Portland Community College Students4Giving was created in 2007 to educate and inspire a generation of engaged citizens, philanthropists, and community leaders. Student philanthropy programs are rare at community colleges, but our success has proven the power of giving voice to urban community college students from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and life experiences. Students4Giving became a Learning by Giving Foundation partner in 2016.
A trio from this class had the honor of meeting Brandi, a working mother and college student with twin boys and a young girl. Back in 2009, one of her sons fell suddenly ill. On the day of his leukemia diagnosis, he underwent emergency surgery. Brandi had just completed her maternity leave with a new baby girl. Brandi stated that she lived in the hospital but had consumed all of her paid leave with the birth of her daughter. Lost, exhausted, and grappling with all the changes and pressing decisions, Brandi discovered Candlelighters by reading one of their colorful and reassuring brochures in the hospital. She calls Candlelighters her family, and credits this 40-year-old non-profit with saving her own family unit by showering all of them with support, empathy, financial assistance, and most critically -- Hope.
Brandi had attended Portland Community College, where this Blog author had met her at a Scholarship Reception/Celebration. Brandi later was awarded the prestigious Ford Family Foundation scholarship and transferred to Marylhurst College for her bachelor's degree. She intends to pursue her master's degree in art therapy and work with children in recovery from medical conditions and their siblings, who also need care. Brandi vows to "give back" to Candlelighters and plans on becoming one of the Board members for this Portland-based non-profit organization.
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A trio from this class had the honor of meeting Brandi, a working mother and college student with twin boys and a young girl. Back in 2009, one of her sons fell suddenly ill. On the day of his leukemia diagnosis, he underwent emergency surgery. Brandi had just completed her maternity leave with a new baby girl. Brandi stated that she lived in the hospital but had consumed all of her paid leave with the birth of her daughter. Lost, exhausted, and grappling with all the changes and pressing decisions, Brandi discovered Candlelighters by reading one of their colorful and reassuring brochures in the hospital. She calls Candlelighters her family, and credits this 40-year-old non-profit with saving her own family unit by showering all of them with support, empathy, financial assistance, and most critically -- Hope.
Brandi had attended Portland Community College, where this Blog author had met her at a Scholarship Reception/Celebration. Brandi later was awarded the prestigious Ford Family Foundation scholarship and transferred to Marylhurst College for her bachelor's degree. She intends to pursue her master's degree in art therapy and work with children in recovery from medical conditions and their siblings, who also need care. Brandi vows to "give back" to Candlelighters and plans on becoming one of the Board members for this Portland-based non-profit organization.
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