October 2024 Newsletter

From the Deputy Director's Desk:

October is here! For those who have been around long enough to remember our past executive director, Cassy Miller, you may recall that this was always her favorite month to send out her message. I get to take over that joy this season. October means crisp, beautiful mornings; colorful autumn leaves; afternoons that still have a bit of sunshine and warmth; tasting fall treats with pumpkin and spice; and that last bit of stillness before the busy holiday season. I, for one, could use these few weeks of calm, and I hope you get to enjoy some as well.

For the Amani Center, we just finished our largest fundraiser, the annual Hullabaloo, so we’re ALL ready for a little more calm around here as well. The event was a great success this year, even with a location change in the 11th hour and a smaller crowd (thanks a lot Ducks & Beavs!). We raised over $60,000 to put right back into serving kids and families in our community. We could not have done that without our sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff and YOU…our wonderful supporters. For those who came, we hope you enjoyed the event. For those who missed, please consider joining us again next year. We’ll be vying for your attention against the Civil War game again, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, but we’re giving you plenty of notice to NOT buy those tickets in 2025, because the Amani Center’s 25th Anniversary will be recognized ALL year long next year, and we’d love to have you celebrate with us at our signature event!

Many of you who attended the Hullabaloo also had the opportunity to see a 3D rendering of our new building project that we’re working towards. We heard such excitement around the need for this facility and that we’re making progress towards our goal. If you haven’t had an opportunity to learn about the project, or would like an update, please reach out to me. I’d love to meet up, show you our current space and share how this new facility is going to help us DOUBLE our services and expand our programs to the kids and families in Columbia County. You can email me or call me. Let’s get together! bpulito@amanicenter.org or 503-318-0568.

Warmly,

Beth Pulito, Deputy Director

What's New?

If you follow us on Facebook and Instagram, you may have noticed an increase in our Spanish language communications in recent months. Through a concerted effort, the Amani Center has hired several bilingual staff members who help to not only translate written communications, but also interact with Spanish-speaking families seeking services at the Center.

This has been part of a years-long project to expand access for Spanish-speaking families in our community. We place the utmost importance on reaching this underserved population, as we know that BIPOC children are among the most vulnerable to abuse. By expanding our ability to communicate with ease with our Spanish-speaking community members, we aim to reach children and families with the resources that they need so that abuse can stop, and healing can begin.

We are immensely grateful for the sensitivity, hard work, and dedication of our bilingual staff, who make it possible to communicate effectively. They help to educate, serve and care for children and families in our community by breaking down the barriers that language can present.

October Spotlight:

October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, which intersects significantly with the experiences of children served by the Amani Center. A large number of reports we have seen come through in recent months have been “witness to violence”.

Approximately 26% of children under the age of 18 are exposed to domestic violence in their lifetime, according to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline. Domestic violence, abuse and other potentially traumatic events such as these that take place during childhood are referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). ACES have been linked to health problems later in life such as mental health issues and substance abuse. ACES can be prevented, however, with intervention and support for parents and children, such as:

• Reducing stigma around seeking help with parenting challenges.

• Supporting parents seeking treatment for substance misuse.

• Supporting parents seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns.

• Supporting parents leaving abusive relationships.

• Spreading awareness/education about safe, stable, nurturing relationships that create environments where children can live, learn, and play.

The Oregon Department of Human Services’ “Healthy Relationships Brochure” provides examples of healthy and unhealthy behaviors, as well as resources for victims of abuse; please share it freely to help others recognize the signs of abusive relationships.

Locally, SAFE of Columbia County serves as the domestic and sexual violence advocacy center and emergency shelter for our county, providing support to victims. Their 24/7 helpline is available at 503-397-6161. 

Upcoming Events:

Friday, October 4th – Bingo Fundraiser

The weekly Friday night Bingo fundraiser meets next on October 4th at 6:00 p.m. at the Ol’ Pastime Tavern in Rainer. Bring a friend and enjoy a night out with delicious food, beverages and your chance to win big while supporting the Amani Center. Bingo daubers are provided, or you may bring your own. There’s also a progressive bingo growing each week until someone wins it! See you there!

Monday, October 21st – Bunco Fundraiser

Don’t miss our monthly Bunco fundraiser night coming up on Monday, October 21st at 6:00 p.m. at the Ol’ Pastime Tavern in Rainer. The cost is $15.00, so roll the dice and have some fun with a chance to win prizes, all while showing your support for the Amani Center. This event is sponsored by RE/MAX Power Pros Agent Dennis O’Brien.