Founded more than a decade ago by a family who has been there, the Children’s Cancer Association brings JoyRx to seriously ill children and their families, in the hospital and at home. When families need support, CCA is there with award-winning programs and resources, available at no cost to those in need, in Oregon and SW Washington. CCA was established in loving memory of five-year-old Alexandra Ellis who courageously fought cancer for two and a half years before she died on May 7, 1995.

The bi-lingual LifeSupport family Enrichment Program brings hope, joy and understanding during an overwhelming and financially depleting journey. LifeSupport helps local families with specific essential needs, provides direct links to hundreds of local and national resources, offers funeral assistance and bereavement support and responds with yes when a child’s special wish is not met by other organizations. LifeSupport fills the gaps when and where Oregon and Southwest Washington families need it most.

YMCA Adventure Club is a leadership development program for youth ages 11 – 14 for students at Rowe Middle School in Milwaukie, Oregon. It is comprised of a group of up to 13 youth who meet with supportive adults to identify community issues and create action plans. The purpose of the YMCA Adventure Club program is to enhance youth learning in the areas of community service and involvement by engaging youth in community issues and education. Over the course of the 9-week session staff engage the youth in: Character development activities and games, search for areas they can get involved in the community, plan and implement service projects, participate in at least one off site field trip each week, attend at least one leadership retreat and plan and participate in the end of the session showcase.

The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette offers a diverse range of quality, affordable programs that help children thrive and grow, inspire young people to lead, bring families closer together and encourage individual health and wellness.