We foster collaborative engagement to advance equity in Washington County.
October Observances
Domestic Violence Awareness Month was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness. Learn more about these Washington County resources:



Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month continues through October 15. Celebrate the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic communities with these events and learning opportunities in Washington County:


VAN Convenings and News
Vision Action Network is hosting a FREE VIRTUAL career exploration and job fair event with representatives from three of Washington County’s largest employers focused on mental health, wellness, and addiction services, along with presenting sponsor Worksystems, Inc.

Participants will meet employers and have opportunities to ask questions and get advice, apply immediately for open positions, and learn about an inspiring career field!

Sessions on:
Entry Level Jobs 

Great PT and FT jobs
Flexible schedules, lots of perks
Get paid to help people
● Apply immediately!
Career Pathways

Paths to certifications or degrees
Student loan repayment options
Gaining experience in the field
Types of jobs and career potential

All attendees will be entered into a prize drawing!
Don't miss the next quarterly meeting of the Thrives All-Collaborative! 

Find out about the current state of a Preschool for All initiative in Washington County from guest presenters Bridget Cooke, Executive Director of Adelante Mujeres, and Olga Acuña, Director of Federal Programs at Hillsboro School District.

VAN's Executive Director Glenn Montgomery will also provide updates on the Behavioral Health Workforce Initiative, including information on our upcoming career pathways event in November.

Save the Date!

VAN is planning for the next adVANce, scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
VAN 2022 Annual Report
"VAN has continued to provide a forum to talk about 'what can be' and 'how we can become even better at being a civil society' and caring about each person with whom we share our county. As human beings, we quickly forget what is really important. VAN always takes us back to the right start through forums, readings, writings and being together for the right reasons!"
Rob Drake, City Manager of Cornelius and former Mayor of Beaverton 

Read about VAN's impact and community building in our 2022 Annual Report!
Finding Community Podcast
David Martinez joined us for Episode 18 of Finding Community. In his role as Assistant County Administrator, he is among the newest members of Washington County’s leadership team and one of the most civically engaged Latinx leaders in the region.

David shares about his life growing up in a large farmworker family in eastern Oregon, and he muses on the differences between rural and urban communities. He reveals the wisdom and empathy gained from a personal journey around identity as a Latino gay man, and how his professional life has been shaped by a strong work ethic and a commitment to being an authentic, accessible, and welcoming leader.

Find the episode and subscribe on your favorite podcast app, or at spreaker.com/show/finding-community.
Get Engaged!
Visit our Community Events Calendar for opportunities to engage meaningfully in your community!
Featured Event
Sat, October 22, 9am-12pm
Oak Hills Recreation Center

This FREE event is presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Washington County and Shattering Stigma with Stories.

Parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone else who works with or supports school age youth will learn about addressing the youth mental health crisis at this morning of education and support.

You will hear first-hand stories, have an opportunity to share in a safe space, gain hands-on practical tools, and learn about local resources to support your children and yourself through mental health struggles. Childcare is provided.
Featured Event
Sat, October 22, 2-4pm
Beaverton City Library

Hear writers, storytellers, and poets share their personal stories from the new anthology, "COVIDOLOGY: Sharing Life Lessons from Behind the Mask." Paul Iarrobino was compelled to create this new body of work based on his personal experiences navigating the pandemic. Witnessing and learning from others fueled the energy to create a collection of stories and poems to give meaning to changed lives in a topsy-turvy world.

Join in person or via Zoom. Meet the speakers in person at a reception following the program.
Funding Opportunities
Eligible peer- run organizations may apply by Oct 6
Rolling grants, no deadline to apply for micro-grants to improve access to public transportation, reduce the number of trips Oregonians make by car, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Apply by Oct 19 to fund culturally affirming and enriching after school learning programs
Apply by Oct 24 for funds to support BIPOC, immigrant and refugee, LGBTQ2SIA+ communities, or those living at the intersection of these identities, with improving social and emotional wellbeing Info session Wed, Oct 5 1-2:30pm
Up to $13,000,000 available in Metro Affordable Housing Bond Funds for the construction of permanently affordable rental units, apply by 2pm Friday, Oct 21
Local, nonprofit social service agencies that assist in improving the mental or physical condition of Hillsboro community members can apply by Oct 7
Your City, Your County, Your Community
Youth of color between the ages of 18-26 living in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas county can apply by 5pm Oct 11
Apply by October 18 to serve on a board or commission

The Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC) will accept applications through Thursday, October 6 at 5pm
Applications to join the committee due by Oct 21 from people who live and/or work in Clackamas and Washington County

Comment by Oct 7 on proposed projects for walking, biking and moving freight

Share your experiences getting around the region and what future changes you would like to see in the 2023 Regional Transportation Plan survey, closing Oct 17
Provide feedback on the draft service concept by October 31
Recruitment for boards & commissions runs through Oct 31
Apply to Community Curriculum Advisory Committee by 10/18 and Budget Committee by 11/1
The City has several openings on a variety of citizen boards and commissions, open until filled or as noted