For information about Impact NW programs or services, please refer to the list of Regional Service Centers.
For current job openings, click here.
To donate cash, clothing, household items, or furniture, click here.
To donate your vehicle, click here.
For information on volunteering, click here.
For general questions about Impact NW, e-mail us at: info@impactnw.org
Kids on the Block Awareness Program
Kids on the Block Awareness Program uses puppetry to inspire children to appreciate differences, reject all forms of prejudice, and develop skills to grow up healthy and safe in today’s world. The 3-4 foot tall puppets, having been touched by prejudice or other social issues, share their experiences during the shows. These handcrafted puppets create a safe and non-judgmental way for children to open up and talk about difficult issues, and children find it easy to share their concerns or ask for help after hearing the puppets tell their stories.
Puppet Shows
Social Issues / Relating to Others
Preventing School Violence (K-5th)
Cultural Differences (K-3rd)
Managing Emotions (K-3rd)
Health & Safety Issues
Healthy Choices: Playing Hard, Eating Right (K-3rd)
Drug Abuse Prevention (2nd-5th)
Preventing Child Abuse (K-4th)
Be Safe & Smart Around Dogs (K-4th)
Other topics are available upon request.
Scheduling a Puppet Show
Kids on the Block Awareness Program performances focus on elementary aged children in Clark County, Washington, and Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties in Oregon. To schedule a show for your school or community youth group, please contact Lynette Jelinek, Program Supervisor at LJelinek@ImpactNW.org or 503-988-5961 x238. We recommend having small audiences so that more kids can actively participate in the experience, but we can accommodate groups as large as 100 or as few as 20 children.
Volunteer as a Puppeteer
Becoming a puppeteer is a great way to have a positive influence in the lives of children. By educating kids on real, applicable issues, they learn about how to handle a bullying situation, how to be culturally accepting and aware of others, how to eat nutritious foods and get enough exercise, among many other life lessons that keep kids safe and healthy. No experience is needed; we provide all the training, equipment and materials you need to get started. A new training session begins the first Tuesday of each month.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer puppeteer, please contact Bethany Rocci at BRocci@ImpactNW.org or (503) 988-3660 x 22654.
Puppet Camps
Each summer, Kids on the Block Awareness Program holds Puppet Camps which instruct children ages 5-12 in the art of puppet building and maneuvering and acting with their puppets. For more information, click here.
Yoshida’s Sand in the City - Presented by Pacific Power
Come join us July 16th - 18th for our annual fundraising event benefiting the children, youth and family programming of Impact Northwest! Visit the event website at www.SandInTheCityPDX.com.