Welcome
MFS invests in individuals and families that struggle with the many barriers associated with cultural and economic disparities including – inadequate education, health issues, isolation, unemployment, and poverty.

We are dedicated to building stronger communities by providing services, connecting people with resources, and offering volunteer opportunities throughout the Portland, Oregon region

May 2009
Gresham High gains $2 million grant. The federally funded grant will finance an after school program for about 300 students at Gresham. More

Automobile loans available for those struggling. Sonia Yemane took advantage of a car loan, which in turn enabled her to spend more time with her daughter, Shalom. More

Portland-area schools recruit retirees to help in class. Experience Corps mentor Patsy Stephens, known as "Grandma Patsy" to many students, goes over a reading exercise with 7-year-old Kristine Martin at Woodlawn K-8 School. Older adults spend 10 to 12 hours a week offering academic and personal support. More

Metropolitan Family Service’s Experience Corps: Retirees offer knowledge, nurturing to students. At North Portland’s James John Elementary School, being sent to the hall is anything but punitive. More

April 2009
Independent research shows national service program in Portland schools produces big gains in student learning. Tutoring children in and after school isn’t new, but how much does it really help in critical areas like reading? Rigorous new research from Washington University in St. Louis shows significant gains from a national service program that trains experienced adults to help low-income children in urban public schools in 23 cities, including Portland. More

Free rides to Moreland Farmers Market for area seniors could end - volunteers sought. "If you would like to drive, it's a very rewarding opportunity," says program coordinator, Mark Morley. "Our volunteers thrive on the interaction with our senior and disabled clients." More

March 2009
At 71, Claudine Paris feels like a “rock star” every day she walks through the hallways of James John Elementary School in Portland, OR, where she volunteers as a literacy tutor.“I’m appreciated and I’m needed,” says Paris, who’s called “Auntsy” by the children. “It’s wonderful.” More

January 2009
Metropolitan Family Service Celebrates National Mentoring Month with Expanded Programs in Gresham. Metropolitan Family Service is pleased to be a part of National Mentoring Month 2009, a month-long campaign dedicated to recruiting caring adult mentors for America's youth. More

We're Working in Your Neighborhood
MFS is building stronger communities by providing services, connecting people with resources and offering volunteer opportunities at more than 100 school and community sites throughout the greater Portland area.