From the Deputy Director's Desk:
As we get ready to welcome the new year in a few short weeks, we’re looking back at 2025 and reflecting with grateful hearts. Because of you, our supporters, hundreds of children found their voices within the walls of the Amani Center this year. You enabled these precious kids to find peace, hope and healing as they started the journey to recovery from abuse. Every gift that you have given has contributed to providing care to children in our community during the most difficult time in their lives.
From victim advocacy to forensic interviews and specialized therapy, the essential services that we provide make it so each child is seen, heard and cared for when they need it most. The bravery and resilience of the
children we serve inspires the work that we do, and your commitment to their healing fuels us in our mission to give child abuse victims a voice. We’ve outlined specific ways that your support has made an impact in our
“Monthly Spotlight” below and detailed some of the achievements that we’ve reached together.
Looking ahead to the new year, we plan to expand our new abuse prevention services, continue strengthening the partnership with our Multidisciplinary Team, and move forward with plans for our new building to create a permanent home for the Amani Center. We know that with the continued backing of our community, these goals are reachable.
From the entire Amani Center staff and Board, we wish you a holiday season full of peace and joy with your loved ones. We hope that this is a time of rest and renewal for you, and that your hearts are warmed knowing the difference that you’ve made in the lives of vulnerable children.
Warm Regards,
Beth Pulito, Deputy Director
What's New?
The holidays can often be busy, filled with activities, to-do lists, celebrations with friends and family, and our favorite traditions all packed into a couple of short months. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, we’re wishing you moments of lasting joy and peace with your nearest and dearest, and time to reflect on what you treasure most about this time of year.
As you pause to consider what this season means to you, we ask you to also contemplate what it means to the children we serve. “Amani” is Swahili for “peace,” and for 25 years the Amani Center has endeavored to bring peace to Columbia County children and families impacted by abuse. You can be a part of this incredible legacy by giving the gift of peace to child abuse victims with your end of year financial donation.
Give the gift of peace today and make a difference that lasts a
lifetime.
December Spotlight:
It’s hard to believe that our 25th anniversary year is ending already!
We’ve been looking back over the last 12 months, sharing Amani Center photos and memories from our 25-year history on social media and right here in our newsletter.
From our old Gateway computers in the original offices, to our first Race Against Child Abuse and more, 2025 has been a trip down memory lane celebrating the people who helped build and contribute to the success of the Center. Thanks in large part to the support of our community, we’ve come a long way in our mission to give child abuse victims a voice.
Because of the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community supporters, since the Amani Center opened its doors in the year
2000, we have reached:
– 3,930 children served
In 2025 alone, we have accomplished the following:
– 247 children served
– 9,853 services provided
– 16 staff members hired (new positions and vacancies filled)
– Launch of new Prevention Program
These numbers illustrate the hope and healing of children on the path to recovery from abuse. Our caring donors and supporters made this possible; thank you for helping to give these children a voice!
With our 25th anniversary year drawing to a close, we now turn our attention to the next 25 years and beyond as we strive to build a new permanent home for the Amani Center. We invite you join us in our exciting plans for the future by visiting our Capital Campaign page, where you can view photo renderings and blueprints, see what a new facility will provide, and learn what you can do to get involved.
25 Years of Amani:
We have one last Amani Center scrapbook page to share as we look back on “25 Years of Amani” all throughout 2025, celebrating our 25th anniversary.
Take a look at this photo of our 2024 Brunch with Santa fundraiser in Rainier, featuring the beloved Mr. & Mrs. Claus! This cherished holiday tradition brings festive family fun to kids of all ages, all while supporting the Amani Center mission. Check out our “Upcoming Events” below for details on this year’s event!
If you’d like to celebrate our “Silver Jubilee” anniversary with us, consider donating via our 25th Anniversary donation page. All donations will support the building fund, helping to make a permanent home a reality for the Amani Center. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more scrapbook photos from the past!
Upcoming Events:
December 6th – Breakfast with Santa
Calling all merry families! Get ready for a magical morning of holiday cheer! Join us for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Scappoose High School. While the little ones write their cherished Santa letters, parents can relax and enjoy the festivities. There will be fun reindeer games to get everyone moving, a delicious pancake breakfast, plus a chance to decorate delectable sugar cookies. Best of
all, proceeds from the event will benefit the Amani Center and the work we’re doing to support our community’s vulnerable children. Don’t miss this festive opportunity to create lasting memories and support a wonderful cause! Tickets are $8.00 if pre-purchased, or $10.00 at the door. Use this link to pre-purchase your tickets today!
December 7th – Brunch with Santa
Ho ho ho! Mark your calendars for this heartwarming annual family event “Brunch with Santa” coming up on Sunday, December 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Rainier Senior Center. Enjoy an afternoon full of family fun with a pancake brunch, along with North Pole festivities including cookie decorating, reindeer games, a cocoa café and more. Make some magical holiday memories together, all while supporting the Amani Center! Tickets are $8.00 if pre-purchased, or $10.00 at the door. Use this link to pre-purchase your tickets now!