A Message from Mark

(From the March 2008 Newsletter)

We at SVPP are proud to introduce a new and improved newsletter that will offer you a quick and easy way to learn about the impact of our investments, SVPP news and some Partner highlights. This month you can read about a success milestone at Clark Elementary where we have worked to establish a model for engaging poor and multicultural parents in their children’s education. We hope you enjoy this and all our news. I hope you’ll be in touch and get engaged with SVP.

- Mark Holloway, Executive Director

Clark Elementary Science Night: A Matter of Social Justice

(From the March 2008 Newsletter)

SVPP’s Parental Engagement Program (PEP) has a new success to celebrate. Through the initiative of their School Advisory Board, Clark Elementary School students and parents enjoyed an OMSI Science Night on February 19, 2008.

Regarding the success of Science Night, SVPP Partner volunteer Sharon Barthmaier stated:
"It was a great success. The OMSI event involved 352 children and parents. For many of the families at Clark this was their first introduction to OMSI that provided an experience to the children and families of this area that they don't necessarily have. It also brought the parents into the school in a very comfortable format.”
This event is part of SVPP’s continuing involvement in both Clark and Kelly Elementary Schools, where the projected value of SVPP volunteer, cash, and in-kind donations as well as projected operational impact totals over $340,000, to date. The Advisory Boards at each school were formed by SVPP to gather support from the business and local community around each school to provide resources and skills not available at these schools.

Christine Aanderud, Principal at Clark Elementary, said about the impact of SVPP Partners, “Our students and parents are so fortunate to have such a committed team. Providing these opportunities to experience what is taken for granted by more affluent communities is commendable. It is a matter of social justice.”

Future SVPP initiatives at Clark include the upcoming Math Event, scheduled for mid April and efforts to promote the successful transition of Clark to Binnsmead Elementary, a K-8 school. SVPP is also involved in the development of sustainable classroom programs, including in-class libraries and a technology program.

SVPP Forms Advisory Council

(From the March 2008 Newsletter)

SVPP is proud to announce the formation of the SVPP Advisory Council, which will provide guidance for achieving our deep community impact and strong growth plans in the coming years. This Council is made up of community and business leaders who are also current and former SVPP Partners or Investees. In addition to their advisory role, Council members will serve as ambassadors for SVPP in the community. They are:
  • Jeff Grubb, Chair - SVPP Partner; Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo Private Bank
  • Frank Gill – SVPP Partner; retired Intel Corp. executive
  • Jim Johnson – SVPP founder; President and CEO of Tripwire
  • Eli Lamb – SVPP founder and Partner; President, Green Lightning Consulting
  • Krista Larson – Executive Director of Metropolitan Family Service, a former Investee
  • Judith McGee – SVPP Partner; Chairman of McGee Financial Services
  • Bob McKean – SVPP Partner; President and CEO of Albina Community Bank
  • Howard M. Shapiro – Not for Profit Consultant; Vice Chairman of the Board of Albina Community Bank
  • Nick Stanley – Partner, Veber Partners
  • Bill Swindells – Independent Investor/Developer; CFO and COO of Purple Mountain Media Co.
The Council met for the first time in March to learn about the current state of SVPP including our membership, investments and impact since its inception in late 2000. Two more meetings and attendance at the Annual Partners’ Meeting are planned for this year. We are delighted to have this group of community and business leaders engaged with SVPP to help achieve our future goals.

SVPP and Neighborhood House Event

(From the March 2008 Newsletter)

Richman 030608.jpgOn March 6th, SVPP and Neighborhood House—host organization to SVPP Investee, the Child Care Improvement Project (CCIP)—hosted a very informative Partner event focused on early childhood development issues. The event took place at the Portland Children’s Museum and was well attended by SVPP Partners and their families, Neighborhood House representatives and friends.

Ken Thrasher, Chairman and CEO of Compli Inc. and an Panel 030608.jpgoutspoken advocate for children’s issues, served as the keynote speaker. His comments were followed by remarks from a panel consisting of representatives from SVPP, the Children’s Institute and CCIP. The session was effective in highlighting the impact that investments in early childhood education have on childhood development and the community welfare at large.

SVPP enjoys a close relationship with Neighborhood House and is rounding out its second year of investment in CCIP.

Partner Highlights

(From the March 2008 Newsletter)

Over the past several months while SVPP eNews has been on hiatus, a number of new Partners have joined SVPP and several have had significant events in their lives.

New to SVPP are:
  • Steve and Pat Acheff
  • Carol Finney and Jon Denney
  • Heather and Merritt Paulson
  • Phil and Debbie Richman
These new Partners have been jumping into great engagement opportunities and look to make a significant contribution to the work of SVPP in the community.

Congratulations to Partners Ellie Ipsen and Dave Eliopulos who were married in March. Ellie and Dave have served on the Investment Team this year—though time off was granted for an exciting honeymoon getaway.

Congratulations also to Partner Merritt Paulson, who was recognized recently as one of the Portland Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40.” The ranking gives recognition to young leaders who are making and will continually make an impact on the Portland community. Partner Earl Hines and Executive Director Mark Holloway were listed as runners up.

Also new to SVPP is Diane Selden, who will serve as the Partner Engagement Manager focusing the needs and interests of Partners in ‘giving back’ to the community. Diane joined SVPP after eight years as a SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) Site Manager at Woodmere Elementary in Southeast Portland. Her broader experience includes child, family and crisis work and a lifetime dedication to front line social change. You may contact her at the SVPP office (503-222-0114) or diane@svpportland.org.