dfrntpigeon – a creative studio and dynamic apparel label launched by Portland non-profit New Avenues for Youth – now has their own retail space thanks in part to a $20,000 Community Possible grant from U.S. Bank. The new makerspace for this social purpose enterprise, located in Portland’s Pearl District at 1445 NW Lovejoy, features a display area where dfrntpigeon can showcase its latest apparel collection and provides access to design and production equipment for young designers.

“New Avenues for Youth and dfrntpigeon embody our community’s spirit of creativity, diversity and social good,” said Stacey Dodson, market president for U.S. Bank. “It is our privilege to support these impressive young people by donating funds for the new retail space. We can’t wait to see what they create.”

This summer, U.S. Bank and its 74,000 employees are making work and play possible for one million people by helping young people learn how to start their own businesses, refurbishing play spaces and providing $6 million in Play grants to nonprofit organizations across the country (Work grants to be announced this fall). It’s part of U.S. Bank’s corporate social responsibility work focused on economic development, which comes to life through Community Possible, the company’s giving and engagement platform that closes the gap between people and possibility in the areas of Work, Home and Play.

Since the brand’s inception in 2016, dfrntpigeon has provided youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness with design training, business skills, and financial opportunities to help develop their creative abilities into potential career paths. In conjunction with the new makerspace opening, dfrnpigeon is also launching their new fall line of apparel, the fourth collection created by youth designers.

“We’re so grateful to U.S. Bank for the opportunity to create a dedicated retail space for dfrntpigeon and for their investment in the creative youth we serve,” said Sara Weihmann, New Avenues Enterprise Director. “Their support provides opportunities for this enterprise and our aspiring entrepreneurs to grow and succeed, and we look forward to watching dfrntpigeon truly take flight in this new makerspace.”

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ABOUT dfrntpigeon
We are a social enterprise apparel brand run by Portland’s marginalized youth. Our products aren’t just fashion. The art we make is inspired by our unique experiences and perspectives on the world. Our business model helps at-risk youth develop their creative abilities into a potential career path through paid design work and mentorship from professionals in the creative field. To learn more, go to www.dfrntpigeon.com.

About New Avenues for Youth

Since 1997, New Avenues for Youth has impacted the lives of more than 20,000 youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness through a range of services that address basic needs and safety, provide opportunities for education and career, and help youth achieve self-sufficiency. For more information about New Avenues for Youth, visit www.newavenues.org.

ABOUT U.S. BANK

U.S. Bancorp, with 74,000 employees and $461 billion in assets as of June 30, 2018, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with mobile and online tools that allow customers to bank how, when and where they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial and corporate, and investment services customers across the country and around the world as a trusted financial partner, a commitment recognized by the Ethisphere Institute naming the bank a 2018 World’s Most Ethical Company. Visit U.S. Bank at www.usbank.com or follow on social media to stay up to date with company news.

About Community Possible
Community Possible is the corporate giving and engagement platform at U.S. Bank, focused on the areas of Work, Home and Play. The company invests in programs that provide stable employment, a safe place to call home and a community connected through arts, culture, recreation and play. Philanthropic support through the U.S. Bank Foundation and corporate giving program reached $58.4 million in 2017. Visit www.usbank.com/communitypossible.

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