Mt. Hood Community College’s Juneteenth Celebration
Troublesome was invited by the Black Student Union to participate in Mt. Hood Community College’s “Juneteenth” Celebration. The catered celebration included music, dancing, and a keynote address about the meaning and importance of the holiday by Troublesome Founder and MHCC professor, Stephen Graves. Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipation of African-American slaves throughout the Confederate South. Celebrated on June 19, it is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in most states.
Troublesome’s 1st Annual “Bowling to Inspire” Fundraiser
Troublesome kicked off the summer with our first fundraiser. The 1st annual “Bowling to Inspire” took place at Mt. Hood lanes in Gresham, Ore. Together, with great support from the community, Troublesome was able to raise $600 to support a mentorship program for minorities and other underprivileged groups. First place prize for men’s high score received 18 holes of golf for two at Heron Lakes Golf & Country Club in Portland, Ore. Women’s first place prize was a hair and spa package from Artistichairbytiffany, and Nails by Kelly, and Skin by Kristi valued at $250. Other prizes and donations were provided by Valerie Lyn Photography, Steve with Stentorian Data Repair. A big thank you to everyone who attended the event and Mt. Hood Lanes for their hospitality. We look forward to an even bigger event next year!
Oregon Food Bank
On Saturday, December 5th Troublesome made its return to the Oregon Food Bank for out 2nd Annual Volunteer Event. This year we set our goal high for the amount of volunteers, doubling last years’ volunteers from 11 to an astonishing 28 this year! Together Troublesome volunteers helped the Oregon Food Bank provide meals for 23,850 people. This amounted to 277 meals per volunteer. Oregon Food Bank collects and distributes food through a network of four Oregon Food Bank branches and 17 independent regional food banks serving Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Along with approximately 970 partner agencies, the Oregon Food Bank helps nearly one in five households fend off hunger. They work to address the root causes of hunger by offering nutrition education, strengthening local food systems, collaborating with community groups, and advocating for hunger relief at the local and federal level. To find out more information on the Oregon Food Bank or volunteering visit: http://www.oregonfoodbank.org/
Dress for Success
In Winter of 2014, Troublesome volunteered with Dress for Success Oregon Dress for Success Oregon to help support women in the community who need professional attire. Dress for Success Oregon provides each client with professional attire to help assist in finding employment. Volunteers work with clients to help them choose an interview outfit and also provide guidance and support for the upcoming interview. Dress for Success Oregon is part of a global movement to empower women to succeed in the professional world and obtain safer and better futures.
Troublesome’s Christmas Toy Drive
During the Thanksgiving/ Christmas holiday season, Troublesome put on its 1st Annual Shoe Box Toy Drive. For over a month, Troublesome and its volunteers collected toys and donations to benefit the children of My Fathers’ House Family Shelter in Gresham, Ore. My Father’s House is a nonprofit agency that began in January 2001 because of the overwhelming need for family-shelters in Oregon. These families have been fragmented and broken by physical abuse, addiction, and a culture of poverty, helplessness and dependency that attacks every attempt to rise to a healthier level of existence. My Father’s House reclaims at-risk homeless families from street life by providing them with the life skills necessary to become permanently independent and productive citizens.
We are beyond thankful for all of the shoebox and cash donations to make Christmas bright for over 64 children in the Gresham/ SE Portland area. The Toy Drive exceeded our initial goal and we were able to help more families than we imagined. We look forward to putting this Toy Drive together next year with even bigger success!
It is when people come together that greatness is achieved.
Town Hall: Marijuana Legalization in Oregon
On Tuesday, April 14th 2014 five panelists were brought together to discuss their experience with cannabis and its impact on Oregon’s economy. Sam Krause, a Mt. Hood political science major, founding member of MHCC’s chapter of the SSDP, and staff writer for The Advocate, organized the event with Founder Stephen Graves, political science instructor and Troublesome Movement adviser. Besides Krause, the panel included Matthew Goldberg, a cannabis business lawyer from Lake Oswego; Mike Mullins, director of services for Portlandsterdam University and Stoney Girl Gardens; Jennifer Valley, founder of Stoney Girl Gardens; and Josh Jardine, a columnist who writes for the Portland Mercury newspaper’s Cannabuzz section. The evening’s focus was clarification of Oregon’s Measure 91, its effect on the cannabis industry, and on federal versus state laws.