“To see the people loosen and relax and look at me and say, ‘Really, you stayed here?’ and be able to say, ‘Yes, I’ve been in your exact shoes and from this place I was able to move to a much better place for myself and my family. To relieve that fear is my favorite part of the job.”

Back in 1971, The Next Door was established in direct response to a community need. At that time, the organization served teen boys who were slipping through the cracks; those in trouble with the law, not attending school, and in need of counseling, education, and, most of all, love.

Mark your calendars and be ready to bid on great items starting Tuesday, May 4 through May 11, as Columbia Gorge Community Foundation hosts “Saddle Up and Celebrate,” one of two annual scholarship fundraisers. The need is high as there is currently only enough funding for half of the 70 students applying for scholarships.

“Does what I do make a difference in the world?” Connectivity Project explores this ever-present question in a visually stunning series of 15-minute films. Movies will air on April 20 at 7 p.m. Register here.

Hey, You Wanna Dance? - A huge effort brings new cover to Jackson Park prior to the 2021 concert series. Check here on how it was done and who will be playing this July and August. And start clapping your hands and snapping your fingers.

But, they’re gonna need our help.

These adorable animals were the inspiration for Pikachu, but their habitat may be threatened by climate change.

Non-Emergent Medical Transportation drivers have clicked off more than 3.8 million miles as they have helped rural residents get to their healthcare appointments. Additional drivers are currently needed.

When she was just seven years old, Jayson asked Josie if she wanted to play a bigger role in their family’s giving to a local homeless shelter. Josie jumped at the chance, though she wasn’t exactly sure what he meant at that point.

Over the past three years local transgender business owner, herbal healer, author, poet, and anti-racism workshop leader, Keath Silva has been deeply immersed in social justice and activism studies that have influenced his work in major ways.

The Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance and The Next Door are looking for 10 LGBTQIA+ youth to sit on a LGBTQIA+ youth council in Hood River and Wasco Counties.

Local conservationists in Hood River and Wasco Counties have teamed up to offer technical and financial assistance to fruit growers for pollinator habitat improvements.

Countering the myth that all LGBTQ+ people live in the city, the OUT Dance Project is launching a virtual tour of stories and dance from rural LGBTQ+ people from across Oregon.

An auction to benefit Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association opens on April 8th and runs online through April 11th. The event features almost 100 items: fine art from local artists, delicious and creative dining experiences, and fun outdoor excursions. The nonprofit presents a variety of music via concerts and stage productions in The Columbia Gorge throughout the year. Read more here.

From Fair Planet Advisors: Turns out what’s good for the planet and society also makes for a good investment. Evidence that business strategy focused on material Environmental, Social and Governance issues is synonymous with high-quality management teams and improved returns. Learn more about it here.

THE DALLES, OR — Offering empowerment through education, the Columbia Basin Care Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for students pursuing healthcare careers.

The $2,500 scholarships support health-related studies in a variety of areas, such as nursing, food and nutrition, public health, social services, and more.

Joel Roth’s film UPROOTED explores the local impacts through interviews with Rainer Hummel, retired from the Washington State DNR, David Powell, formerly an archeologist with the Yakama Nation, Bill Weiler, wildlife biologist, and artist/author Joy Markgraf. The future of over 100,000 acres of land and 350 employees is at stake.

On Monday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. the Hood River City Council will hold a Zoom public hearing on a proposal to increase the number of dwellings allowed on a single city lot to as many as four dwellings or 12 cottages.

Youth need to feel comfortable with our expectations of their relationships. When we do this, we can serve as a shoulder to cry on, a voice they can relate to and maybe even an advocate for their relationships’ health. Read more to learn about how to open up the communication.