NAYA Family Center – The Native American Youth and Family Center provides culturally-specific services to Indigenous communities across the Portland area. Programs and services include camps, early childhood support, Elder services, educational resources, housing support, community events, and many other services. 

KairosPDX – KairosPDX advocates for educational spaces that dismantle structural racism and support all children. Established KairosPDX Learning Academy Public Charter School and their Early Learning Academy. 

Racial Equity Support Line – Lines for Life racial equity support line. Peer support line available for those emotionally impacted by racial violence and microaggressions. Available M-F 10:00am-7:00pm PST at 503-575-3764.

Wild Diversity  – Nonprofit organization dedicated to diversifying outdoor connections and activities by providing programs to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Provides community, outdoor resources and gear, and organized outdoor trips. 

Brown Girl Rise – Portland-based nonprofit that provides community space for BIPOC girls and non-binary youth ages 7-17. 

The Blueprint Foundation – Works to eliminate the opportunity gap for Black youth in the Portland area by providing culturally-specific experiences that help prepare for future careers. Programs available to children, adolescents, and adults. 

Latino Network and en español – Provides culturally specific programs and services to Latinx youth and families, including early childhood education, youth empowerment, community events, and many others. 

Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center  – Community center focused on providing culturally specific services to Pacific Islander and Asian (PIA) communities in Portland, including early childhood, family engagement, and support accessing community resources. 

Steps PDX BIPOC Youth Dance Program  – 10-month long dance program for BIPOC youth in the Portland area. 

Look, Listen, and Learn – Learning television program for BIPOC youth ages 3-8. TV show available on YouTube through a portal on the website, in addition to activity videos included on the website. 

Elevate Oregon – Mentorship program offers career development to BIPOC students in 6th-12th grade within the Parkrose neighborhood. Also offers mentoring to 3rd-5th grade students. 

Friends of Noise – Organization supporting and building community around BIPOC youth music and arts. Organizes concerts, workshops, and community around music and the arts, including Ya Heard! open mic nights. 

Youth Against Violence – Youth Against Violence is an advocacy group open to all adolescents ages 10-18 and especially welcomes participation from BIPOC youth. Offers classes, camps, and workshops to reduce violence in and around Portland. 

Black United Fund of Oregon – Black United Fund of Oregon runs several programs for youth with a focus on low-income and BIPOC youth. Includes a mentorship program exploring post-secondary career pathways, a lecture series, and scholarship opportunities. 

Portland Metro STEAM Partnership – Discusses BIPOC STEAM Ecosystem in Portland, including partnering organizations that work to reduce barriers to increase BIPOC youth access to education in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. 

Self Enhancement Inc.  – Community program providing academic support and wraparound services to communities in Portland, with a focus on providing services to African American youth and families. Includes various resources and community events. 

Heal Grow Thrive Podcast – Podcast focused on supporting BIPOC boys and young men thriving. Includes conversations with specialists to offer suggestions to support continued thriving. 

ELSO PDX – Nonprofit organization emphasizing environmental education to increase Black and Brown youth access to the outdoors and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). 

Additional Resources:

Families of Color Seattle Resource List – Resource list from Families of Color Seattle. Includes resources related to identity, social justice, history, and children and families.

BEAM – National mental health collective focusing on the mental health and wellness of Black communities. Works to dismantle barriers to accessing mental health care while responding to generational trauma and violence. Offers mental health tools, podcasts, and runs various programs. 

Urban League of Portland – Empowers Black communities in Portland through community, program, and service offerings, including youth and education support.

Supporting Kids During a Divorce and en español – Child Mind Institute’s discussion on how families can support their children throughout the divorce process. Includes ideas on how adults can help create external support, as well as how caregivers can respond to various emotions and behaviors that may emerge during the transition.

Divorce and Children: Guidelines for Parents – Nationwide Children’s article on how parents can support kids during the divorce process, including an overview of how children may be impacted at different ages. 

Tips for Divorcing Parents and en español – KidsHealth article for how parents and caregivers can alter their behavior to best support children during a divorce. 

