1896-1925

Portland Section was founded in 1896.

In 1904, the first Neighborhood House was built.  Programs there included boys’ clubs, religious school and sewing clubs. 

In 1910 the present Historic Neighborhood House was built.  New programs included freewell-baby clinic and free kindergarten as well as Americanization and English classes for new Americans.

In 1924, the annex was completed, offering the community the first public racket ball courts as well as Portland’s first public indoor swimming pool.

1925-1955

Portland Section endowed a bed for indigent use at St. Vincent Hospital and Emanuel Hospital.  During these years, funds were raised for war relief, aid to refugee children and for the new state of Israel. 

Portland Section also became part of Ship-A-Box to Israel, a program established by National Council of Jewish Women to provide educational materials and clothing for special needs children and adults.

1955-1975

Portland Section opened the doors to its first Council Thrift Shop and established the Jean Rustin Memorial Funds Scholarship for outstanding nursing students at Good Samaritan Hospital.

NCJW, National Council of  Catholic Women, National Council of Negro Women and Church Women United launched Women in Community Service (WICS). WICS Volunteers recruit and screen applicants from lower-income families to participate in the Federal Job Corps vocational training program.

1975-1995

Portland Section contracted with the city of Portland to run Southwest Youth Service Center.

Through the May Estate bequest, Portland Section gave start-up money for the May Apartments as well as a Chair of Jewish Studies at Reed College.

Teen Parent Program and the Fatherhood Project were launched and a start-up grant was given to Circle of Life Educational Services, Inc.

We helped create HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-School Youngsters) programs in Portland area school districts, and continue to support their efforts to teach parents how to prepare their children for education.                

1996 and beyond

Portland Section actively advocates at state legislative sessions for adequate funding for families in poverty, seniors, people with disabilities and public schools.

We continue to work on the state and national level to preserve women’s reproductive rights, the separation of religion and state, and civil liberties for everyone.

Portland Section began educating voters through meetings and events discussing important local ballot measures.

We participated in the state’s Hate Crimes Task Force, working to prevent crimes based on religion, race or sexual orientation.

The Section promotes women’s health and well-being through numerous educational events.

Individuals in the Jewish community are helped by the Section to obtain medical and dental care and other needed services, through the Section’s specialized tribute funds