an Interfaith Community of Volunteers2701 NW Vaughn St, Suite 102 • Portland, OR • 97210

(503) 221-1224 • www.LiftUrbanPortland.org

Portland’s “Worst Day of the Year” bike ride event was canceled this year, as our February snow storm made that day the worst day of the year. Stumptown residents enjoy visiting

the snows of Mt. Hood, but are happier still to leave it behind. Perhaps “snow in the forecast” are welcome words for hard working Portlanders who secretly hear “a chance for a day off.”One thing that we know well at Lift Urban Portland: The city might shut down for snow, but hunger doesn’t take a day off.

Dashing Through The Snow

This is the tale of two of our programs: The Irving Street food pantry, open two times a week for monthly visits by recipients; and our food box deliveries, reaching disabled and shut-in residents in Northwest and downtown Portland. It is the story of staff members and volunteers who refuse to let obstacles get in the way of providing food for those in need.

On Thursday, February 6, the snow began to fall. Leona Pickens, one of our food pantry coordinators, didn’t hesitate to go to the pantry to receive a weekly food delivery. The problem: snowy weather prevented the delivery. All the same, she was determined to make sure food was ready for our recipients the following day.

continued on page 5

Volunteer Feature .......CoverWellness ............................2Community .......................3May Food Drive .................4New Faces .........................5Donors & Tributes ..........6-7

In This Issue:

SPRING 2014

Lift Urban Portland began its Food Box Delivery program in 2007. Each month, volunteers bring supplementary food to disabled and shut-in residents. The food is vital to many recipients, particularly those who suffer from diabetes or other nutrition-related illnesses. Our service area for this program has recently extended as far as south Downtown Portland.

Volunteers at the recent Widespread Panic food drive that benefited Lift Urban Portland

2

Lift Urban Portland

wellnessLaunched in 2013, Lift Urban Portland’s Wellness

program helps individuals in our community age in place, and provides social opportunities to break

down the barriers of isolation. This past November, we surveyed 120 residents of Home Forward’s housing communities to measure the effect of our current classes and potential offerings. The locations included Gallagher Plaza, Medallion Apartments, Northwest Tower, and Williams Plaza.

The Results Are In!

Here are some results from the survey:•The average age is 58 years old. 55% of those

surveyed are women.•About 40% use a cane, crutches, or wheelchair.•Average monthly income is $722.•People on average take six prescription medications.•41% have trouble with housekeeping and going to

places beyond walking distance.

•28% have been hospitalized at least one night in the last month.

•28% have fallen down in the last 12 months.•45% have been diagnosed with high blood

pressure, chronic mental illness, arthritis, or high cholesterol. Nearly 75% had two or more diagnoses. Not surprisingly, 40% reported being too tired to do what they wanted at some time in the past month.

•60% live with frequent food insecurity. Due to physical limitations, participants are not high users of local food services beyond the SNAP (food stamp) program. The most frequently used service reported by this sample was Lift Urban Portland’s food pantry.

•More than 75% engage in health activities. This includes eating healthy foods, being socially engaged with others, keeping their brains stimulated, and getting enough sleep. However, fewer than half report that they eat three or more fruits or vegetables every day, and only about half do moderate or vigorous exercise daily.

The study concluded that Lift Urban Portland’s Wellness program shows great potential for improving the lives of the residents at the Home Forward’s housing complexes.

The results of our Wellness program survey were compiled

and presented by Alyssa McClean. Recently awarded an Oregon

Master of Public Health degree at Portland State, Alyssa interned

at Lift Urban Portland for two months while working

with the survey results.

LegacY gooD Samaritan meDicaL center

is one of our major community partners and long-time supporters. At its Northwest neighborhood

facility, Legacy supports a range of groups that are building a healthier community, and assists us with

training options for our Wellness program.

The clinical staff at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center partners with Lift Urban Portland in an ongoing series of classes.

Seminars are held each Thursday at 11:30 a.m. The current series includes twelve class topics, presented at Home Forward’s affordable housing communities, including Northwest Tower, Gallagher Plaza, Williams Plaza, and Medallion Apartments.

Legacy classes

MAY: Signs, Symptoms & Risk Factors of a Stroke

JUNE: Sodium & Its Effects on Your Body

JULY: ABC’s of Medications1919 nW Lovejoy St • Portland, or • 97209

www.legacyhealth.org

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Spring 2014

Laura Schaffer and Caryn May at the Widespread Panic performance at

the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on March 26. Our food drive and raffle raised $501 and 40 pounds of food.

community

Lift Urban Portland Joins the Model Health Pantry Initiative

Lift Urban Portland is honored to join Oregon Food Bank’s (OFB) Model Health Pantry Initiative. This pilot program supports food pantries with a focus on improving the eating habits and health of their clients. OFB’s contributions may include education materials, signs, and equipment purchases.

