See how ROSE, an organization that’s revitalizing SE Portland, does it by taking action – instead of merely holding meetings and making plans …
ROSE Award recipients Andrew Beyer, Walsh Construction, ROSE Business Partner; Susanne Washington, Portland Impact, Community Partner; Rosanne Lee, Crime Prevention Coordinator, Community Leader; and Anna Zamudio, winner of the Outstanding ROSE Volunteer stand with ROSE Community Development executive director Nick Sauvie at their 15th annual Breakfast Celebration banquet.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many organizations say they plan to help improve the lot of hard-working, but low-income, families and individuals.
But, for the last fifteen years, ROSE (it stands for “Revitalize Outer South East”) Community Development Corporation has actually been taking action: By building affordable housing, providing supportive services, and creating economic opportunities in the area.
Nick Sauvie, executive director of ROSE Community Development, tells how their programs allow families to lead better lives by providing quality housing at an affordable price.
At this year’s ROSE Donor Breakfast, executive director Nick Sauvie welcomed us, “Thanks for coming to our 15th Annual Celebration and Donor Breakfast.”
About the organization, Sauvie told us, “Since our first project, rehabilitating a house for a low-income family in 1992, our work has extended beyond housing. We are improving economic conditions in our neighborhoods, and giving people the tools and the support they need to improve their lives.”
Mistress of Ceremonies Amy Jacobs of Fred Meyer Stores introduces the morning’s program participants.
The breakfast program, held at OMSI on November 8, moved briskly along, thanks to Mistress of Ceremonies Amy Jacobs, who works for ROSE community partner Fred Meyer Stores. After a video program produced by Portland YouthBuilders that highlighted the organization’s accomplishments in 2007, several individuals were called forward to accept awards for their participation.
Andrew Beyer accepts the ROSE Business Partner award on behalf of his firm, Walsh Construction.
Business Partner Award: Walsh Construction
Andrew Beyer accepted on behalf of the company for which he works. “Because this is a breakfast meeting, I have toasts for you this morning; I hope you’ll all participate,” he began.
“First is a toast to Teamwork. This project [newly opened housing project Leander Court], for which we’re being honored this morning, demonstrates that remarkable things can happen when we bring a team of talented people together.
“Second is a toast to Commitment. What I’ve observed is that every team member came fully committed to making Leander Court a success. We can all agree that this project is extraordinary in terms of what it offers to the community, to ROSE, and to the City of Portland.
“My last toast is to Hope. The theme of this breakfast is ‘The Dawn of a New Day’. At Walsh, many of our projects are involved in bettering our community. What gets me up in the morning is knowing that we’re working to improve our community. The children at Leander Court have a safe place they can play, live, and have a good life with their families. Here’s to Hope!”
Portland Impact’s representative, Susanne Washington, accepts the ROSE Community Partner award.
Community Partner Award: Portland Impact
Accepting for her organization was Susanne Washington.
“I offer a sincere thank you to ROSE CDC. Portland Impact started working with Portland’s low-income families in the 1960s. It is exciting to have ROSE in outer SE Portland building truly affordable family housing. Our organization is always looking for places where families can live, get stabilized and back on their feet.
“Our ‘Bridges to Housing’ project helps homeless families transition back into the community; we have families placed at Leander Court and other ROSE facilities. We’re really proud of the partnership between ROSE and Portland Impact.”
Rosanne Lee, East Portland Crime Prevention Coordinator, here about to accept the ROSE Community Leader award from Nick Sauvie.
Community Leader Award
East Portland Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee was given her award, Sauvie announced, for “Working tirelessly in our neighborhoods to increase the quality of life by reducing crime”.
Lee responded, “For the past number of years, I’ve enjoyed working with ROSE in my role as a Crime Prevention Coordinator in both East and SE Portland. I have very good memories – including serving on the Brentwood/Darlington Weed & Seed board with Nick.
“I’ve watched their commitment to building community by building safe and comfortable homes and housing. But also, to help many acquire the skills they need to grow economically.
“One of my favorite activities has been working with ‘Shop with a Cop’ and ‘National Night Out against Crime’ events. I look forward to continuing our community-building and crime-fighting efforts in southeast Portland.”
Anna Zamudio says she’s thankful for the support of the organization as she accepts the Outstanding ROSE Volunteer award.
Outstanding ROSE Volunteer Award
As she accepted her award, Anna Zamudio said, “Thanks to ROSE Community Development for the opportunity to volunteer. I’ve learned to work and save money for our projects. ‘Shop with a Cop’ is a great program that helps young students get a good start in school. I’m really thankful for everybody who helped me.”
The donor appeal
ROSE Board Member Roger Anthony took the podium and told the story of how a family’s housing hopes were raised as they toured Leander Court together; then sank when he had to break the bad news: They had far more applications than they had available units.
ROSE board member Roger Anthony thanks the organization’s community and business partners – then makes an appeal to the organization’s donors.
“If we’d known how popular these apartments were going to be, we’d have built an extra floor or two. That’s why, in a way, we’re here today.
“At ROSE Community Development, we’re very proud and enormously pleased with the work we’ve done, and how we’ve grown over the past 15 years.
“At the same time, the need for affordable housing has grown even more rapidly. Every day at ROSE, we see young families starting out; workers who have lost their jobs’ people looking for a chance – or a second chance – to build a good life.
“At ROSE, we believe everyone deserves a safe, clean and comfortable home. We think that a stable home is the keystone to a successful life.
“Our theme has been the ‘Dawn of a New Day’. East Portland is changing. When I-205 light rail opens up next year, the pace of change will accelerate dramatically. When that new day dawns, we’d like to make sure we have your help to make sure there is a warm, welcoming spot for everyone in SE Portland.”
Nick Sauvie presents to the grand prize drawing winner of the gift basket: Cara Lukens of Seabold Construction.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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