Avenues to College Goes Virtual

Amidst our community’s struggles during the COVID-19 crisis, we are happy to share that New Avenues continues to show up for young people who need support. One of our programs that has adapted in these particularly challenging times is Avenues to College (ATC), which helps transition-age youth in (or formerly in) foster care access and succeed in college.

Spring term at Portland Community College and Portland State University—where our 12 ATC students are enrolled—got underway last week, with both schools now operating online. 

Knowing the challenges this new learning environment might present, ATC’s case managers reached out to students in the program to make sure they were prepared from the start, helping each create a personalized care plan that addresses needs that may arise around pursuing a degree online. They also made sure that the students have all the necessary supplies—like laptops and headphones—and continue to provide support for rent and utilities, groceries, transportation, and more.  

While the transition to online classes has been challenging for students, our ATC team is there for them, making sure they feel confident and supported.

Scoop-A-Thon

Our annual Scoop-A-Thon, scheduled for March 31^st, has unfortunately been indefinitely postponed. So many wonderful members of our community sponsored this year’s event, and we would love to take a moment to thank them for their support. We are also truly grateful that they have shifted their contributions to help meet our needs in the COVID-19 crisis.

Please consider one of the many ways to give:

— Support youth in our programs by providing a one time or monthly gift!

— Are you a Nike or Apple employee? Make a donation in response to COVID-19 and these companies will double your impact — making your $100 gift a $300 donation. Or check with your company to see if they are matching donations.

— Help keep our spaces safe! Donate any extra hand sanitizer, disposable sanitizing wipes, or surgical masks you have on hand. We’re also accepting homemade cloth masks!

— Meals to go. Donate takeout boxes and supplies so we can offer “to-go” meals for youth.

— Donate while you shop! Fred Meyer Community Rewards and AmazonSmile programs give back to New Avenues as you shop.

Thank you for supporting New Avenues. Wishing you good health in these challenging times. 

Email Lauren Eads, Director of Development, at leads@newavenues.org to learn more about how you can help.