REAP, Inc.

Celebrating REAP’s first #ISEEYOU Youth Peer Support Specialist graduates! Over 16 Saturdays (80 hours), these students learned to support peers facing mental health challenges. They are now licensed to serve as certified Peer Support Specialists! 🎓 Congrats to: • Andy L (9th, David Douglas HS) • Maximus W (10th, David Douglas HS) • Kai H (10th, DD Online Academy) • Izaiah J (10th, Aloha HS) • Sa’Kalee J (11th, Milwaukie HS) • Mariah W (11th, Milwaukie HS) They also connected with pros at our Behavioral Health Career Fair. Thank you to Trillium Health Partners, HealthShare Oregon, and Adulting IRL for making this possible!

One of our REAP students Haniyah Amin is making waves with her college aspirations! A 12th grade student at Centennial High School and an active REAP participant, Haniyah has distinguished herself through outstanding academic achievement and an impressive list of college admissions and scholarships. Scholarships Earned: Oregon State University Presidential Scholarship: $10,000 Dale Krueger Scholarship: $2,000 annually Links Incorporated Scholarship: $2,000 Accepted to: Northeastern University, St. Olaf College, Oregon State University, Pacific Lutheran University, Whitman College, Carleton College, Hamilton College, Mount Holyoke College, and Lewis & Clark College. Top College Choices: Northeastern University, St. Olaf College, and Oregon State University. Haniyah’s journey is a testament to what is possible when young leaders are empowered with access, encouragement, and the right support system. Her success reflects the impact of investing in youth potential—and the future we're building together.

We’re excited to welcome eight incredible new team members to our growing family! Each brings passion, purpose, and a fresh perspective to our mission of empowering student leaders and building stronger communities. Please join us in welcoming... Anjenae Torregano – Century HS (Solutions) Paul Williams – Aloha HS (Renaissance) Danica Nielsen – Plymouth High School (Solutions) Sikia Meza – St. Helens MS (Solutions) Victoria Nguyen – Fowler MS (Reflections) Troy Frison – Lane MS (Solutions) Linda Patterson – Mt. Tabor MS (Solutions) Caleb Bishop – Oliver MS (Reflections) Each of them is already making an impact in their schools and communities, helping students grow as leaders and changemakers. As we continue to expand, we’re excited to bring even more dedicated individuals onto this journey with us. Our team is growing, and so is our vision.

A big shoutout to YEC’s Samuel Frazier-Jenkins and Tyler Gutierrez for leading our FLMS students and DDHS ambassadors on a college tour of Oregon State University! 🧡🦫 For many students from underrepresented backgrounds, experiences like this are transformational—helping them envision college as an achievable future. Opportunities like this aren’t just field trips; they work: REAP students have a graduation rate of over 80%, and early exposure to college life plays a big part in that success. #CollegeBound #REAPLeaders #YEC #EmpoweringYouth

REAP recently showed up strong at the Oregon State Capitol to advocate for HB 2007, a bill that funds summer and after-school learning programs across the state. These programs give youth safe spaces, academic support, and chances to grow as leaders. This bill matters. Our voices were heard, and The Oregonian / OregonLive.com even highlighted concerns from our community, including powerful words from a family member in Adelante Mujeres’ Chicas program. Being in the room matters, and our message was loud and clear. Watch the Public Hearing at 24:45 and 1:48:45 https://lnkd.in/gy3JJnF5. We’ll keep showing up, speaking out, and standing up for Oregon’s youth. #REAP #HB2007 #Advocacy #YouthEmpowerment

Nothing brings people together like a ‘90s throwback! This spring, our REAP team came together for a powerful retreat, strengthening how we support each other, our students, and our families. 💙 Dr. Curtis Bullock led Building Hope in Communities, exploring hope as a foundation for change. Hanae Gonzales challenged us in Community Autonomy & Accountability, sparking reflection on trust and care. Abdiel Morales Rivera guided Crucial Conversations, teaching us to navigate tough discussions with empathy. How do you build community in your daily life? Let us know in the comments!

This year’s Young Women of Purpose luncheon was our biggest yet—welcoming over 400 attendees, including 250 middle and high school students, professional mentors, and members of the REAP community. Centered on the theme “Her Purpose, Her Power, Her Path,” the day was all about igniting confidence, building mentorship, and empowering young women to dream big and lead boldly. This video features testimonials of our students alongside Ebony Clarke, LCSW, Rukaiyah Adams, Cheryl Myers, Teresa Alonso Leon MPA, Sejal Tyle Hathi, MD, MBA, speaking of the power of the event! #YWOP #REAP #YoungWomenOfPurpose #Leadership #Empowerment

On March 22nd, Councilor Loretta Smith hosted a powerful town hall at REAP HQ, giving our Journey Academy students their first opportunity to engage in local discussions on issues like gun violence and community safety. They showed up ready to listen, learn, and lead—proving that youth voices matter in shaping the future of East County. We’re so proud of our REAP leaders for stepping up! #JourneyAcademy #REAPLeaders #CommunityEngagement #YouthVoice On March 22nd, REAP’s Journey Academy students attended their first-ever town hall, hosted by Councilor Loretta Smith at REAP HQ. This event provided a platform for students and community members to discuss critical issues like gun violence and safety while learning about initiatives aimed at improving East County. Our students showed up engaged, ready to share their perspectives, and committed to being part of the change. Moments like these highlight the power of youth leadership in shaping a stronger, safer community. Proud of our Journey Academy students for using their voices to make an impact! #JourneyAcademy #REAPLeaders #CivicEngagement #YouthVoice

Last week, four REAP leaders—Jessica Velazquez, Jessica Monje-Perez, Serena Taualo, and Kiara Penn—attended the Portland Business Journal’s Women’s Summit, gaining powerful insights to bring back to our work. Jessica M. challenged self-blame and looked at the bigger workplace systems at play. Serena walked away with a stronger sense of her worth and the importance of being in spaces that truly value her. Kiara recommitted to staying true to herself, letting her work speak for itself. Most importantly, they connected with leaders who are driving real change. When we grow, so does our community.

Phoenix has earned over $1 million in scholarships, securing full rides to OSU, WSU, and Pacific Lutheran. As a YEP graduate and current intern, she continues to build her skills and leadership. This summer, she plans to attend Harvard Summer School to study entrepreneurship, business law, and venture capital. “My goal is to help students understand how to legally protect their businesses and products as they grow.” Big things ahead for her.