Coping with Separation Guide: For Children Ages 6-12 – Booklet available to download to help children understand the process of separation and divorce. 

Coping with Separation Guide: For Parents of Children ages 6-12 – Booklet available to download to help parents and caregivers understand how to support their children while navigating separation and divorce. 

How Kids Experience Divorce at Different Ages – Additional information on how kids may respond to divorce depending on their age. 

Sesame Workshop Topic of Divorce (English & en español) – Sesame Workshop’s guide to divorce, including videos, storybooks, activities, and additional resources. 

TEDx Talks with Tamara D. Afifi – Discusses the impact of divorce on children.  

Activities for Helping Children Deal with Divorce – Outlines a number of interactive activities that children and families can do together to help work through the process of divorce. 

I Am A Child Of Divorce – Offers a number of resources, including activities, discussions, articles, and other support for kids and families going through divorce. 

Additional Resources:

Moving On: Life After Divorce – Book recommendations on life after divorce. Also includes a few website resources on step-parenting. 

Parent Alienation and High Conflict Divorce – Book recommendations on navigating high conflict divorce. 

Multnomah County Library — Death and Divorce  – Multnomah County Library’s recommended books on death and divorce for young children. 

Center for Navigating Family Change Suggested Reading – Comprehensive reading list for families navigating separation and divorce. Organized by age. 

Talking Parents – App to support co-parenting communication, including shared calendar, documents, and secure messaging. Free with optional subscription plans. 

Truce – App to support co-parenting and log parenting time. Additional features include shared calendar, documents, messaging, and expense tracking. Free with optional subscription plans. 

Parenting, Mediation, and Divorce: Meeting the Needs of Our Children – Article discussing navigating conflict during the divorce process, as well as suggestions of family commitments that may support in reducing the impact of conflict on children. 

Little Children, Big Challenges: Divorce – Offers a number of videos and activities to help children understand divorce.

Rainbows For All Children – Rainbows For all Children touches on a number of topics, including divorce. Offers additional resources, videos, and discussions. 

Family Kind and en español – Nonprofit organization providing support to families navigating separation and divorce. While based out of New York City, Family Kind offers a number of online resources, including workshops and education classes. 

Child Centered Solutions – Offers support for children and families navigating high-conflict family disputes.

NACG Understanding Childhood Grief – Article discussing what children often experience when they are grieving. 

Camp Erin – Providence’s Camp Erin is a free, weekend camp for grieving children ages 6-17 in Portland. 

The Dougy Center and en español – The Dougy Center offers free services to children, adolescents, and families who are navigating grief. Provides community, support, and resources. 

Comfort Zone Camp – No-cost camp for children, adolescents, and families who have experienced the death of a significant person. Programs offered to ages 7-17, 18-25, and parents and guardians. 

Ten Tips for Supporting Children Who Are Grieving – Tips for caregivers supporting grieving children. 

Tips for Teens Who Are Grieving  – Advice for grieving teens. 

Tips for Young Adults Who Are Grieving – Advice for grieving young adults.

Supporting Grieving Children With Autism – Eluna’s discussion on supporting grieving children with Autism, including additional resources. 

“After a loved one dies: How children grieve and how parents and other adults can support them” and en español – New York Life Foundation’s guide to supporting grieving children. 

Preparing a Child for a Memorial Service – Mary Bridge Children’s advice for preparing children to attend a memorial service. Includes additional resources. 

Sesame Workshop Topic on Grief (English & en español) – Sesame Workshop’s guide to grief, including videos, storybooks, activities, and additional resources. 

Types of Loss: Youth Friendly Definitions  – Eluna’s handout on discussing different types of death in a way children can more easily understand. 

Grief Out Loud Podcast – The Dougy Center’s podcast on grief. Includes stories, tips, and interviews. 

Additional Resources:

NACG Grief Support Library (English & en español) – The National Alliance for Children’s Grief organization’s resource library, including activities and discussions on specific topics.

Talking to Children about Cancer – Mesothelioma Hope’s discussion on discussing cancer with children, including additional resource suggestions.

