2010 Star Players
STAR PLAYER AWARDS
Star Players are the very important staff and board members nominated by their organizations for their amazing contributions. They are those who have demonstrated leadership and commitment, provided positive community outcomes, and been invaluable members of their teams. Your program contains just a nugget of praise provided by their organization.
✰ Jorge Alvarado, Hacienda CDC–top
Jorge runs our tamale vendor micro-enterprise program. He literally does everything for the program, including opening the commercial kitchen at all hours on weekends and evenings, negotiating with farmers markets and training the participants.
✰ Araceli Avila, Salem-Keizer CDC–top
Araceli is the “face and heart” of SKCDC. This past year she provided outstanding resident services including a summer program where the kids travelled to OMSI by train. She also took the lead on our new free tax filing project and managed our IDA program.
✰ Linn Brillman, CPAH–top
Linn arrived at CPAH 3 years ago, and has inspired us all by multitasking thru the day–planning, budgeting, marketing, reporting, inspecting, renovating & coordinating her way to excellence. Our hat is off to the woman who wears so many different hats for CPAH every day!
✰ Claudia Cantu, CASA of Oregon–top
Claudia Cantu is our Star Player. Over the past year she has diligently worked with the Boardman community to assess the housing needs of farmworkers and their families. Her tireless efforts to explain the need and proposed project in this small rural community resulted in the submission of over 20 support letter from government officials, local businesses and the school district. This support and Claudia’s can do attitude will insure the success of this project.
✰ Olympia Church, Umpqua CDC–top
Olympia brings a calming and stable presence to Umpqua CDC. She is extremely detailed, holding together data for our micro-enterprise and foreclosure prevention programs and navigating our employees through the NMLS process. Olympia’s strength of character and dedication to our Mission and clients is exemplary.
✰ Mary Davis, ROSE Community Development–top
Mary is a dedicated neighborhood activist in Brentwood-Darlington. She led an effort to pave streets and build a park in her neighborhood, was the director of its community center and is currently a member of Trillium Artisans, where she makes crafts from recycled materials.
✰ Garrick Harmel, Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services–top
Critical function, complex work, multiple projects, new father: he does it all and is fun to work with too!
✰ Geneva Hollis, St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County–top
Geneva has been an outstanding Resident Services Coordinator, working first with tenants at the Aurora Building, a 54 unit mid-rise in Eugene and now working at the Aster Apartments, a 202 project. Geneva as created an outstanding Resident Services Program to engage tenants with activities that include the development of a Community Garden, Wii fitness tournaments, and consumer protection classes. Geneva also helps each resident develop individual case plans to insure all of their needs are met.
✰ Sarai Johnson, NEDCO–top
Sarai is widely respected because of the incredible knowledge of her field. She is adored by her peers because she is fun loving, supportive and kind. She is a treasured asset to NEDCO: no one can connect the dots like she can.
✰ Lois Patterson, Central City Concern–top
Lois Patterson demonstrates a can-do attitude and unyielding commitment to the work of Central City Concern. In the past 12 months, Lois has almost single-handedly maintained superior occupancy across the CCC housing portfolio, while the attention of most of the department has been focused on a double-lease-up, changes in staff, and other organizational issues. Lois’ ability to navigate the complex regulatory demands of CCC’s housing portfolio, her compassionate yet effective interaction with our clients, and indomitable spirit stand as benchmarks for her co-workers and as testimony to the mission of Central City Concern.
✰ Travis Phillips, Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives –top
Gifted in many ways and painstakingly proficient are words that describe Travis Phillips precisely. In just one short year, he implemented PCRI’s long term goal and managed the construction of PCRI’s best new construction project ever.
As the project manager for PCRI’s first homes built for home ownership, Travis delivered like a true professional; there were no disappointments and many, many deserving accolades.
Travis is versatile, flexible and committed to creating homes for PCRI’s housing programs that are energy efficient, sustainable and healthy, affordable and attractive – adjectives that are not always said in combination with affordable housing.
He believes in giving back, he believes in human dignity and he came to PCRI at a time when we needed him most. We love and respect Travis. When PCRI residents move into their new homes – they will appreciate the value added because of him. We feel blessed beyond measure to have Travis as a member of our team and family. Congratulations Travis and thank you for all you do.
–Your PCRI Team
✰ Martin Rebhahn, REACH Community Development–top
Martin has been instrumental in formulating REACH’s aggressive efforts to de-bug buildings, educate employees and residents, and assist other organizations. Thank you, Martin, for your incredible people skills, willingness to tackle any issue, and dogged pursuit of knowledge in new areas. You are our star.
✰ Angela Trimble, Northwest Housing Alternatives–top
Angela leads her team providing services to people experiencing homelessness in Clackamas County by providing shelter and transitional housing. This past year she’s expanded our services to include eviction prevention and rapid re-housing; increasing the number served by more than five times. Great job Angela!
✰ Susie Vischer, Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East–top
Susie Vischer is an outstanding board member who is committed to Habitat’s mission. She serves on two committees that are building homes; one of which she is an adult mentor. Susie constantly shares her passion for the organization and is always willing to help.
✰ Bruce Whiting, Housing Development Center–top
Housing Development Center loves its Board Chair! Bruce has served on HDC’s Board for the past six years, and it is clear that HDC would not be where it is today without his commitment to affordable housing and counsel to HDC.
