

Safe Ride Empowering African Imm and Ref 2024. The Safe Ride Empowering African Immigrants & Refugees initiative is a community-driven project focused on increasing awareness and accessibility to public transportation for African immigrants and refugees in Oregon. Funded by an Innovative Mobility Program Microgrant from the Oregon Department of Transportation, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on personal vehicles, promote environmentally friendly transportation options, and provide culturally appropriate education on navigating public transit. Through workshops, outreach materials, and hands-on training, the program empowers community members with the knowledge and confidence to use public transportation effectively, fostering mobility independence and sustainability.

Community Financial Education Project. Over 100 community members (youth, adults and seniors and women seeking to open small businesses) benefited from our financial literacy training, empowering them to make informed decisions and advancing our goal of Economic Justice. The workshops covered essential topics such as basic finance, budgeting, and emergency funds, home buying, college savings, retirement savings/supplements, and proper protection such as life, auto, and home insurance are crucial for financial security and stability. Two participants bought homes, while others invested in the Owing to Owning program and initiated emergency fund savings. Youth members were encouraged to save for college, and overall feedback highlighted a better understanding of financial concepts. The grant funds have played a pivotal role in implementing these financial literacy initiatives, fostering partnerships, and contributing to the economic empowerment of Black / immigrant communities. These outcomes directly align with the grants goals, demonstrating the positive impact of collaborative efforts on community members lives.

Working Together by Energy Trust of Oregon. EECRC/ETO Working Together grant focuses on expanding energy trust offers and services to our community members through education, awareness and direct service in a culturally and linguistically tailored way. Homeowners, renters and small business owners, low and middle income community members will be participating.

Unite Oregons 2021 United Oregon Sustainability Forum. A donation was provided to support staff participation in leadership training and community dialogue engagement, with a portion allocated to cover administrative costs.

Eco Harmony - Metro Nature Connection Community Project is dedicated to nurturing a stronger bond between our community members and nature through community-led programs; however, the project has been postponed until 2024.

Care Oregon 2023. Assisted two families with rent, utilities, food, and other basic needs, who were impacted by severe weather.

CAT Alliance of Tenants 2024 Annual Membership Meeting. Community members attend a tenant housing annual membership meeting to educate and empower tenants to demand safe, stable, and affordable housing. EECRC facilitates the engagement of the Eritrean and Ethiopian community providing outreach, transportation, food, and interpretation/translation.

Food for All Oregonians 2024. This project aims to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices within the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities.

City of Portland CWSP EECRC Environmental Ambassador Program. We conducted educational workshops for five community ambassadors to enhance their environmental knowledge and stewardship through hands-on activities. These ambassadors in turn, shared this knowledge with their community members. They also led youth leadership activities, including the EECRC Community Garden cleaning and clearing, winter planting, garden skills classes, and watershed education.

2023 New Comer Orientation Project by City of Portland. The Metro Community Nature Connection Project is dedicated to fostering a stronger bond between our community members and nature through community-led programs.

2023 Nature Connection Community Project (EECRC Hiking) is dedicated to nurturing a stronger bond between our community members and nature through community-led programs; however, the project has been postponed until 2024.

Regenerating Agriculture By PCEF 2024-2029 The project effectively involved community members who have a strong interest in gardening and environmental restoration. This included newly arrived refugees and migrants, who initially had limited familiarity with local gardening methods. However, through educational and engaging activities, their understanding and knowledge of gardening practices in the United States were greatly improved. We have empowered youth participants to take on leadership roles within the project. The Ambassadors facilitate workshops, schedule and plan garden activities, and 8 garden ambassadors were recruited, who regularly maintain the garden.

The BIPOC Chronic Condition Nutrition Program supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in preventing and managing chronic diseases through culturally relevant nutrition education. The program addresses health disparities by offering tailored workshops, cooking demonstrations using traditional foods with healthy adaptations, one-on-one nutrition counseling, and access to screenings and resources. It also provides grocery support and peer-led wellness circles to encourage sustainable lifestyle changes. By honoring cultural foodways and combining them with evidence-based practices, the program promotes long-term health, food justice, and community resilience.

Climate Justice 2024 participation stipend.

2023 Food for All Oregonians. This project aims to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices within the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities.

Cooling Center to buy water and ice during severe weather to distribute for the neighborhood at the misting station.

Other Income. Interest income from bank, and refund income.

Harmonious Neighborhood Multnomah County CPTED Project. The main goal of the project is to renovate EECRC Youth room to improve the operational space and equipment to both protect the youth and maintain a healthy and inviting environment. The renovation will upgrade the center in a way that supports opportunities for youth to develop their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive abilities and to experience achievement, leadership, enjoyment, friendship, and recognition.

VERDE Gift for survery, and task group participation.

Other Donation