We are excited to share the news that the Portland QVS work is well underway and we are moving quickly towards opening our house there in August. QVS Executive Director Christina Repoley just spent 10 days there meeting and organizing and feels very confident in our ability to open the house, thanks to the work and dedication of many, including the three sponsoring congregations: West Hills Friends Church, Multnomah Monthly Meeting, and Reedwood Friends Church. Here’s a message from Jeff Lumb, the clerk of the QVS Portland Working Group, on why he is dedicated to the project.
“When I was in my late teens/early 20s, there were two formative events that I helped me become who I am: the Quaker Youth Pilgrimage was one of those. The other was the Marin Conservation Corps. At MCC, I learned about the value of service to the community and to my own life.
Now, 20+ years later, I’m working with an amazing group of people to bring a Quaker Voluntary Service house to Portland, OR. It’s one of the ways I can give back to the next generation of people looking for opportunities to serve in meaningful ways. ”
Thanks Jeff and all of you in Portland who are working so hard to make this a reality!