Nature Conservancy

Founded in 1946 and located in Portland, Ore., Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area offers after-school and summer programs for youths. It provides programs in the areas of education; health, life skills and leadership development; athletics; and drug, gang and pregnancy prevention. The organization s support program promotes the development of healthy relationships among family members. It also offers homework assistance, tutoring and mentoring services. The organization provides Passport to Manhood, Money Matters and Gang Resistance Education and Training programs. It conducts music, dance and photography classes. Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland organizes field trips to museums, theaters and museums. The organization s sports program includes a variety of activities, such as basketball, soccer, tennis and golf. It also provides counseling and guidance services for club members and their families through the Youth & Family Services Division. The organization offers Street SMART, SMART Girls and Power Hour programs. Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area is a part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which is a national network of more than 3,500 neighborhood-based facilities.

History1971--A big old farmhouse on the corner of May and 11th Street in Hood River was rented to house ten teenage foster children, both girls and boys. We called ourselves the Next Door, Inc. and the state of Oregon granted us non-profit status. Many of the youth were placed directly from the mental health system. During our first seven years, three directors helped dozens of young people live in the house as they went to public schools in town. Now--The Next Door, Inc. currently has about 80 employees, half of them full-time, housed in two offices and working in 28 different programs in six counties. We work alongside struggling parents, teens and kids, to give them a chance at a good life. We are certainly proud of how this agency has served the people in our communities over the past four decades and look forward to many more years of providing assistance and leadership.SpecialtiesYou may know The Next Door from participating in one of our parenting classes or playgroups. A friend or relative may have been helped by our services to children and families. Or perhaps you've been inspired by a story about one of our clients. Whatever your connection, we truly appreciate your interest and support. Our mission: Opening doors to new possibilities by strengthening children and families and improving communities. We envision a supportive community where all children and families are safe, healthy, and valued.