Pink Martini’s lead singer China Forbes will headline The Red Gala Foundation’s benefit for The Shadow Project’s children. Join us January 25, 2020 for an intimate evening with Portland’s favorite performer. Enjoy dazzling entertainment, an exciting raffle, surprise D.J. and dancing until 1 a.m. at the iconic Doug Fir Lounge. Get your tickets today before they’re gone!

This year’s gala again benefits the wonderful children of The Shadow Project, which has served 12,000 children in local school districts with disabilities and learning challenges.

We are hosting at the iconic Doug Fir Lounge basement, named by Rolling Stone as one of the top venues in America.

Special musical guest will be China Forbes of Pink Martini who will be performing a solo set. Following we will have two special guest DJs and dancing until the morning hours.

Please email akuchulis@littler.com if you are interested in table sponsorship or donating to the raffle. Limited spots available. Thanks for your support!

Make your voice heard by advocating for the needs of children with learning-related disabilities in your school and community. School districts across Oregon are seeking input on their plans to use funds from Oregon’s historic Student Success Act, the largest state investment in education in three decades. Students with disabilities, a historically underserved population, stand to benefit from this $1 billion statewide investment.  (Read More)

The Student Success Act is a landmark investment is designated to close achievement gaps for diverse learners and address student mental health and behavioral needs.  You can make sure your school district prioritizes programs for children who learn differently by attending community meetings or completing online community needs assessment surveys.  Check your school district’s website for community meeting dates and survey links.

An estimated 1 in 5 Oregon students has a disability or related challenge that impacts learning. Absent tools to address their needs, these capable students can act out their frustration. The result: a suspension rate more than double that of their peers. Centennial School District is committed to equity for students with disabilities and is partnering with Shadow to bring our SuperSensory Spaces to all the district’s elementary schools. Through this program 73% of students strengthen self-regulation, a key predictor of health and academic success.

“We want kids to be able to stay in class and learn,” says Denise Wright, Centennial’s Director of Student Services, “and we want staff have to tools and resources to support students.” Sensory spaces provide schools with comforting corners filled with tools that stimulate focus and attention and calm stressed and anxious children, many of whom also experience poverty-related trauma like hunger, homelessness, and neglect. Children like “Devan,” who repeatedly ran from his classroom and kicked students when the frustration of learning overwhelmed him, will get daily scheduled breaks in these spaces, and learn positive ways to deal with big emotions, setting them on a life-long course of success. Educator training will help staff examine how racial and cultural bias has led to far higher discipline rates for children of color, and use sensory spaces to bring those rates down. “Equity is our compass,” says superintendent Paul Coakley. “The Sensory Space project will increase our capacity to create a welcoming environment for our students to fully engage in learning.”

Transform school for children who are struggling to read. The Shadow Project is seeking sponsors for its Reading Mentors program at several of our 36 partner schools, with ample opportunity for employee volunteerism. A modest school sponsorship will provide critical support for students, who are gaining up to two years in their reading ability and deepening their connection to school. Email christy@shadow-project.org to get involved.

A new report from the Oregon Department of Education found that 82% of elementary and middle school students with disabilities that impact learning do not read proficiently. Students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism and other learning challenges have tremendous potential, but lack a reading format that addresses their needs. The Reading Mentors program equips schools with assistive reading technology designed for struggling readers and provides caring mentors to students who are up to 3 years behind their peers.

We have year-round volunteer opportunities for your employees, ranging from shelving and sorting books to mentoring students for two hours a week. Your staff is also invited to participate in an end-of-year celebration where parents see their children’s reading progress honored, often for the first time. We’ll honor your commitment to children with learning challenges on our website, social media, newsletters and publicity at your sponsor school community.