In This Together Program – Oregon Hospice and Palliative Care Association’s program supports youth and families who have experienced the death of a significant person. Weekly groups for kids, teens, and adults.

Erin’s House Reading List – Recommended reading on various topics related to grief, based on age and topic. 

Multnomah County Library — Death and Divorce  – Multnomah County Library’s recommended books on death and divorce for young children.

Camp Blue Spruce – Summer camp for kids and teens with food allergies. Offers additional community events as well. 

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – Oregon’s webpage overviewing intellectual and developmental disabilities, including guides to access resources. 

Inclusive Career Advancement Program – National program designed to support people with disabilities in advancing their careers and education. 

FACT Oregon – Offers a range of supportive services, resources, and education for those living with disabilities in Oregon. Focuses on supporting youth and families. Available in a variety of languages. 

FACT Oregon Support Line  – Support warmlines available to answer questions and find resources for families and individuals with disabilities in Oregon. Call or text 503-786-6082 or 541-695-5416. Available in English and Spanish. 

Easterseals Oregon – Summer day camp in Portland for youth ages 11-14 with disabilities. The program also offers additional resources and services. 

Mount Hood Kiwanis Camp – Camp for youth and individuals with disabilities located near Mt. Hood. Offers a week-long summer camp, adventure camp, winter camp, and family camp. 

Learning Disabilities Association of America – Provides education, articles, and resources for caregivers, families, students, and professionals across the United States. 

Described and Captioned Media Program – Provides accessible educational videos for students with disabilities. Offers a variety of services and additional resources. 

Adventure Without Limits – Local nonprofit offering a variety of accessible outdoor adventure activities to all individuals. 

Bridges Oregon – Oregon nonprofit created by Deaf individuals to facilitate equity for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities. Offers a variety of programs and services. 

Evaluating School-Aged Children for Disability and en español  – Compiled by the Center for Parent Information and Resources, this article outlines the process and rules of evaluating school-aged children for disability in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Additional Resources:

Disability Rights Oregon – Nonprofit advocacy organization. Reviews the legal rights of those living with disabilities and offers support in legal issues. 

Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities  – Advocacy group in Oregon. Website includes current initiatives, video series, and additional resources. 

AbleFind Disability Resources – University of Oregon’s database to locate local resources, organized by county.

Brave Space Resource Database – Database of a variety of gender affirming service providers and organizations in Oregon. 

Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Resource Center – Community space for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24. Includes drop-in groups, clothing closet, hygiene supplies, peer support, and food pantry. 

TransActive Gender Project – Provides a range of services to transgender and gender diverse children and their families, including support groups, professional development, and advocacy.

Bridging Voices – Portland youth chorus for LGBTQ+ and allied youth ages 13-21. 

Brown Girl Rise – Portland-based nonprofit that provides community space for BIPOC girls and non-binary youth ages 7-17. 

Hand Up Project – Portland LGBTQ+ lead food assistance program, open to the public.

Northwest Gender Alliance  – Community organization for transgender and gender diverse folx, including families, friends, and allies. Includes peer support, activities, and education. 

Q Center PDX – Community center in Portland. Offers community events, groups, and resources for LGBTQ+ folx. 

Gender Diversity – National organization providing hope, community, and support to gender diverse children and adults. Offers discussions on topics such as school, athletics, and workplace inclusion, webinars, toolkits, and other multimedia resources. 

PFLAG – National organization supporting, educating, and connecting LGBTQ+ folx and their families. 

Trans Youth Family Allies and en español – Provides education and support services to transgender and gender diverse folx and their families. 

Wild Diversity  – Nonprofit organization dedicated to diversifying outdoor connections and activities by providing programs to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Provides community, outdoor resources and gear, and organized outdoor trips. 

PFLAG “Our trans loved ones: Questions and answers for parents, families, and friends of people who are transgender and gender expansive” – PFLAG publication educating caregivers, families, and friends of transgender and gender expansive folx, including FAQs and information by age group. 

