When people face uncertainty in their lives, they find a true neighbor in Portland Adventist Community Services (PACS).  We are here to help those who need us, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic origin, age, gender, or geographic locations.

Campaign for Community: Neighbors Helping Neighbors is an opportunity for church members, community residents, and local businesses to share in this neighborly responsibility by giving generously to this annual donation drive.  Proceeds from Campaign for Community go to develop programs that build self-sufficiency and offer long-term solutions for those affected by poverty and adversity.

Every dollar -- 100% of each donation -- is used by PACS to help those neighbors of ours whoare most needy.

Working closely with other agencies and organizations, PACS helps people remove the obstacles that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Nothing is more exciting than watching (and helping) people develop their own skills, resources, and capabilities.

Programs and Services
Believing that neighbors look out for neighbors, PACS provides programs that help keep families together and prevent homelessness in our community.

Trained professionals offer case management to provide specific services and to help individuals develop skills leading to self-sufficiency.

Easing the despair of crisis situations lessens the risk of other problems, such as physical abuse or substance addiction.  Time invested in listening to individuals helps identify the root causes of their needs in order to find long-term solutions.

PACS provides families in need of food the opportunity to choose a three-day supply of balanced nutritious meals at no cost.  PACS offers a food program found nowhere else in the country.  What sets PACS apart is the attention we place on personal care, nutritional balance, and education.  People are allowed to "shop" in a modern grocery store setting, choosing the foods they wish within guidelines of healthy eating principles along with help from a personal shopper.  Shoppers learn proper ways to meet family and individual nutritional needs while having the freedom to choose foods they enjoy and know how to prepare.  In 1997, over $120,000 worth of food was distributed to those in need.

Each year thousands of individuals come to us in need of basic items such as a pair of shoes, a coat, or even a bed.  We are glad to be able to provide them with these basic necessities from generous donations made by the community.  In 1997 alone, over 475 pairs of shoes and 23,000 articles of clothing were given to the poor and hurting.

PACS also offers a family medical clinic to those who do not have health insurance.  Volunteer doctors and nurses donate their time and energy to meet the physical needs of over 1,100 individuals a year who cannot afford to visit a doctor.

Typically, PACS relief response includes the collection and distribution of non-perishable food, clothing, cleaning supplies, personal care items, and items for the special needs of infants and small children, such as diapers and toys to comfort them.

PACS works with Northwest Medical Teams, Red Cross, VOAD, and other entities to provide assistance during times of redistributes them to those in need while continuing to provide relief for basic needs of food, clothing, and medical care.

Will you help?

Your generous gift to Campaign for Community will be used by PACS to meed some of the many needs that exist in the greater Portland area.