From the Development Program Coordinator’s Desk:
This month, we’ve asked our Development Program Coordinator to introduce herself and to share a few details about her role at the Amani Center. We hope you enjoy learning about the work that she does for the Center:
My name is Taylor‑Jane Vaerewyck, and I have been with the Amani Center for almost a year and a half as the Development Program Coordinator. In my role, I handle donor acquisitions, grant writing and grant management, assist with our capital campaign, and provide overall support to our Development Team.
Growing up in Columbia County, I’ve long been aware of the Amani Center and the important work being done to help children in our community. About eight years ago, I volunteered my time to create a video for an Amani Center fundraiser, shortly after completing my bachelor’s degree in film and photography. Contributing to nonprofits has always been a natural part of my life; my background is rooted in nonprofit work, the arts, and human services, and I’ve volunteered or worked with nonprofits for as long as I can remember.
I knew I needed to be somewhere doing meaningful work, and I felt incredibly fortunate when this position opened at exactly the right time. I had just completed my second degree, an associate’s in graphic design, and had welcomed my wonderful daughter four months before applying. Working at the Amani Center has been deeply fulfilling, especially in a role where I get to share with funders the incredible impact our team makes every day. Our staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every child and family who walk through our doors receives the quality, equitable care they deserve.
We hope to break ground soon on a permanent home for the Amani Center, where all our services can be housed under one roof. Each year, more than 1,000 calls are made to the local child welfare office and in 2025, we saw a 13.6% increase in the number of new children served by the Amani Center and expanded the total number of services provided by 41% compared to 2024. With a new building, we will be able to double our capacity, see children more quickly, and expand the support we provide to each child and family. As the sole child advocacy center in Columbia County, and with our team also serving Clatsop County, which receives a similar number of child abuse reports, this expansion is essential.
The assessments we provide are court‑admissible, ensuring that a child only has to tell their story once, in a child‑led, trauma‑informed environment with trained professionals. Our victim advocates work tirelessly to offer resources, support, and ongoing advocacy. Additionally, several staff members lead events and classes that bring prevention education and resources directly to the community.
If you are interested in supporting the Amani Center and partnering with us to create a safe, abuse‑free world for children, I would love to connect with you. Reach me via email at tvaerewyck@amanicenter.org.
Warm regards,
Taylor-Jane, Development Program Coordinator
Capital Campaign Update
The Amani Center has secured $1.023 million in federal investments for the construction of a permanent facility for child abuse intervention and assessments in Columbia County!
This exciting news was recently shared by Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, and we are grateful to be one of the essential community-initiated projects chosen for federal funding in this year’s final spending bill to help meet critical needs in Oregon communities. A new, permanent Amani Center facility will allow us to provide:
– Double our Current Forensic Medical Assessments Annually
– Onsite Mental Health Services Fully Integrated with Assessments
– Reduced Appointment Times and Simultaneous
Appointments
– Full & Part Time Family Nurse Practitioners
– Doubles Appointment Capacity, Victim Advocacy, & Support Services
– Urgent Response Assessments
– Availability for Foster Care Medical Exams
– Increased Funding Sustainability
– ADA Compliance
This funding has been two years in the making, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and their dedicated staff, as well as Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici for her continuous support. We are also deeply grateful to everyone who believes in our mission to give child abuse victims a safe place to be heard.
This incredible step forward in our Capital Campaign will have a profound and lasting impact on the children and families of Columbia County. We are now at 57% of our project funded, and with the continued support of our community, we can bridge the remaining gap and bring this vital project to completion. To learn more about the Capital Campaign, visit our website.
What’s New?
We are thrilled to announce a new feature of this year’s Race Against Child Abuse on April 25th; the Cheer Squad! We are looking for high-energy volunteers to join the Cheer Squad for our 18th annual race next month.
Our mission is simple: bring the noise! We want to celebrate every single one of the 300+ participants as they cross the finish line with music cranking and a high-energy atmosphere. You can help put some extra pep in racer’s steps by inspiring them to finish strong with your encouragement! Cheer Squad members are also welcome to join in on our race theme by wearing your favorite superhero costume.
Cheer Squad details:
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Time: 8:00 – 11:30 AM
- Location: Downtown St. Helens at the end of S. 1st Street, past Crooked Creek Brewery. Look for the big Uberthons finish line.
- Check-in: Visit the volunteer table under the big tents and let them know you’re with the Cheer Squad.
Invite your friends and family to join us and let’s show our community some incredible support by cheering them on for a great cause! You can use this link to sign up ahead of the race or share it on social media: Cheer Squad Sign-Up.
March Spotlight:
With the Race Against Child Abuse coming up next month, we’re showing our appreciation for the Elite Sponsor of the race, Wauna Credit Union. Wauna has proven year after year that they are a steadfast supporter of our mission to give child abuse victims a voice by partnering with us across multiple events and fundraisers.
For this year’s race, Wauna will provide a team of volunteers to help our race packet pickup run smoothly, and they will also have their own team of racers participating in the race. We are so impressed with their dedication to support the race not only as the Elite Sponsor, but also by working behind the scenes – we couldn’t do it without them!
We especially want to say “thank you” to Wauna Credit Union’s employees, who back our mission through their support of the race. It is because of these individuals coming alongside us that we are able to stand strong as a community to put an end to child abuse. Thank you for being a hero to kids!
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, April 25 – Race Against Child Abuse
Lace up your running shoes and tie on your superhero cape for this year’s Race Against Child Abuse! Join in our fun superhero theme by dressing up in your best and brightest superhero gear to “be a hero for kids” at this year’s race! Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to start training now for the 2026 Race Against Child Abuse. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a weekend jogger, or just looking for a meaningful stroll with the family, there’s a place for you here. Choose your challenge: conquer the 10K, breeze through the 5K, enjoy the 1 Mile Family Fun Walk, create your own virtual race, or select ‘Sweet Dreams’ and sleep in for the cause.
Thank you to the Race Against Child Abuse Elite Sponsor, Wauna Credit Union! Also, a special thanks to Crooked Creek Brewery, the Official Timing Sponsor of the race.
Thursday, April 30 – Día del Niño Celebration
The Amani Center invites children and families to the FREE Día del Niño Celebration on Thursday, April 30th. Come enjoy this free children’s fair at Buccini Hall in St. Helens from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with delicious food, fun activities, and prizes for kids of all ages. Let’s celebrate our community’s kids together at this fun Children’s Day party!