LGBTQ+ Glossary  – PFLAG’s glossary of terms related to the LGBTQ+ community. 

Gender Spectrum’s “Understanding Gender” and en español – Gender Spectrum’s discussion on understanding gender.

PFLAG’s “Parents: Quick tips for supporting your LGBTQ+ kids–and yourself–during the coming-out process” – Quick guide on how caregivers can support their children while coming-out.

Multnomah County Library’s LGBTQ+ Reading List – Multnomah County Library’s LGBTQ+ reading list, based on age and topic. 

The Trevor Project – National organization providing 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth (25 and younger). Available at: Telephone: 1-866-488-7386; Text: 678-678; Online chat at: The Trevor Project 

Trans Lifeline – National organization providing a 24/7 peer support hotline for trans individuals. 

Available at: telephone: 877-565-8860 (English & en español)

Additional Resources:

ORPARC LGBTQ+ Resource Guide for Families and Kids – Resource list for LGBTQ+ families, parents, and children. Includes articles, podcasts, videos, and organizations

MAP Resource List for Families of Transgender and Gender Diverse Children – Resources on ways that families can support their transgender and gender diverse children. Includes articles, podcasts, support groups, and culturally conscious resources. 

Outspoken Voices Podcast – Podcast for LGBTQ+ families on various topics.

Some Families – Queer parenting podcast that addresses a number of topics.

Northwest Family Services Housing Support – Housing stability program to support families in accessing stable housing. 

Rose City Resource Guide – Lists various resources in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties, including housing resources. 

Casa Esperanza – Domestic violence shelter for Latina women and children. Contact information available on the website. 

Fern’s Place – Emergency animal foster care for those seeking medical or addiction treatment. 

Portland State University Resource Guide for PDX – Compiled resources to access various services across Portland. 

Path Home – Support for families experiencing houselessness. Includes access to shelter, prevention, and housing programs. 

Raphael House – Emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic violence situations. Contact information available on the website. 

Rose Haven – Community support and day shelter for women, children, and gender diverse folx. 

Multnomah County Domestic Violence Shelters  – List of service providers in Multnomah County providing shelter from domestic violence. 

Unica (Un Nuevo Inicio para Concluir el Abuso) – Bilingual and bicultural domestic violence and sexual violence survivor support program, including housing services. Contact details available on the website. 

Join – Join supports those experiencing houselessness to access stable housing services in Portland. 

Janus Youth Program – Offers a variety of services related to basic needs and housing. Please see the website for a full list of locations and contact information. 

NAYA Youth Housing Services – Offers housing services to youth experiencing houselessness ages 16-24. Please see the website for more information. 

New Avenues for Youth – Offers a variety of services, please see the website for more details on their programs. 

Outside In – Provides day services for youth ages 16-24. Please see the website for a complete list of the services they offer.

Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent  – Cleveland Clinic’s introduction to neurodiversity. Explores neurodiversity as a general topic rather than discussing specific types of neurodiversity. 

ORPARC Lending Library  – ORPARC’s lending library on topics related to neurodiversity 

Exceptional Individuals Introduction to Neurodiversity  – Exceptional Individuals’ introduction to neurodiversity. Provides a brief overview of various diagnoses and additional information. 

Spoon Theory For Autism and ADHD: The Neurodivergent Spoon Drawer – Introduces the concept of Spoon Theory specifically in the context of neurodiversity. This concept can be a helpful tool to communicate how much energy someone has for various tasks at a given time. 

What is Neurodiversity? A Video for Children – Short, animated video created to help introduce the concept of neurodiversity to children. 

Tilt Parenting Podcast – Podcast focusing on learning disabilities, neurodiversity, special education, and other topics. Includes interviews with specialists across fields as well as interviews between the podcast host and her child. Episodes can be sorted by topic. 

Inside an Evaluation for Learning Disorders  – Child Mind Institute’s overview of how learning disorders are evaluated and diagnosed. 

Neurodiversity Affirming Glossary of Key Words – Glossary of key words often used when discussing neurodiversity. 

