What are Supporters are saying . . .
“I absolutely love seeing a student’s face light up after being shown one of their own photographs. I love meeting the group every week; talking with the students not only about photography but also life. I believe that through programs like Focus on Youth that we, as mentors, are helping promote student confidence, social equality in the schools and academic growth. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the student’s lives and this tremendous organization. Thanks, Donna Lee for all your love and dedication!”
Jenna Biggs, Focus on Youth Mentor
“American Society of Media Photographers is impressed with Focus on Youth’s ability to bring at-risk youth and volunteer mentors together. They provide a learning experience that supports curiosity, and determination while providing these young people with a place where their creativity can flourish.”
Gary Wilson, Focus on Youth Mentor and Board Member
We Are Gateful To Our Generous Community Partners
Doug Crouch Photography Frame Central, Wildwood Restraurant, American Society of Media Photographers, Safeway Foundation, Blackfish Gallery, Asuka Books, Autzen Foundation, Blackfish Gallery, Digicraft, Fred Meyer Foundation, Gann Printing, Genius Marketing Consultants, Greg Jacovina, Jacovina Trust, Larry McDonald, McCoy Academy, New Avenues For Youth, Oregon Community Foundation, Outside In, Pearl Bakery, Plum Creek, Portland International Community School, Portland Metropolitan Photographers Association, Portland Schools Foundation, Portland Youth Builders, ProPhoto Supply, Q Center, Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust, Spirit Mountain Community Fund, Templeton Foundation, The Standard, Umpqua Bank, United Parcel Service Foundation, Wentworth Foundation, Mary McKinney and Flay Ezell Fund, The Pacific Northwest College of Art and The Q Center Business for Culture and the Arts, KBOO, East Metro Community Media.
Diversity is the cornerstone of Focus on Youth and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals are valued and respected. Our organization seeks to serve a racially diverse spectrum of low-income families, and we strive for a board composition that is racially and ethnically diverse. Focus on Youth maintains a policy of electing individuals to the Board of Directors on a basis of their merit without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, political opinion, national origin, familial status, mental and physical disability, gender identity, and source of income or disability status. It is assured that this commitment to equal treatment applies to all aspects of Board membership and our team of volunteers.
“I have had personal experience with the value of learning photography as a young person. It helped me to develop an understanding of my relationship to my environment and an appreciation of the diversity in natural habitats, in my friends and neighbors, and in the cultures in my community. I wholeheartedly endorse the mission of Focus on Youth , to empower at-risk youth through photography by providing creative outlets to experience their world in new ways and make positive change in their lives.”
Bill Bradbury, Former Oregon Secretary of State
