Welcome Our

New Executive Director!

Justin Pabalate 🎉

After a rigorous selection process, the Northeast Community Center Board of Directors has appointed Justin Pabalate as our new Executive Director.

Justin’s appointments with Willamette Falls Trust, Oregon Community Foundation, The People’s Nonprofit Accelerator, and Q Center; all required strong community engagement, financial management and fundraising skills. His passion lies in developing staff, broadening resources and focusing on principles of equity, justice and inclusion. With his leadership, we are confident that the NECC will continue to expand and thrive, setting a clear path for our future success.

We would also like to recognize our Interim Executive Director, Bri Slusser, for her incredible compassion, expertise and foundational work that she has contributed to NECC over the past ten months. Thank you, Bri, for all your important work. It has been an absolute pleasure working with and learning from you.



Please join us in thanking Bri and welcoming Justin to the NECC!

Click here to read Justin’s letter to the NECC community.

You're Invited to

NECC's Open House

The NECC is turning 20, and our building is turning 100! We are kicking off our celebratory year with an Open House on Sat. Feb 1, from 10 am-2 pm.

We welcome you to bring your friends and family to enjoy some birthday cake, good company, and good cheer. We will be waiving drop-in fees all day, so it’s the perfect time to bring a friend, family member or neighbor along for the fun:



- Staff will be giving tours

- Art activities for all ages

- Open gym & Open swim  

Our Open House is just the start of events we are hosting. Look out for more events this year! 🎈

Intro to Salsa!

Join Marlon, a former member of El Ballet Español de Cuba, in an introduction to Salsa dancing. Participants do not need to come with a partner as you will learn to lead and follow.

This 6 week program will review the foundations of salsa dancing steps, rhythm and timing, partner holds, lead and hand positions for transitions and turns, as well as expressive ways to add flair and personality to your dance. Perfect for beginners.

Register today to get dancing! 🥁

Mark Your Calendars:

Summer Camp Registration 🌞

Summer camp registration is around the corner! Registration opens at 12 pm on February 11 for members and February 13 for everyone.

Last year, our summer camps filled up in less than a week! For the best chance of securing your first-choice camps, start a youth membership by February 3.

Please note that the camper's membership must remain active until the camp is completed. While membership provides priority registration, it does not guarantee a spot in the camp. Check out camps like Pokemon Camp, Space Explorers, Mermaid Camp, and more on our website.

Seed Swap 🌱

NE Village invites you to a non-GMO Seed Swap with local gardeners. Learn, network, and prepare for the gardening season ahead. No seeds to share? Come anyway!

Jan. 25th, 11 am, Free, Wheelchair accessible. Rose City Park United Methodist Church, Parlor Room, 5830 NE Alameda

This event is made possible with generous support from Growing Gardens, Portland Nursery, and Garden Fever.

Apply to Join Our Committees

Help Build Community!

We are seeking volunteers interested in joining NECC’s Committees. If you are looking for a place to apply your skills or learn new ones while helping build community,

please consider applying or volunteering for one of our three committees:

Community Relations, Governance, and Finance & Facilities.

Do you have skills in fundraising, marketing, grant writing,

legal, or building community connections?

We encourage you to apply!

Contact our Executive Director Justin Pabalate at,

jpabalate@necommunitycenter.org

Beginning Pickleball Workshop

Are you interested in learning how to play pickleball?

Sign up for one of our one-day workshops with pickleball instructor Bob Wolfe.

Bob will provide the inside scoop on etiquette and safety, shots and strategy, rules and scoring, and more. Spots fill quickly. Sign up today!

Friday, Feb 21, 9-11am

Friday, Feb 28, 9-11am

January Equipment Orientation

Join one of our fitness equipment orientations to help you start the year strong. Meet with a personal trainer to set goals, get a building tour, and develop a sample workout program tailored to you.

Equipment Orientations:

• Saturday, 1/25 with Adrean, 1pm

The Volley Session

Ready, set, volley! You simply cannot win games without learning to volley the pickleball.

In this workshop, we will utilize the ball machine, and you will hit five different kinds of volleys with many repetitions. Pickleball workshops fill fast. Sign up today to secure your spot.

Friday, Feb 28, 11am-1pm

The Strategy Session

Okay! You know how to hit the ball over the net and keep score. What’s next?



Skills and Drills — The Strategy Session will focus on the all-important first 3 to 6 shots of the game. Learn where to hit those shots, and why to hit them there. This session can change the way you see the pickleball court and help you win more games. Start playing pickleball with a plan!

Friday, Feb 21 from 11am-1pm

Thank You for Your Book Donations

Our bookshelves are overflowing, at this time we can not accept any more donations! Thank you so much to the community members for donating children's books. Our library is now wonderfully well-stocked! We're so excited to be able to offer our young readers such a fun and wide variety of reading options. Thank you all! 💚 📚