Honoring Women & Embracing Change
We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates and milestones with you! The most notable update is the transition of Taking Ownership PDX into nonprofit status. This month also holds particular significance for us as we not only continue our mission to support Black homeowners but also celebrate Women’s History Month, honoring the incredible contributions of women in shaping our communities and beyond.
Transition to Nonprofit
We’re proud to announce that Taking Ownership PDX has officially transitioned into a nonprofit organization! This transition marks a significant turning point in our journey. Previously, while operating under a fiscal sponsor, we had to navigate some challenges such as limited transparency and access to funding to help support our work. With our newfound nonprofit status, we now have full transparency and control over the resources entrusted to us, empowering Taking Ownership PDX to manage home improvement projects more effectively and efficiently.
This transition also opens doors to a world of opportunities. As a nonprofit entity, we are no longer restricted from applying for certain grants, broadening our potential for impact and outreach. Additionally, we are excited to expand our team by welcoming a dedicated bookkeeper and accountant, ensuring the utmost financial stewardship and accountability.
How to Donate
We invite you to support our mission by making a financial donation on our website. Your contributions play a crucial role in empowering Black homeowners and strengthening our communities and we thank you for your continued support.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’d like to spotlight the incredible women who have played pivotal roles in Taking Ownership PDX’s success and recent transitions to nonprofit status:
Lauren Goché: Since the summer of 2020, Lauren, who is a local and dedicated realtor, has been a driving force behind Taking Ownership. Her exceptional fundraising efforts within her network, raising approximately $100,000 in just a few months, laid the foundation for our initial launch and success.
Shannon O’Malley: Over the past 1.5 years, Shannon, our talented grant writer, has secured significant grants for Taking Ownership. Her expertise has been instrumental in fueling our growth and impact.
Lily Copenagle: Currently supporting Taking Ownership with data analytics, Lily has been instrumental in illuminating our impact story. Through her expertise in transforming information into visual representations like graphs and pie charts, she helps convey Taking Ownership’s impact in a compelling and digestible manner.
Alexis Bailey: Alexis has been instrumental in shaping Taking Ownership’s future. From compiling our playbook - a manual to guide similar initiatives nationwide - to crafting messaging and language for our nonprofit transition, her contributions are invaluable.
Emily Medress: As a volunteer, Emily, supported by a grant from the Hormel Harris Foundation, has been instrumental in our transition process. Her dedication to inputting crucial information into Taking Ownership’s Salesforce platform has streamlined our operations and enhanced our ability to fulfill our mission.
These remarkable women exemplify the spirit of empowerment and collaboration at the heart of Taking Ownership PDX. Their dedication and expertise are driving forces behind our continued growth and impact, and we thank them for their contributions and partnership. Please visit our website to learn more about their work and impact.
Women in History
When reflecting on women who have made a big impact on my (Randal) life, two names immediately come to mind. Angela Davis stands out to me for her unwavering dedication to social justice during the Civil Rights and Black Panther movements. Her courage and commitment to fighting for equality continue to inspire generations.
Another woman I greatly admire is Heather McGhee, author of ‘The Sum of Us.’ This book has had a big impact on my life, as it opened my eyes to a different perspective on racism and its effects on white people. Heather’s insights challenge conventional narratives and offer a powerful call to action for building a more inclusive society.
As we reflect on the strides we’ve made and look ahead to the future, we are immensely grateful for your support. Together, we are not only building stronger communities but also fostering a culture of empowerment and equity.
Sincerely,
Randal Wyatt
Founder of Taking Ownership PDX
