In a recent check-in with a Youth Mentor, she spoke about a hike to Pittock Mansion with the young person she is coming alongside and the young person’s sister. Despite being a long, five-mile trek, the mentor turned the expedition into an adventure with two surprises (the roses and the view).

When the girls reached the lookout, they were stunned by the panorama of Portland below. The experience not only provided the youth with a different perspective of the city, but it birthed in them a hunger to explore more of the metropolis they now call home. This story is a wonderful illustration of how Family and Youth Mentors help our newest neighbors have rich experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

While our mentorship programs often assist newcomers with day to day tasks (practicing English, helping with homework, navigating how to pay bills, trips to the food bank/grocery store), social outings give them an opportunity to explore and enjoy their new surroundings. Traditional ways mentors introduce those they are coming alongside to our city include hiking and walking in parks, riding bikes through neighborhoods, visiting OMSI, Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Zoo, or Oaks Park, attending Thorns/Timbers games, and taking them to the beach or Mt. Hood for the first time.

Speaking about these experience, mentors have shared the following:

• “I think the [OMSI] experience provided novelty and texture for a sense of place, here in Portland…. As an educator I don’t get personally invested in how new material will be received; just make it available and provide as much meaning as you can. In that respect the excursion was totally ‘worth it’ and a stunning opportunity.” -Youth Mentor of a 19 year old from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• “[OMSI] was super fun! The family had a great time. It was fun to see the kids (and mom and dad) so engaged with all of the activities… It was truly like all language barriers vanished.” -Family Mentors of family of 4 from Iraq
• “OMSI with the family was great! It was so sweet seeing the family out together. Seeing the kids excited to get their hands on some of the physical puzzles and exhibits was endearing.” -Youth Mentor of a 12 year old from Eritrea
• “[Oaks Park] was really good for the boys to get out and have some fun doing something they probably wouldn’t have been able to if it weren’t for your help with the tickets.” -Family Mentor of a family of 11 from Afghanistan
• “[My mentee] and her family have never been to a Thorns game. In fact, they have never been to a sporting event in the United States, let alone a women’s sporting event… I thought it was interesting that they don’t have anything like this in Ukraine. We joked about everything being bigger in America.” -Youth Mentor of a 19 year old from Ukraine
• “The Zoo was so much fun. It was nice to see [the young person’s] whole family together and see the other mentors at the same time. I think seeing siblings interact with one another was encouraging.“ -Youth Mentor mentoring an 18 year old from Afghanistan
• “I took [those I am coming alongside] and their family for a picnic near Welches and for a ‘hike’ along the Salmon River… Other extended families were along, there were 7 children and 6 adults. Everyone ended up in the river! It was a special time!” -Family Mentor coming alongside a family of 7 from Afghanistan
• “The family enjoyed spending a day at OMSI and want to go back to see what we didn’t have time to see!” -Family Mentor coming alongside a family of 2 from Myanmar
• “[My mentee] and her mom invited me and my partner to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day at Westmoreland Park in Sellwood! It was a really fun festival with lots of Ukrainian vendors, musicians, food carts, etc. [Her mom] bought us food, a traditional flower crown, and a Ukrainian beverage… It was a really special time to celebrate Ukraine :)” -Youth Mentor coming alongside a 15 year old from Ukraine

We continue to be amazed by the innovative ways Family and Youth Mentors welcome resettled newcomers to our city. Other fun and creative excursions look like:

• Allowing newcomers to introduce games and sports they play in their home country
• Playing American football, baseball, ultimate frisbee, laser tag, badminton, or bowling for the first time
• Tasting new foods at fairs and festivals
• Sledding and snowball fights in the mountains
• Geocaching and rock climbing
• Thrifting and hunting for antiques
• Rating pizza from various parlors

Through organizing social outings, we trust that our newest neighbors feel more rooted in Oregon and more connected to community.

Thank you to all of our local partners who make these unforgettable experiences possible. We extend a special thanks to OMSI, the Portland Thorns/Timbers, and Oaks Park for their generosity.