Economy

Economic challenges have serious long-term effects on children and young adults.

The people involved in SAGE are making a difference every day. Some sponsor individuals and families to get back on their feet. Others volunteer and donate to organizations that help people gain economic security and stability and land a job. Still others serve organizations that offer micro-loans to small businesses to drive innovation and job creation in our community.

You can create economic security and opportunity as a volunteer, a trainer, or benefactor. How can you make a difference?

For more examples and inspiration, see our stories below.

Consider investing your time with nonprofit economic partners listed below. We also encourage you to learn more about SAGE's teams that focus on economic opportunity: Citizen Project, Climate Education, Mentoring, and EVs for All.

"Poverty is the worst form of violence."

- Mahatma Gandhi

Stories about Giving Forward on the Economy

Susan Hammer

Meet one of our Sages - Susan Hammer. She's giving forward through board service and community leadership.

"When you have more, you have more to give, and that giving brings joy to your life."

Meet Susan

Trisha Schultz

Meet one of our Sages - Trisha Schultz. She's giving forward by supporting a community garden on the roof of an apartment building.

"The community garden was a way to... reduce food scarcity, but also to grow the community and I think we've reached both of those goals."

Meet Trisha

Economic Security

MFS CASH Oregon

MFS CASH Oregon empowers low-income families to build strong financial futures by providing high-quality tax preparation and culturally responsive outreach surrounding access to tax credits. You can help by volunteering at a local tax site - all training is provided. No experience necessary. Learn more and email volunteer@cashoregon.org.

MicroMentor

MicroMentor - a program of Mercy Corps - is the world's largest online business mentoring program where mentors can sign up to support people locally, and across the world, with entrepreneurial advice. Once you've found a match through the service you can start a mentoring relationship.

Ride Connection

At Ride Connection, we believe transportation is a basic human right. Access to transportation means mobility, and being mobile allows a person to connect with their community and other essential life destinations. Our volunteers are the lifeline that helps older adults, Veterans, and people with disabilities stay independent and thrive. Volunteers can create their own schedule & even drive a Ride Connection vehicle if desired.

To learn more, visit our website, email volunteer@rideconnection.org or call 503-528-1724.

Financial Beginnings Oregon

Financial Beginnings Oregon empowers youth and adults to take control of their financial futures by providing free personal finance flasses to Oregonians of all ages. We are volunteer powered - our dedicated volunteers bring our programs to life in the classroom. Call 800-406-1876 or email or-info@finbegor.org.

NeighborImpact

NeighborImpact represents and serves economically disadvantaged residents of Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Their mission is to support people and strengthen communities. There are many ways to get involved. Call 541-548-2380 or email reception@neighborimpact.org.

Project Lemonade

Project Lemonade is on a mission to inspire self-esteem in foster youth so they can beat the odds. From kindergarten to college, we provide the resources, opportunities and connections youth in foster care need. There are many ways to get involved including onsite volunteering and organizing a collection drive.

To learn more, visit our website, email volunteer@projectlemonadepdx.org or call 503-395-3976.

Latino Community Association

LCA is an essential connecting point for our immigrant community in Central Oregon. We help families find employment, file their taxes, work through legal issues, improve their English, achieve citizenship, and connect to new opportunities and resources. We give our clients the time to be heard and understood. Volunteers support across all of our services and programs, bringing people together across cultures to build a more cohesive community. Call 541-382-4366 or email info@latinocommunityassociation.org.