231 SE 12th Ave, Portland OR 97214
503-231-4866
503-231-4327 (fax)
www.catholiccharitiesoregon.org

Catholic Charities properties are multi-family, senior/disabled and for people with chronic mental illness. The following is a contact list for the resident services staff for each of our sites:

Elisabeth Gern, Resident Services Coordinator
egern @ catholiccharitiesoregon.org 971-344-8954
Kateri Park—50 units
Esperanza Court—70 units
Howard House—12 units

Michelle Jaeger, Resident Services Coordinator
mjaeger @ catholiccharitiesoregon.org 503-231-4866 ext. 2653
Caritas Villa— 30 units
Caritas Plaza—30 units

Pat Groves, Resident Services Coordinator
pgroves @ catholiccharitiesoregon.org 503-234-7675
Sacred Heart Villa

SERVICES OFFERED
1. Service Coordination—New residents receive information from property management about the RSC program. Upon request, residents receive assistance in obtaining benefits and entitlements as well as making referrals for services such as food, furniture, transportation, legal and tax preparation, immigration policies, substance abuse, domestic violence, medical and dental, mental health and counseling services, emergency financial assistance and follow-up support. Advocacy for residents who can’t or won’t speak out on their behalf is an important part of resident services at all sites. RSCs work with individuals with chronic mental illness by providing supportive counseling and written information relevant to their mental health needs.
2. Tenant Education—The RSC staff offers a variety of on-site educational and social activities (including nutrition, healthcare, housekeeping, parenting, vocational training, computer literacy, financial, ESL programs), as well as off-site trips and events. RSCs communicate these opportunities with residents through flyers, monthly calendars and monthly newsletters.
3. Community Building—Community building is an important aspect of RSC activities. RSCs help facilitate social activities and community gatherings as desired by residents e.g. clothing closet, libraries, community rooms.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

• Youth Programs: Homework club, summer school, summer soccer, tutoring
• Adult Education: Parent/child classes, ESL, citizenship, finances, knitting
• Health and Wellness: Tai chi/yoga/fitness, nutrition, cooking classes

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Encourage healthier eating habits at two senior/disabled sites by building on-site community gardens and providing cooking classes. Residents who formerly lived almost entirely out of cans now grow and consume vegetables, fruits and herbs.
• Integration and cooperation of people from widely differing cultures through intensive community-building programs like Our United Villages and simple domestic programs like knitting and sewing groups.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Oregon Food Bank * Northwest Housing Alternatives-www.nwhousing.org * Clackamas County Community Health-www.clackamas.us/community_health/ * Empowerment Initiatives-www.chooseempowerment.com * Homewatch-www.homewatchcaregivers.com * Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare-www.cascadiabhc.org * Community Solutions for Clackamas County-www.clackamas.us/cscc