| Rita's Place A Safe Place to Survive & Thrive |
| Director: Rebecca Loprinzi |
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| This site maintained by Donna DiGiacinto Last Update: January 20, 2009 |
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| We are now accepting volunteers to help us help the needy. If you or someone you know needs help, please call us. 503.622.3025 |
| Rita's Place News Release January 2009 A successful 2008 Winter Warming Drive!! Thank you community members who gave all the warm blankets, coats, clothes and especially the toys and gifts. You warmed seniors, parents and made the children truly know that Santa got through the storm bringing gifts to those whom were stranded in their homes. The Togood family braved severe weather to deliver two beautiful Noble Christmas Trees donated by the Sandy Christmas Tree Farm. Families that had no trees were delighted. Eighteen additional families of 123 indidividuals were gifted warm blankets, coats, & clothes. Your generosity povided warmth, holiday spirit, kindness, love, and sharing for a wonderful Christmas. Again, thank you givers and volunteers for your extra support this year. Special thanks to Windermere Realty and volunteers at Rita's Place who continued to serve not only during the holiday season but all year long! In December a tutoring program started with 6 professional educators providing services at no cost to assist disadvantaged families who would otherwise have no access to educational assistance. It is our mission to ensure children in our community do not fall through the cracks and to help them achieve their maximum potential. Studies show a successful student is an asset to their community and eventually costs society less dollars. As one grandmother said, "The program is really helping the four children. Thank you so much, the tutors are nice, good people and this is what we want for our children." This program is open for any students enrolled in the Oregon Trail School District and children home schooled in the mountain area. Families qualify if they are on the Oregon Health Plan, low-income, struggling to keep up with bills, English as a second language, and other criteria. We will provice the same services for a fee if there are families able to pay as well. Windermere Realty has generously opened their doors and provides a space in a nice conference room for our use and 8 children are already being served. Rita's Place provides services for families living in the Welches and Brightwood area. Expanded services include adult/parental learning skill opportunities that provide an environment at home for children to have good studying skills to thrive academically. If there are any citizens that would like to volunteer, please call Rebecca Loprinzi at 503-622-3025. Again, thank you from the depths of our hearts for the goodness your time and donations make in our community. |