Celebrating the Stellar Season of Giving 2021

Last year, Stellaractive was excited to start what we hoped would become an annual holiday tradition for years to come — The Stellar Season of Giving. In 2020, we focused on cultivating our gratitude and our relationships during an obviously difficult year. And though this year may have had a few ups-and-downs of its own, it also brought exciting changes, including new staff and new clients.

Through it all, we’ve tried to inspire each other and those around us by producing the best work we can, and by maintaining a sense of humor at every turn. And as it turns out, we’re extremely lucky to find ourselves in a position to continue our Season of Giving tradition.

Ashley’s Picks | Jessica’s Picks | Mollie’s Picks | Rupert’s Picks | Ryan’s Picks | Tami’s Picks

While we didn’t plan it, our team is celebrating our 2021 blessings by supporting a group of non-profit organizations that are PNW-focused, reflecting our strong connection and commitment to the Pacific Northwest community. The beneficiaries were handpicked by the Stellaractive team, who were each given $500 to gift forward. We’re honored to use our platform to bring just a little more awareness to these worthy organizations, and hope you’ll enjoy learning about the causes that matter most to us. And if you should find yourself in a position to do so, we hope you’ll join us in supporting these groups as well.

Check back as we reveal each team member’s picks all month long!

Here’s to the joy of giving!

With love and gratitude, 
Your Friends at Stellaractive 

—Mahatma Gandhi

Donation: $500

About the non-profit

NCSD’s Family Support Center (FSC) at Wichita Center brings together health and social services for the benefit of the local community and supports Oregon’s effort to improve education. Donations to this fund help improve the well-being of children and families in the North Clackamas School District by funding the FSC’s Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, Hygiene Closet, and Homelessness Services. 

I chose this organization because…

it’s a great organization doing important work that directly improves the lives of children and families in my community.

Donation: $500

About the non-profit

Feed the Mass was founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to reliable, high-quality nutrition. The organization’s solution fights both food insecurity and food waste by developing, cooking, and serving health meals to community members in need, using excess, donated food supply to prevent waste. The organization also empowers Portland kids to feed themselves and others by teaching them to cook simple, inexpensive, nutritious, and delicious meals. 

I chose this organization because…

food insecurity is a growing problem that affects one in every four Oregonians. I love the holistic and sustainable approach that Feed the Mass takes to food system management and local collaboration.

Donation: $250

About the non-profit

Impact NW’s mission is to prevent homelessness by partnering with people as they navigate their journey to stability and opportunity. The organization supports people at risk of losing their housing by offering services such as rent, utility and other supports, plus job training, parenting support, and opportunities for children

I chose this organization because…

with the pandemic and rising housing costs, homelessness is a bigger issue than ever. I’d like to support those working to curb its effects and help those dealing with being houseless in this difficult time.

Donation: $250

About the non-profit

The mission of the Black United Fund of Oregon is to assist in the social and economic development of Oregon’s underserved communities and to contribute to a broader understanding of ethnic and culturally diverse groups. 

I chose this organization because…

of the severity of the racial gap in Oregon, which has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. Supporting the Black community and Black-led organizations is one of the best ways to provide lasting allyship. 

Donation: $500

About the non-profit

For over 50 years, Transition Projects has delivered life-saving and life-changing assistance to some of Portland’s most vulnerable residents. Whether by helping a homeless veteran and her family find housing, sheltering hundreds of people each night with nowhere else to turn, or opening new pathways to employment, Transition Projects represents an invaluable part of Portland’s social fabric.

I chose this organization because…

being able to help the increasing population of houseless as cold and wet weather sets in seems important. Anything that can be done to help these folks find their way to a warm and dry place to live is in everyone’s interest.

Donation: $500

About the non-profit

Tucker Maxon School teaches deaf and hearing children to listen, talk, learn, and achieve excellence together.

I chose this organization because…

of the incredible work the school has done, is doing and will continue to do in the future. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that rely on facial expressions and lip reading have been especially impacted during the COVID-19 crisis with the increased use of face coverings. With my partner having attended Tucker Maxon School as a child, I have had the opportunity to learn about the school and the great work they do fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion among the deaf and hearing children that attend.

Donation: $500

About the non-profit

LifeWorks NW serves people of all ages and promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services. For over 60 years, LifeWorks NW has been providing compassionate, effective, and culturally responsive mental health services throughout Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. The organization’s mental health programs include inpatient and outpatient services, along with therapy and counseling for individuals and families. LifeWorks NW provides evidence-based practices and a team-based approach to clients of all ages. 

I chose this organization because…

our community is facing a mental health crisis and there are not enough resources available to help people in need, especially young adults. 1 in 5 Oregonians will face mental health and addiction issues every year. Unfortunately, I personally know at least 5 families (mine included) currently dealing with mental health issues and struggling to find affordable timely help for their loved ones. The recent pandemic has made this crisis much worse.