Categories: EventsFeaturesNews

Community Action Benefit a Kaleidoscope Celebration of Hope

Reneè Bruce, Executive Director of Community Action; Lisette Acosta, former client of Community Action and featured guest

Portland, OR. 350 supporters gathered for a benefit called Kaleidoscope to celebration the hope, help, and change that Community Action brings to low-income families throughout Washington County. The benefit on April 13th at NW Events & Environments in Hillsboro, featured inspirational stories about small changes that make a big impact. Executive Director of Community Action, Reneè Bruce thanked Lisette Acosta, a former client, for sharing her journey. Kaleidoscope is Community Action’s annual celebration and biggest fundraiser of the year; this year it raised over $228,000. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Carolyn Ortman, Kaiser Permanente; Mayor Steve Calloway, City of Hillsboro; Representative Margaret Doherty, Oregon Legislature

Robyn Shuey, The Standard

Leda Garside, Tuality Healthcare; Cece Clitheroe, Tuality Healthcare; Cam Clitheroe

Reneè Bruce, Community Action Executive Director; Bruce Whiting, Key Bank

Lisette Acosta, shared her story of being homeless with her 12 year old son. Her biggest fear during that time was losing her son, because she could not provide a safe place for him. She finally found that safe place at Community Action’s Family Shelter. Once there, she got the support she needed to find permanent housing.

She told the crowd of 350 people how grateful she is to have a home. She said, “What this means is that I now have my dignity back. I can be the parent my son deserves – a mom whose primary concern is for how to make his life better instead of how to find a safe place to sleep every night.” The crowd was so inspired by her story, they rose to their feet in a standing ovation show of support. And then they gave generously to help other families facing homelessness.

From Community Action:

Community Action offers the following programs to assist eligible residents of Washington County. Click a link or call to find out about service details, availability, eligibility criteria and more.

TTY Relay Services (English) dial 711 or 1-800-735-1232

Housing & Homeless Services

Addressing housing crisis situations by providing emergency shelter and short-term rent assistance
Phone: 503.640.3263
Energy Assistance

Offering financial support for household energy costs
Phone: 503.615.0771
Email: energy@caowash.org
Emergency Rent Assistance

Providing limited funding to help prevent homelessness
Phone: 503.615.0770
Energy Conservation

Helping families in need stay safe and warm.
Phone: 503.906.6550
Email: weatherization@caowash.org
Head Start & Early Head Start

Promoting school readiness with programs for children from infancy to age five
Phone: 503.693.3262
Email: headstart@caowash.org
Early Connections

Providing parenting education & support during pregnancy and after.
Phone: 503.726.0879
Email: earlyconnections@caowash.org
Child Care Resource & Referral

Connecting families with child care providers in Washington & Columbia counties
Phone: 971.223.6100 or 800.624.9516
Email: ccrr@caowash.org
Family Development

Family Development provides comprehensive home visiting services, financial education and career development support.
211 Info – FIND Help Information & Referral

Offering comprehensive health and human service resources online and by phone
Phone: 2-1-1 or 866.698.6155
Email: findcontact@caowash.org

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.