From the Deputy Director's Desk:
At this time of year with the holiday season fast approaching, we want to pause this month and truly give thanks for the people who are most meaningful to the success of Amani Center, and the goals that we’ve reached together.
As we celebrate 25 years of Amani this year, we recognize that there is so much to be thankful for. Over the history of the agency, the contribution from former directors, staff, donors, community supporters and businesses have enabled the healing and recovery of thousands of Columbia County children. From the onset, community support has been the cornerstone of our agency, and without caring individuals who have stepped up to advocate for child abuse victims, we would not be where we are today. We’ll be highlighting many of these supporters on our social media in the coming weeks, displaying the ways in which they have been vital to the Amani Center mission.
We’re also reflecting with gratitude on the recent launch of our new Mental Health and Prevention programs, the success of our most financially impactful Hullabaloo fundraiser to date, and the continued growth of our Capital Campaign to build a permanent home for the Amani Center. These exciting milestones wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our incredible community!
As you gather with friends and family to give thanks this month, know that our community’s children are thankful for you. To you, our supporters, thank you from the entire Amani Center team and on behalf of the children we serve. Whether you give a little or a lot, anything helps to make a positive impact in the life of a child affected by abuse. Thank you for making a difference.
With Gracious Thanks,
Beth Pulito, Deputy Director
What's New?
If you follow us on Instagram and Facebook, this month you’ll see that we’re taking time to give thanks for the businesses, community supporters and individuals who help sustain the work that we do all year long.
These caring and dedicated people stand up for our community’s children, backing us in our mission to give child abuse victims a voice through their financial support, volunteerism, and advocacy.
Businesses, community supporters and individuals we’re featuring include:
Crooked Creek Brewery
Christine Dahlgren
Dutch Bros. Coffee, Scappoose & St. Helens
Ali Englehart
Fibre Federal Credit Union
Lisa Galovich
Bart & Janet Grabhorn
Grocery Outlet, Rainier
Healthy Smiles of Scappoose – Dr. Kendall Liday
HWY 30 Cruisers
Ichabod’s Restaurant
InRoads Credit Union
Lower Columbia Engineering
Jason Moon
Dennis O’Brien
Val O’Farrel
Ol’ Pastime Tavern – Sloan Nelson, Volunteers Linda & Sheri
Ramos Yard Maintenance
Richardson’s Furniture
Sass at Home
Scappoose Bagel
Starbucks Coffee, St. Helens
Tap into Wine
Wauna Credit Union
Our MDT Partners:
Assistant Attorney General’s Office, CCMH, CCSO, CHS, Columbia County Schools, District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Justice Department, Parole and Probation, Portland FBI Office, Scappoose PD, St. Helens PD, and DHS-CPS, DHS- OTIS.
Our Board Members:
Jaime Aanensen, Marco Castaneda, Maria Fenstermaker, Molly Hruska, Tami McDonald, Stan Mendenhall, Stacia Tyacke, Dave Wasylenko.
We are deeply grateful to all who generously share their time, energy, and financial support to sustain the mission of the Amani Center. Your commitment makes our work possible—and your compassion makes you a true hero to children. Thank you!
November Spotlight:
Each December on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, we celebrate a special day created to spark a “global generosity movement” – Giving Tuesday.
Started in 2012, Giving Tuesday began as a day dedicated to inspiring a spirit of giving, encouraging people all over the world to act in support of the causes and nonprofit organizations that hold special meaning to them.
This year on Tuesday, December 2nd, you can give the gift of peace to local children with your financial support of the Amani Center. Your donation directly assists children with concerns of abuse, aiding them on the journey toward healing and recovery. Use this link to donate to the Amani Center now to celebrate Giving Tuesday!
Don’t forget to share that you participated in #GivingTuesday by giving to the Amani Center and inspire others to give!
25 Years of Amani:
We have another Amani Center scrapbook page to share as we look back on “25 Years of Amani” all throughout 2025, celebrating our 25th anniversary.
Check out this photo from the early 2000’s of Lisa Galovich during her time as the Amani Center Director. This photo shows Lisa in a newspaper article discussing her recent award from the state for her tireless dedication to our county’s youngest victims. Her legacy of dedication is upheld by our current Executive Director Amelia Kercher, and over 30 Amani Center staff who strive to make an abuse-free world a reality for Columbia County’s children.
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!