I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with a fantastic Portland, Oregon-based non-profit, the Community for Positive Aging (founded as the Hollywood Senior Center). This organization supports seniors and low-income adults with various resources—please follow the link to learn more about CfPA!
The non-profit organization I worked with has many moving parts, and the space is utilized for multiple purposes each week. This constant activity often results in items being left around, creating a need for regular organization. After carefully assessing the unique situation and environment, devising a comprehensive plan including the staff and several volunteers jumping into action with a clean-up day. We tackled areas that hadn't received much attention in a while. After about five hours of dedicated work (and a delicious lunch hosted by the Executive Director, Amber Kern Johnson), we made significant progress. We shredded 30 boxes of old paperwork, donated and recycled over 10 large items, and a dozen or so boxes of other items. The three main recipients of items were Free Geek (computers and electrical equipment), Community Warehouse (large furniture items), and old hardback and paperback books were recycled with Far West Recycling. I then returned for a few more sessions to continue organize the remaining items. By the end, the space had undergone a dramatic transformation. The center now boasts a new break area and several reorganized spaces, totaling over 1,500 square feet of newly optimized space. Here are just a couple of the before and after pics. I hope that both the staff and visitors of CfPA enjoy and appreciate the refreshed, functional spaces as much as I do. It was such a great project to be a part of!