By joining the initiative, Lift Urban Portland sets the following goals and processes:• Improve the nutritional quality of the food offered by our Irving Street pantry.• Offer learning tools and materials to recipients, focusing on healthy food preparation, meal planning, and

household food budgeting.• Help recipients choose healthy options .• Provide “environmental nudges” – prominent shelving of healthy food options at our Irving Street pantry,

as well as posters and signs to better market healthy fresh foods.

• Create educational opportunities for volunteers and clients at the pantry.

Lift Urban Portland is looking forward to providing healthy food demonstrations and seminars including “Cooking from a Food Box” and “Cooking Matters.”

All around the town...

Local Partners Lift Us Up!

Several of our programs received a great boost from our community business partners. Here are some highlights from last quarter:

Ellington Handbags 1211 NW 23rd Ave

February Food Drive More than 85 pounds of food

Whole Foods Market Pearl Location, 1210 NW Couch

“Bring a Bag” incentive $1,089 from Dec. to March. 6-month total: $1,765

Ace Pearl Hardware 1621 NW Glisan St

Air Conditioning Unit Donation Bringing climate control to our Irving Street Pantry!

Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day brought in $801 on April 9. Pictured are store

owner Jimmy Chi, Ben & Jerry’s founder Jerry Greenfeld, and Lift Urban Portland

board member Nikki Director.

On April 4, students from the Portland Adventist Academy spent their Service

Day at our warehouse. Their superb cleaning and organization put us in

great shape for our May Food Drive.

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Lift Urban Portland

Food Barrel Locations

• ACE Pearl Hardware• Anglican Parish of St. Mark• Ascension Episcopal Parish• Bullard Law• Congregation Beth Israel• Chapman Elementary School• CLASS Academy• Coldwell Banker – Burnside and

Cornell Rd. locations• Elemental Technologies• Emerson School• ESCO• Essex House Apartments• First Immanuel Lutheran Church• Friendly House• The Hasson Group – NW 23rd

Place• Havurah Shalom• Heathman Hotel• Hip Hound• Home Forward• Linfield School of Nursing

• Metropolitan Condos• Montgomery Park• Mud Bay Pet Supplies• Nature’s Pet• Northwest Children’s Theater

and School• Northwest Neighborhood

Veterinary Hospital• Northwest Women’s Fitness

Club• On Deck Sports Bar & Grill• Portland City Sanctuary• PREM Group• Road Runner Sports• Savier Street Flats• SELCO – NW Thurman & SW US

Veterans Hospital Rd. locations• Starbucks – All NW and

Downtown stores• Umpqua Bank• Zelda’s Shoe Bar• Zen Center of Portland• Zion Lutheran Church

May Food Drive 2014

Most-needed foods includeallvarietyofcannedfoods:fish,meat, stew, fruits, and vegetables; plus peanut butter and cooking oil.

Virtual Food Drive

Our may Food Drive enters the age of the computer! The Virtual Food Drive is a simple shopping cart

application, just like shopping online for shoes or books.There are many advantages: Lift Urban Portland can purchase food supplies at bulk rates, meaning more food for less

money. You won’t have to worry about expiration dates, food types, or heavy lifting! Most of all, your purchases are secure, convenient and fast. Online purchases may be reassigned to our greatest food needs, and all monies are dedicated to our food programs.

Local partners are hosting several special events for our May Food Drive. Below is a list of

sponsored dates. Check out our website as the list grows!

www.LiftUrbanPortland.orgYour home for all things food drive!

Special Events

FOOD FRONT COOPERATIVE GROCERY, 2375 NW Thurman St.

MONTH OF MAY: Point-of-sale program raises money for us with every purchase.

ROAD RUNNER SPORTS, 29 NW 23rd Place

MONTH OF MAY: Discount on merchandise with food for their barrel.

PREM GROUP PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, 351 NW 12th Ave.

MAY 1:First Thursday event with suggested minimum donation of $5 at the door; 100% of all donations benefit Lift Urban Portland.

LEGACY GOOD SAMARITAN MEDICAL CENTER, 1015 NW 22nd Ave

MAY 6-12Raffle benefiting Lift Urban Portland.

continued on page 5

MEANWHILE, ACROSS TOWN

Darr Durham, our officemanager, was the only staff member with a car that could

reachtheoffice.Shewasjoinedthatday by Mark Golden, an Easter Seals volunteer who answers phones and assists with administrative tasks a few times a week.Darr and Mark were met by a different dilemma. That Friday was also Food Box delivery day. Some recipients rely on this as their primary source of food. But our volunteer driver found himself stuck at home.

