Community Schools

MFS operates K-12 afterschool and during-school programming in the greater Portland area.

Full-service neighborhood centers weave school and community partners together to make sure kids and families have what they need to be successful -- in school and in life.

OVERVIEW

MFS Community Schools are full-service neighborhood hubs where the school and partners from across the community come together to make sure kids and families have what they need to be successful – in school and in life.

Our SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) and CAFE Community Schools are open to all ages, preschool to seniors, with a focus on students in the immediate school community.

Meghan Zook
Director, Community Schools
(503) 232-0007 x334

“It's so important to me that students feel a sense of belonging.”

-Desiree, MFS Community Program Manager

3146 students

served in extended-day enrichment programming in 2022-23

1,103 individuals

individuals in 358 households provided with pandemic assistance in 2021-22

$680,956

in client assistance funds distributed in 2021-22

What makes a Community School?

The collective efforts of youth, parents, businesses, faith communities, libraries, and community organizations create a network of support to ensure youth academic success and strong communities.

Tailored collaborations meet the variable needs of diverse schools and integrate targeted academic support, nutrition, and parent education.

SCHOOLS WE’RE IN

  • Alder Elementary

  • Centennial High

  • Cherry Park Elementary

  • Davis Elementary

  • Dexter McCarty Middle School

  • Earl Boyles Elementary

  • Fairview Elementary

  • Glenfair Elementary

  • Gordon Russell Middle School

  • Greenway Elementary

  • Gresham High

  • HB Lee Middle School

  • Hogan Cedars Elementary

  • Hollydale Elementary

  • McKay Elementary

  • Meadows Elementary

  • North Gresham Elementary

  • Oliver Elementary

  • Parklane Elementary

  • Salish Ponds Elementary

  • West Powellhurst Elementary

“MFS Community Schools helped me get on track to graduate a whole year early, by fulfilling some of my core credits”

-Alana, Former MFS Community Schools Student

FAMILY RESOURCE SERVICES

Family Resource Navigators (FRNs) and Family Resource Coordinators (FRCs) work alongside families in navigating systems of care, to help reduce barriers and stressors in the home, so that students can learn and families can thrive. 

Core FRN and FRC services and activities might include case management to help adults in the household navigate food, housing, utility, public benefits, and employment resources; leading group skill-building and workshops for parents; reducing language barriers; and outreach & information awareness raising about potential resources.

Rowan Spillman
Regional Program Manager
Community Schools
(503) 261-3475

YOUTH ADVOCATES

​​Strengths-based, person-centered Assertive Engagement case management.

Through advocacy and support activities, we help youth succeed in middle and high school through one-on-one academic help, individualized success planning, and coaching.

Desiree Gutierrez
Program Manager
Community Schools
(971) 940-8409

“MFS Family Resource Coordinators have been there when I most needed somebody. Having a bilingual person that can relate to me is so important. It’s more than just giving a hand to somebody who needs it.”

-Karla, Community Member

PAST WORK HIGHLIGHTS

VIDEO

AUDIO

  • Green Team - Community Schools Impact Labs Report (2019)