To the wonderful community of PHFS volunteers, community partners, and supporters:

It is with much honor, and sadness, to announce that I will be stepping down from my position as the Volunteer & Development Manager for Portland Homeless Family Solutions. I have been presented with an exciting opportunity to continue my professional growth in nonprofit development, communications, and marketing with Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest. My last day of employment with PHFS will be on Wednesday, September 9th, 2015.

The past 18 months that I have spent at PHFS have been invaluable; I owe endless gratitude to the staff, the Board of Directors, volunteers, community partners, supporters, and, most importantly, our guests, for being crucial in making this experience so treasured, and - as an East Coaster - for helping me make Portland my new "home". I am simply honored to have had the opportunity to work with you all, as you have taught me just how powerful a community truly can be.

One thing that many might not know about me is my strong belief in the power of a story. Looking back on my time with PHFS, I am proud to say that every day has been one filled with inspiration. I will forever carry with me powerful stories of the special people of this community that pay homage to the mission of PHFS:
* The 16-year-old volunteer who has started her own nonprofit organization to combat youth homelessness and generational poverty;
* The mother of 3 - a guest at the shelter - who saved up $100 to make dinner for the staff, volunteers, and other guests at the shelter to celebrate her birthday;
* The group of 20+ teenage volunteers that hosted a special "Family BBQ", complete with a full buffet, games, and even a professional photographer to provide our families with gorgeous family portraits - a treasure not often possible to families experiencing poverty;
* And the staff, who, aside from their busy schedules, will spend an hour sitting on the ground, cross-legged, having a calm conversation and providing a listening ear to help a young woman in crisis.

It's far too easy for me to go on. My point is: this community is one that will make change. I am so proud to say that I have been fortunate enough to spend this time with you, and I am so grateful that these facilities exist for families experiencing homelessness in our city.

Thank you for your support and kindness. Please welcome Sophie with open arms as she carries on our fundraising program, as well Janelle as she temporarily carries on our volunteer program. I have the utmost faith in the staff and Board of Directors that they will continue to leverage the organization to do great things.

Very best,
Emily

In what position/shift do you typically volunteer and has that changed or evolved over the years (and why)?

I typically volunteer as an Overnight Host, Kid Time Host, or Helping Hand at Goose Hollow. I like helping hands because I like organizing. I like Kid Time Host because I like babysitting and work with kids at my job, but typically I volunteer as the Overnight Host, because that's the biggest need.  Overnight host is my favorite! I used to be intimidated by the responsibility. During my volunteer shifts, I've concluded that Overnight Host is the most freeing of my 3 favorite volunteer positions. I can do every and any job there - organize to my heart's content, play with the kids, color, talk with parents, get to know the other volunteers, math games, sleep, eat, and I'm staying on task! When I was intimidated I believed that I'd be held responsible for EVERYTHING, but it doesn't work that way. You have to rely on the other volunteers and Overnight Host, as well as the families, and the shelter coordinator on duty. It has improved my team-building skills, my communication skills, and as a result, it makes me a more easy-going person. 
 

What's your favorite thing about volunteering with PHFS?

The people there.  I love the kids; they have so much potential.  Everyone there has is given opportunity to improve, based on us (volunteers) and the entire community (PHFS & shelter guests) who are there to support them.  That's powerful!  Community.  I learn a lot from other people there. 
 

Can you share any advice (pro tips/best practices) for new volunteers?

It's rewarding to see people grow, and that's why we like to help, but be patient. "Gradually, then suddenly."  People don't make a change in one night.  Tell the parents that their child is talented.  Tell the parent that they are gifted.  Because they are! Everyone has something to offer.  The short interaction of encouragement can give them the confidence and motivation they need to stand back up.  Encourage positive self-fulfilling prophesies.  Search for everyone's gift.

Outside of PHFS, what do you do for fun/to unwind/relax?

I work 8-5 and that's pretty fun, but busy.  Work hard, play hard.  On my lunch breaks I go to the park, go on the play structures, swing, do hand stands and cartwheels. They say to choose physical activities you enjoyed as a kid, and so I do, and I enjoy playing and working.  Then I come home and teach swim lessons or dance around the pool teaching aqua aerobics.  I've done that for the last 9 years.  If I don't have work in the evening I go to yoga, visit my family, visit friends, or read. 
 

What's something nifty or fun that few others would know about you?