Families In Crisis
Violence in the home is not spoken about publicly or often. But it exists! Where can a spouse or child go for help? We are thankful for the work of the Raphael House in east Portland or the Clackamas Women’s Services . . .
Education
The Walters Family Foundation understands how reading is important to young children, especially in ages two through six. We are proud to partner with SMART, which attracts hundreds of volunteers in Oregon to read to young kids. Early reading to children has repeatedly shown to be helpful in better school performance. The Walters Family Foundation has conducted frequent site visits and have learned a lot about the SMART program …
Mental Health
Raphael House of Portland
Mental health issues are always a challenge to any organization working in this area. The Raphael House of Portland works in a more dangerous situation in helping those involved in domestic violence. Where does a mother or child go for help when hurt by such violence? The Raphael House is one such organization that has a strong program developed by a top leadership group. Helping those get to safety, find new ways of financial support, housing, food, then on to better education, jobs, and a new life. We are thankful for the solid work of this top organizationRead More Donate Now
Prevention
Children’s issues are vital to the mission of the Walters Family Foundation, and we are aware of a special group of kids – FOSTER children! The impact of being labeled “foster” not only on the kids, but on the foster parents is critical and can be scary. With a 2-hour notice that a set of foster twins is coming can turn a foster home upside down! Help from someone who understands the kids AND the parents is paramount. With Love is such an organization who provides emergency supplies to the homes caring for kids and giving much needed support and care to the wonderful parents. Supplies that come to With Love are cleaned catalogued, organized into bundles especially designed for the children’s care. And if needed, With Love uses their van to deliver these bags of goodies to the foster homes. We especially appreciate the leadership and work of Founder Allie Roth and her team including the volunteer workers.
Partner Testimonials
The Walters Family Foundation helped…
Verna Wise Matthews
It’s not easy being a teen in today’s fast-paced world, but they aren’t alone. With the invaluable support of the Walters Family Foundation, Ophelia’s Place empowers, educates, and supports youth to make healthy life choices. Its prevention-based holistic services teach teens critical thinking skills they’ll use when dealing with tough topics like Digital Decisions, Healthy Relationships, Sexual Harassment & Conflict Resolution, and Media & Body Image. It’s partnership with the Walters Family Foundation has allowed Ophelia’s Place to reach more than 1,800 youth in rural Oregon middle and high schools through classroom presentations to all youth, girls’ empowerment groups, parent education sessions, and school staff training. Thank you for making an investment in our teens, our communities, and their futures.
Verna Wise Matthews
Executive Director, Ophelia’s Place
Laura Queen
The Walters Family foundation understands that helping others is the greatest gift there is – and that compassion is the catalyst for it. Their partnership with Sparrow Clubs allows us to continue to spark compassion in more youth by giving them the opportunity to see that the world is so much bigger than just themselves. Through this generous partnership, which offers both funding and guidance, Sparrow Clubs is able to inspire and empower more kids to help local children in medical need and give them a reason . . . to look up, look around, and take notice. And reach out to others in their community. The Walters Family Foundation is allowing Sparrow Clubs to literally change thousands of lives.
Laura Queen
Portland Program Director, Sparrow Clubs USA
Chris Smith
Wilderness Trails, Inc., a Christian faith-based ministry to at-risk/foster young people in Southern Oregon, has been blessed for many years by the Walters Family Foundation involvement. The Foundation has helped sponsor young people to attend our outdoor recreational/camping programs each year since 2010. They were also instrumental in helping us develop a promotional video that has increased our communities’ awareness of our programs and highlighted what we have to offer these young people. Their involvement in our programs has also helped us leverage support from other foundations. We are truly grateful for their support.
Chris Smith
Executive Director, Wilderness Trails
Karen Hill
The Walters Family Foundation has supported us for over a decade with a depth of interest unlike any other foundation. Their genuine concern for our success was flattering and inspiring. Occasional grants, some constructive feedback, and most recently, a very generous investment in our library and community gathering center has helped us achieve an amazing and successful project that is making a difference in our community.
Karen Hill
Cornelius Library Director
Portland Rescue Mission
Shepherd’s Door located in NE Portland, is a safe place for women and their children to rebuild their lives. Our 12-month restoration program is called New Life, because that is what is offered, an opportunity to live a new life after homelessness and addiction. Women who lives have been devastated by addictions and toxic life patterns, participate in recovery programming, counseling, vocational training, and address root issues that led them and their children into homelessness in the first place.
Cliff Walters and Tamberly Couch generously offered their time and the resources to support the life transforming program at Shepherd’s Door. During their visit, we were struck by their engaging conversation, thoughtful and challenging questions. It is a rare and special opportunity to be blessed by the experience and knowledge Cliff has to offer. Before the site visit was over, he was already connecting us with resources and potential partners, we are so thankful the support of the Walters Family Foundation!
Our Non-Profit Partners
