Support survivors escaping domestic violence

“From my lemonade stand.” – From a note included with a recent donation.

We were so delighted to receive a colorful drawing in the mail recently, and in the envelope was a $20 bill. We know that summer brings plenty of opportunities for spending money on things like ice cream and going to the movies. But “T” chose to donate this hard-earned money from their lemonade stand to help other kids and their families find safety.

Raphael House was voted one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to work for as a result of Oregon Business Magazine’s 2015 survey. Those of us lucky enough to work here know that Raphael House is special. There are coloring book pages on the table during staff meetings. A Wellness Committee and opportunities for self-care. Investment in the professional and personal growth of our team. Our high retention rates speak to this: 40% of current employees have worked here for over five years and 11% have been here for more than ten.

Many employees deal with trauma daily and supervisors work to ensure that the agency’s culture helps both direct staff and volunteers navigate this environment. An agency-wide focus on supporting each other’s roles encourages open communication and a holistic understanding of what we work towards accomplishing together.

Raphael House was also recently honored with Rotary Club of Portland’s 2015 Ethics in Business Award, for ethical business practices “beyond the expected” in the workplace, the marketplace and the community.

Our staff is inspired and motivated by this recognition, the donation from “T,” and people like you who support our work throughout the year. Thank you!

You generously support Raphael House of Portland’s emergency domestic violence shelter, the largest in Multnomah County. Did you know that we are the only agency in Oregon with a full-time education coordinator? Our Education Program works with community partners to fulfill our mission of someday ending domestic violence through innovative, awareness-raising services.

 We are incredibly honored to receive a generous grant from the Portland Timbers Community Fund. Our Housing Advocate was on the field for this special announcement at the May 27^th game -- which the Timbers won!

This gift will support our Education Program, as we help expand Coaching Boys into Men into every Portland Public Schools high school. This Futures Without Violence prevention program supports athletic coaches and provides the tools and resources needed to help young male athletes develop respectful, non-violent relationships.

By providing age-appropriate and developmentally relevant education through our school-based programming, we lay a foundation for preventing future violence, creating a community that not only recognizes dating and sexual violence and supports those who experience it, but is invested in changing cultural norms to create a healthier and safer community for everyone.

We are grateful to the Timbers and to supporters like you for investing in our work to end violence.