From the Deputy Director's Desk
It’s February and the Amani Center is feeling the LOVE! We are so grateful for our partners, donors and volunteers and the support you provide for us now and throughout the year.
Last month, InRoads Credit Union ran their annual “Rubber Ducky Day” fundraising campaign and selected the Amani Center as the beneficiary of those efforts. We are truly thankful for their decision to make the Center the recipient of their kind donation.
In 2023, the employees of Columbia River PUD voted to raise funds for the Amani Center throughout the year. We were generously presented with a check earlier this month from seven of their staff members on behalf of their entire organization!
And recently, we learned that the Race Against Child Abuse normal race start/finish location would be under construction during our annual race date. Thankfully, Columbia River Foursquare Church came to our rescue, graciously allowing us to utilize their established Reindeer Run route AND their location, to hold our event uninterrupted.
We feel the love and our hearts are full! Thank you so much to all of our supporters for keeping us in your hearts!
In gratitude,
Beth Pulito, Deputy Director
What's New?
The Amani Center has experienced an exciting season of growth in recent months. We have added staff members to our team, completed new projects, and are developing plans for the future as we adapt to serve our community in the ways they need us most.
In December of 2023, the Center received a grant from the Columbia County Cultural Coalition for the creation of two quilts, made by Chinook Nation member Carol Schoenfelder. Carol’s quilts now grace the walls of our family room, adding beauty and comfort for children, families and staff to enjoy; read more about this project here.
At the end of 2023, the brand-new Amani Center website was launched; click here to explore the online home of the Amani Center.
Looking to the future, the capital building campaign moves forward with plans to build a new Center to meet the expanding needs of our community. We are filled with gratitude to our many donors, volunteers and community partners who have made this season of growth possible.
February Spotlight
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and a great educational tool for teens, parents and guardians is Love is Respect.
According to Love is Respect, 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience some form of abuse in a relationship before becoming adults. Love is Respect’s 2024 theme is “Love Like That”, which defines the kind of love everyone deserves with examples of healthy relationship behaviors.
Upcoming Events
April 27th – Race Against Child Abuse
On your mark, get set, go! The Amani Center’s 16th annual Race Against Child Abuse is coming up on Saturday, April 27th.
You can help Columbia County child abuse victims find healing through your participation in this year’s race. Racers of all abilities are welcome to register for the Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, 1 Mile Family Fun Walk or Virtual Race.
This year we’ve partnered with Columbia River Foursquare Church, bringing you a unique opportunity to run their Reindeer Run race routes on April 27th. Be sure to use the promo code EARLYBIRD24 to receive a sweet 20% discount now through Valentine’s Day.
Invite a friend, family member or coworker and join together to help child abuse victims in your community. Click here to register today!