ADHD

TED-Ed Student Talks: ADHD: Finding What Works for Me – Student discussion of the importance of finding the unique things that work for an individual with an ADHD diagnosis. 

What is ADHD and How Do I Recognize A Kid That Might Have ADHD? – CDC’s webpage about kids and ADHD, including website resources, a history of the diagnosis, and resources for better understanding ADHD. 

– Provides videos and discussion of the intersection of nutrition and ADHD, including meal planning and additional articles. 

What is ADHD? and en español – CDC’s brief overview of ADHD, including overview of symptoms and diagnosis. 

CHADD and en español – Organization created to support those with ADHD. Includes education, resources, and community. ADHD specialist available by telephone M-F 1:00-5:00 pm EST at 1-866-200-8098 (English and en español). 

Dyslexia

TED-Ed Talk: What is Dyslexia?  – Introduces dyslexia and the celebration of neurodiversity. 

Understanding Dyslexia  – Child Mind Institute’s introduction to dyslexia. Discusses the diagnosis, accommodations, and how the diagnosis might impact a child in different ways. 

Explaining Brains Topic: Dyslexia – Support and suggestions for caregivers discussing dyslexia with their children. 

Made By Dyslexia.org  >– Made By Dyslexia organization provides a number of online resources for caregivers and children, including podcasts, videos, and interactive activities. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Autism, Girls, and Keeping it All Inside – Autistic Girls’ Network publication on how Autism impacts girls, including diagnosis. 

Autism Society Oregon and en español – Oregon organization focusing on advocacy and community across Oregon. Website includes educational articles, resources, videos, and community support suggestions. 

TRIAD Families First Program – Free program for caregivers of children aged 2-7 who have recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Includes online resources, community groups, and education. 

Additional Resources:

Parenting with Impact Podcast – Podcast for parents and caregivers with complex kids, including information, suggestions, and conversation. 

Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center Resource List – Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center resource list for specific needs, differing abilities, and neurodiversity. Includes information on advocacy, assessment, and multimedia resources.

The Neurodiversity Podcast – Podcast exploring various topics related to neurodiversity and children. 

The Shadow Project Family Resources – The Shadow Project’s collection of family resources, including suggestions for setting goals and building sensory spaces. Resources in multiple languages. 

Impact Parents Blog on ADHD >– Blog posts on a variety of topics related to ADHD.

Child Mind Institute’s Overview of ADHD – Child Mind Institute’s overview and introduction to ADHD, organized by topic.

How to Teach Kids about Race – Discusses teaching children of all ages about race. Includes information regarding developmental stages and lists various resources to continue conversations.

PBS Kids Talking to Young Children about Race and Racism  – PBS Kids’ webpage for discussing race and racism with young children, including education, videos, and reading suggestions.

Talking to Teens: Suicide Prevention – American Psychological Association handout on discussing suicide with teens, including a list of some risk factors and warning signs.

Helping Teens Who Self Harm – Provides education for caregivers on self-harm and some of the reasons teens might engage with the behavior. 

We All Have Mental Health Video for Children – Created by Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families in the UK, this short video introduces the topic of mental health for children and adolescents.

What Should I Teach My High School Aged Teen About Sex and Sexuality? – Planned Parenthood’s compiled tips for discussing sex and sexuality with teens, organized by topic.

How to Talk to Your Child About Mental Health  – Young Mind’s webpage offers a few suggestions for beginning a conversation about mental health with your child. Please note that this is a UK website and help lines listed at the bottom of the webpage may not be available in the United States. 

Talking with Your Teens About Sex: Going Beyond “The Talk” – CDC’s general suggestions for discussing sex and sexuality with teens. Focuses on communication tips.

How to Talk to Your Teen About Substance Use – Child Mind Institute’s suggestions on beginning the conversation about substance use with teens. 

How to Talk to Your Children About Bullying and en español – Tips from UNICEF on discussing bullying with your children and teens. 

Talk About Tech – Suggestions for beginning conversations about technology with children and teens, based on topic.