From the Deputy Director's Desk
This month, I want to share some exciting developments regarding the Amani Center’s new mental health therapy program. We have started our recruitment process, with the help of CareOregon, to hire a full time LCSW or LPC, as well as a full-time bilingual English/Spanish LCSW or LPC. Currently on board we have bilingual Mental Health Program Manager Brandy Hayes, and our Medical Billing Specialist Heather Sutton. We also plan to recruit an Administrative Assistant for the mental health program, which would complete our mental health department and achieve our goal of providing therapeutic services to youth in Columbia County.
During this recruitment phase, our mental health department has been working on obtaining appropriate licensing, attending relevant trainings, and collaborating with other local mental health agencies in our county. We are also in discussions with Columbia Community Mental Health as to how to collaborate even further to support each agency’s programs to address our community’s needs through co-located services, robust referrals, coordinated trainings and complimentary services. We have joined APSAC (American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children) Mental Health Sector, and have continued participating in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee at Oregon Child Abuse Solutions.
We are hoping with all the new changes and trainings for our program, our mental health department will be implemented soon. Thank you for your support of the Amani Center as we embark on our new journey!
In gratitude,
Beth Pulito, Deputy Director
What's New?
The Amani Center was kindly selected by the employees of Columbia River PUD as the nonprofit they chose to donate to all year in 2023. We welcomed several members of their team to our office in February and gave them a tour of our facility, showing them the impact that their donation will make. We congratulate their 2024 nonprofit donation recipients, the Columbia Humane Society and SAFE of Columbia County! We look forward to seeing the ways in which the generosity of CRPUD benefits these two nonprofit organizations this year.
We are also humbled to share that the Amani Center has been nominated for “Nonprofit of the Year” by the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Awards. We wish to congratulate our fellow nominees Lifempowered, the United Way, and the Columbia Pacific Food Bank. Also, we are proud to share that Amani Center Board Member Toni Nelson has been nominated for “Silver Citizen of the Year” for her outstanding commitment to volunteer work in Columbia County. Congratulations, Toni!
Last but not least, the Amani Center is now on Instagram! Click here to follow us.
March Spotlight
This month, we highlight our annual Hullabaloo fundraiser hosts Bart & Janet Grabhorn. The Grabhorns graciously offer their beautiful property at Grabhorn Farm in Scappoose for the annual Hullabaloo Car & Tractor Show and the Hullabaloo Dinner.
The Amani Center is thankful for all that Bart and Janet do to make this fundraising event a big success; they diligently work behind the scenes preparing for the Hullabaloo, making sure that no detail is overlooked! This event would not be possible without their kindness, hard work, and commitment to helping serve child abuse victims. Save the date for this year’s Hullabaloo coming up on Saturday, September 14th.
Upcoming Events
April – Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The National Children’s Advocacy Center has provided “10 Facts About Child Abuse” with easy-to-understand insight, and corrections of common misconceptions about child abuse.
During Child Abuse Prevention Month and all year round, you can help to put an end to child abuse in our community with your donation.
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. Thank you to Wauna Credit Union, our 2024 Race Against Child Abuse sponsor!
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. Invite a friend, family member or coworker and join together to help child abuse victims in your community. Click here to register today!
