BOISE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY ASSETS
SCHOOLS
Boise-Eliot/Humboldt "STEAM" School (pre-K - 5)
The school's mission is "to educate all children to their highest potential to be productive, respectful, self-reliant, and responsible citizens who value the richness of diversity. In partnership with families and the community, we are committed to excellence in a dynamic, child-centered, nurturing environment that provides the foundation and enthusiasm for life-long learning".
How you can volunteer: PTA page
Self Enhancement, Inc (SEI)
SEI is "a nonprofit organization supporting at-risk urban youth. Since 1981, SEI has grown from a 1-week summer basketball camp to a flourishing agency serving thousands of students each year in the greater Portland, Oregon area. SEI is the largest African-American led non-profit organization in Oregon state, with plans to replicate our agency and school model across the country".
How you can volunteer:
PARKS & GARDENS
Denorval Unthank City Park
Unthank Park adjoins SEI Academy, and is the only City park in Boise neighborhood. It is not a dog park (we have no dog park currently). It is used by after school programs for kids through Parks & Recreation and SEI Academy, as well as community members and families. Every spring, the Spring Cleanup is held in the parking lot adjoining the park, and every summer, National Night Out is held in the park.
Background
Dr. DeNorval Unthank (1899-1977) was born in Pennsylvania, raised in Kansas City, and received his medical degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. He moved to Portland in 1929 to start his own practice. He was on the staff of Good Samaritan, Providence, St Vincent, and Emanuel Hospitals. (Excerpt from: Portland Parks & Recreation. See for more info on sports park reservations and other amenities)
In addition to being an outstanding doctor, DeNorval was also a civil rights activist, serving as president of the local NAACP, co-founding the Portland Urban League, and winning numerous awards for his work against racial equality. In 1969, the city of Portland named Unthank Park in his honor. (Excerpt from: Stories of the Street)
BOISE ELIOT NATIVE GROVE
Main project website: https://www.nativegrovepdx.org.
This grove of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses, with native bee housing, paths and benches, and educational signage was created to support populations of native pollinators, insects, and birds, in partnership with local schools, businesses and community environmental organizations.
A group of neighbors had a dream and banded together to create this habitat. They started with securing approval from PBOT to turn an unused plot of PBOT land into this lush native habitat for all to enjoy. Through many donations and volunteer work parties that continue to this day they take care of this habitat. You can help too! Contact: NativeGrovePDX@gmail.com
Urban Harvest Garden
This community garden is owned by the Urban League of Portland. It is intended for Africans and African-American community members. Contact: Zeenia at ZJunkeer@ulpdx.org
NON PROFITS
Q Center
Q Center provides a safe space to support and celebrate LGBTQ diversity, equity, visibility and community building. Q Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization which offers multi-generational programs and services in four core areas: Arts & Culture; Education & Training; Health & Wellness and Advocacy.
There are dozens of events and groups that meet here, some focused on specific topics (like coming out or gender identity) and others aimed at fun social interactions (like sing-along piano cabarets or craft nights). Entry to most of these is sliding-scale and run by dedicated volunteers, keeping Q Center truly community-driven and accessible. (Excerpt from: Q Center website)
Q Center hosts regular meetings of the Boise Neighborhood Association when we meet in person.
Contact: Info@pdxQcenter.org
Hand Up Project
Located at the Q Center, the Hand Up Project’s mission is to empower the disenfranchised with the resources needed to improve their lives.
Working with the People’s Pantry to offer a “Shopping Style” pantry that preserves dignity by offering a choice of food staples, while respecting the family's individual and cultural dietary needs, while avoiding food waste from “cookie cutter” style food boxes.
Hours of Operation:
Mondays & Tuesdays: Noon-4pm
4th Saturday of the month: 10am-1pm
The People's Pantry welcomes everyone; however, we cater to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community. Both of which experience higher rates of food insecurities.
Our United Villages
Our United Villages is a non-profit organization with the goal of inspiring people to value and discover existing resources to strengthen the social and environmental vitality of communities. Projects of Our United Villages include The ReBuilding Center - a resource warehouse that make home repairs affordable to everyone, with the goal of promoting the reuse of salvaged and reclaimed materials.
Airway science for kids
Airway Science for Kids, Inc. (ASK) is a nonprofit with a mission to remove barriers for children and youth who have been systematically excluded from STEAM education and careers.
As part of their commitment to uplift and support our community, Airway Science for Kids is proud to offer free after school programming. Check here for to learn more and to register.
B.E.A.M: Black Excellence Acheivement Movement
The Black Scholars Together Reclaiming Our Natural Greatness (BSTRONG) Learning Hub works towards Spatial and Environmental Justice by building an understanding of the history of past injustice and envisioning a liberated sustainable future.
At its core, the BSTRONG Learning Hub addresses the problems of the fractured community and Black student disparities, builds economic vitality that puts Black needs first, and breaks systemic cycles of trauma and separation for Black youth within education.