Though she’s most often working with spreadsheets, Darr didn’t hesitate to switch hats. “No problem! I’ve got front-wheel drive,” she said, and proceeded to pack Mark into the car. A stop at our warehouse for the food boxes, and Darr and Mark were on their way.

Dashing Through the Snowcontinued from front page

“We didn’t have as much as usual,” says Leona, “but I knew, we still had to be ready!” Leona prepped all available food for the next day, and hoped for the best.The sun rose on Friday to a city blanketed in snow. Portland Public Schools, city and Metro offices wereall closed, along with most businesses across the area. The local news began a weekend of weather warnings, all saying “ Stay home!”Michael Roberts, our Friday food pantry coordinator, didn’t heed that advice. Nor did some members of Lift UrbanPortland’sofficestaff.

IN THE PANTRY

“I won’t say we were well stocked,” says Michael. “I can say we were open, and that

people who needed food got food.” Despite the empty streets, Michael opened our Food Pantry that Friday. Yes, the turnout was less than usual. But the mission of Lift Urban Portland isn’t based on number requirements. Helping even a few people on the worst day of the year — that’s what we do.

5

Spring 2014

The city might shut down for snow, but hunger

doesn’t take a day off.

Mark Golden (seated) and Stephen Kahl volunteer with Lift Urban Portland through a

program with Easter Seals. Their job description might just include the phrase “above and beyond.”

Before the day was done, Darr and Mark had visited five differentapartment buildings. Twelve of our Portland neighbors received food boxes in their homes.We offer a great thanks to our staff and volunteers, who truly went above and beyond during our February blizzard.

SANTA FE TACQUERIA, 831 NW 23rd Ave.CHILD’S PLAY, 2305 NW Kearney

MAY 10: Partnering in presenting Presto the Magician at 10 a.m. at the Tacqueria. Ticket sales for this event, and all proceeds from purchases at both locations from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. will benefit Lift Urban Portland.

BLUSH BEAUTY BAR, 513 NW 23rd Ave.MAY 16–18: Raffle in celebration of Blush Beauty Bar’s 10th anniversary. All proceeds benefit Lift Urban Portland.

BEN & JERRY’S UPTOWN, 39 NW 23rd PlaceMAY 18:Lift Urban Portland volunteers will be behind the counter all day scooping ice cream. All income from sales for the day will benefit Lift Urban Portland.

CAFFE MINGO, 807 NW 21st AveMAY 22:A portion of the evening will benefit Lift Urban Portland.

PEARL ACE HARDWARE, 1621 NW GlisanLAST WEEK OF MAY:Coupon for discount on merchandise with food for their barrel.

FIRESIDE RESTAURANT, 801 NW 23rd Ave.JUNE 1: Sunday night opening restaurant to benefit Lift Urban Portland. Percentage of proceeds.

Special Events (continued)

Donors: January 1 - March 31, 2014

6

Lift Urban Portland

Thank you to the people and organizations that contributed to Lift Urban Portland during

our last fiscal quarter.

Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of these lists.

If you see an error, please contact us at (503) 221-1224.

Barbara BallweberJacqueline & Stuart BartholdLes & Ellen BickLayton BorkanBarbara BriodyBecky BrownCambia Health FoundationRachel Cole, DDSDelanie DelimontNikki & Stuart DirectorChapman & Kay DixBarbara Durkheimer & Gary LarsenMarian Edwards Family Partnership Elephant’s DelicatessenESCO CorporationMichael & Ruth Tenzer FeldmanFirst Immanuel Lutheran Church Rupert Fixott, DMD

Janet GallagherArlene GarrisonHeffernan Insurance Brokers Matthew Warren HollowayThe Holzman FoundationLynn LangfeldCraig & Linda LangleyNancy & Jack MacDonaldNational Council of Jewish Women –

Portland SectionJill NeuweltLinda OstomelAndrea OverbeckThe Parish of St. MarkPGE FoundationBarbara PrigohzyDiane RheosSally Rosenfeld & Andrew Frank

Janis Rosenfeld-BarbashBetsy A. RussellRose RustinCarol & Velma Saling Foundation Seams to FitSandra ShapiroSt. Mary’s CathedralStar Industrial Supply, Inc.Terwilliger PlazaKay Van PattenCarolyn VandersliceLinda & Larry VeltmanCarolyn & Gary WeinsteinJoe WelchJoella WerlinWhole Foods Market – Pearl The Fans of Widespread Panic

Tributes & CelebrationsIn honor of Nikki Director

Linda Ostomel

In honor of Nikki Director Linda & Larry Veltman

In honor of Nikki & Stuart Director Barbara Durkheimer & Gary Larsen

In honor of Alan & Eve Rosenfeld Carolyn WeinsteinJoella Werlin

In honor of Eve Rosenfeld Lynn LangfeldAndrea OverbeckSally Rosenfeld & Andrew FrankJanis Rosenfeld-BarbashRose Rustin

