Community Resources
The following is a list of helpful resources for alumni. Click on the category you are interested in to see the full list, then click on an item of interest to open it in a new window. Have specific questions? Take a look at the listing of YPA Resources here. Click on a topic to expand the box.
Childcare
Cultural
- Starting a business? Take a look at the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs
- Check the links at the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs for a wealth of pertinent resources
- Likewise for Hispanic Affairs
- And Asian Affairs
- And for Women
- The Native American Youth and Family Center is a great resource
- 500 Nations has a comprehensive listing of Oregon Tribes
- SMYRC offers education and direct services for LGBTQQ Youth
Drug and Alcohol Support
- RAP offers peer-based support and social events
- Lifeworks NW offers a huge searchable listing of resources for people from all walks of life, including those who are low-income/uninsured
- Portland Area Intergroup has a listing of all AA meetings and activities in the area
- De Paul offers treatment and counseling to anyone with a primary diagnosis, regardless of their ability to pay
- Looking for a NA meeting? Try Narcotics Anonymous World Services page
Employment
- Looking for leads or basic tips? Try Goodwill's Job Place
- Need tips on resume writing, attire, interviewing and more? Try About.com's Job Searching guide
- Looking for other resources? Try the Oregon Employment Office
- Or Steps to Success
- Searching for a youth-oriented career center? Take a look at SE Works
- Or Portland Help Wanted
- Or Craigslist
- Or Snagajob.com
- Or Jobdango.com
- Or OregonLive.com
- Or OregonJobs.com
Entertainment
- Have some free time? Check out Multnomah County Public Library's collection of books and movies
- Looking for a good restaurant, or trying to see a concert? Check Portland Citysearch for events around town
- Need more ideas? Try Willamette Week
- Want a quick way to find a group of friends with similar interests? Try Meetup.com
Finance
- Recently graduated? Take a look at About.com's "Financial Advice for your Twenties" and follow the links on the side for all sorts of helpful information on budgeting and credit building
- Questions about budgeting and credit? Check out the Consumer Credit Counseling Service for free advice
- Need insurance? The State of Oregon may be able to help subsidize you. Click here to find out more Item
- Filing taxes? If you made less than $50K this year, you may be able to use certain tax software for free. See the state's tax website for more info
Food
- Looking for free food? Find resources in your area on the Oregon Food Bank site
- Also consider contacting FISH Emergency Service
- Interested in cooking on a budget? Try Cheapcooking.com
- Eating out? Consult WWeek's Cheap Eats guide
- Interested in joining a food co-op? Take a look at the Alberta Cooperative
Goods
Health
Housing
- Curious about low-income housing options in PDX? Click here to learn about the Housing Authority of Portland
- Looking for affordable housing across Oregon? Try Housing Connections
- In the market for a home? Read the Housing and Urban Development Guide first
- Know your rights. Visit the Oregon State Bar's page to learn about Tenant-Landlord law
Mental Health
Miscellaneous
School
- Considering going back to school? Take a look at the State of Oregon's comprehensive listing of colleges and universities
- Specifically interested in trade school? Take a look at Trade-Schools.net's listings
- Need financial aid? Filling out the FAFSA should be one of your first steps
- Next, check out the Oregon Student Assistance Commission for a list of scholarships
- Want to know more? Try the Department of Education's page on financial aid
Volunteering
- Interested in getting active in the Portland community? Check out Hands On Greater Portland for a listing of service projects in the area
- Looking for a listing of opportunities around the country? Try VolunteerMatch
- Feeling particularly committed? Consider joining Americorps for a year or two and get money for higher education while helping your community