The original Center for Family Success (St. Johns) has been a joint venture between the Pathfinders of Oregon and the Children’s Justice Alliance since 2005. With a mission of improving the outcomes for children of criminal justice-involved parents while providing valuable parenting programs that support successful returns to community and family, the Center serves as a hub for various programs working in collaboration with each other and with Center staff. With a staff and volunteer base consisting, in part, of former and current successful participants, the Center utilizes the knowledge and experience of the impacted community to shape services and provide valuable peer-to-peer advocacy and mentoring.
The Center provides access to community resources; classes in parenting, life and workplace skills; and general education/GED programs via Portland Community College. With advocacy and programs focused on addiction, anger-management and parent support groups, families are able to create positive plans for the future. Advocates are available to assist families in navigating and managing open child-welfare cases.
In 2007, a second Center was opened in the Rockwood neighborhood of Gresham.
The Centers work in conjunction with dozens of community partners—see our Referring Agencies & Resources page.