In honor of Rose Rustin Terwilliger Plaza

In honor of Valentine’s Day Jacqueline & Stuart Barthold

In memory of Jay Albert Nikki & Stuart Director

In memory of Herb Newmark Nikki & Stuart Director

In memory of Nisa Menashe Shleifer Nikki & Stuart Director

In memory of David Strauss Barbara Prigohzy

In-Kind GiftsAnonymousBaker & SpiceCarole BarkleyDave’s Killer BreadDarr DurhamFranz BakeryThe Clients of Hanu PilatesHilton Portland & Executive TowerKenny & Zuke’s BagelworksNora LehnhoffRollie LobsingerLouise & Richard MarshMary Jane’s House of GlassNorthwest Industrial Neighborhood

Association Pearl ACE HardwareSafeway – Pearl DistrictSalvation Army, White Shield CenterLynda ShapiroStarbucks St. Mary’s CathedralTrader Joe’sUrban GleanersBethany WoffordZen Center of PortlandLinda Jeo ZerbaZion Lutheran Church

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Spring 2014

This year’s annual fundraiser will be held at Castaway Portland. This Northwest

Portland facility features a larger indoor space, and an outdoor area perfect for a great summer’s eve. We are currently

putting together this year’s plans. You can expect the feel of an English country fair,

complete with wandering entertainers and an exciting new feature: Interactive kiosks

where guests can learn all about Lift Urban Portland.

Want to get involved?Call or write Stephen Alexander: stephen@LiftUrbanPortland.org

(503) 221-1224, ext. 107

A Weekday in the Country: Lift Urban Portland’s

Garden Party, Aug 26, 2014

Rollie Lobsinger, Program DirectorRollie@LiftUrbanPortland.org

Rollie comes to Lift Urban Portland with a Master’s in social work and a strong, active background in program management and development. He most recently served as the director of South Coast Food Share based in Coos Bay, Oregon.

As our new program director, Rollie oversees our volunteer activities, and the operations of several programs, including the Irving Street food pantry, Food for Kids Backpacks, community gardens, and our newer Wellness program.

Shanna Moro, Program CoordinatorShanna@LiftUrbanPortland.org

Our food pantry and warehouse are our busiest areas, with donated and purchased food always coming in and out. Shanna holds down this new position, keeping the food organized and ready for our recipients. Shanna holds a Bachelor of Social

Work degree, and joins us after two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer. She served as the community integration specialist for Exceed Enterprises, and worked with community involvement programs such as Oregon Food Bank and local food drives.

New Faces in Our Program Staff

Legal & Financial Planning: Why It Matters

If you’re age 70 ½ or older, you can make a direct tax-free rollover of up to $100,000

from an IRA to a qualified charitable organization like Lift Urban Portland. Check

with your financial advisor for details.

Join us for afternoon tea and an informative presentation by Sam Friedenberg, attorney with the lawofficesofNay&Friedenberg.

there is no charge for this event.

Participants will receive an informative booklet that covers many topics:

Thursday, June 5, 2014 ● 1 - 3 p.m.Trinity Episcopal Cathedral’s Morrison Room

147 NW 19th Avenue (NW 19th and Everett Street)RSVP: (503) 221-1224, ext. 103

Upcoming Events

• Financial and healthcare decisions.• Necessary documents.• How to provide for family members and friends you leave

behind.• How your legacy can support the values you believe in.

2701 NW Vaughn, Suite 102Portland, OR 97210www.LiftUrbanPortland.org

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2014 May Food Drive

Healthy food = Healthy people = Healthy communityOur annual May Food Drive helps us restock our warehouse. We rely on this yearly event to keep our emergency pantry, food box delivery, and Food for Kids Backpacks programs thriving.

• Calendar of food drive events at stores & restaurants• Food Barrel sites in Northwest Portland

• Quick link to the Virtual Food Drive• Cash donation box locations

We’ve made it easier and more fun to donate this year! Our Virtual Food Drive is an online shopping cart, allowing you to add to our food supply from your office or home.

Try our new Virtual Food Drive!

Food barrels, events, cash boxes, and more!

May Fooddrive

Shelf-stable milk

Canned fruits and vegetables

Canned stew

Rolled oats

May 1 - 31

Most-needed Foods

Visit our website to find food barrel locations:

www.LiftUrbanPortland.org

Peanut butter

Donate online with our Virtual Food Drive!

Healthy food = Healthy people = Healthy community

Have you seen this poster? Keep your eyes open in

the NW Neighborhood for companies participating in

our May Food Drive?

www.LiftUrbanPortland.orgYour home for all things food drive!