Our 2021 Impact Report
At Betties360, we've experienced a lot of change in the past 20 months – going virtual with our programming at the beginning of the pandemic, offering summer programs two years in a row, hiring new program staff, purchasing a 15-passenger van, and moving back into schools. Despite these changes – our middle school program continues to build community, confidence, and positive relationships with female, female-identifying, gender fluid and non-binary youth.
Year Two of Summer Programs
This summer looked very different than our previous year where we continued to meet our students over Zoom. We were finally able to meet with our youth in person!
Some of the highlights were tie-dye, acrylic painting, and movement activities.
A Used Van for Adventures
In July, we received a grant from the Oregon Community Foundation's 2021 K-12 Summer Learning Fund. This grant funding was critical to continue our summer programming and a significant portion went towards the purchase of a used 15-passenger van. We are excited for all of the adventures we’ll be able to take with our youth!
Fresh Fall Fun
This fall, we were back to in-person after-school sessions with our students .
Our new students have loved learning skills like slacklining, gall dye making, shelter building, and how to cook on camp stoves. After each class, our youth reflect on these activities through journaling and our program staff respond to them each week through these journal prompts.
Youth built shelters out of tarps and then used camping stoves, make their own Golden Milk (a warm, sweet winter drink). It got dark early so everyone was running around with flashlights in the wooded part of the playground. One of the students exclaimed in the dark, "It's like we're in the wilderness at our own school!"
This winter we will be going to the Portland Audubon Society to meet rehabilitated birds. We plan to do more slacklining, and more cooking together which has been so popular with our youth.
Introducing Our New Program Instructor
Welcome, Maya Hickman, our new program instructor! Maya joined our organization shortly after taking a 380-mile walk along the Oregon Coast. Walking every day for weeks got her thinking about the gift she was given of an active life, and how much she’d like to share that engagement with young people who are still learning what makes them feel alive and awake.
Thank You for Your Support
We are able to accomplish all of this because of amazing supporters like you! Thank you for all you do to support our youth in finding their confidence, building community, and discovering new experiences.
Download Our 2021 Impact Report