Peggy was homeless for over a year until she connected with Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) by happenstance. The single mother believed she was calling a different agency when she dialed our phone number and spoke extensively about the circumstances surrounding her homelessness with one of our staff, Ellon. She said for the first time, she felt heard.
Read More“I learned that by behaving and achieving at a level that allows you to have options, you gain control over your life,” Michael says. “It’s not just about positioning yourself; it’s about gaining and maintaining confidence that you can achieve your goals.”
Read MoreAmaya, a Grant High School student, shares the value that she feels from a culture that forges safety through diversity and inclusivity. A culture like that of Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI). As a Black and Filipina woman, Amaya loves knowing that she is a part of a family that holds the culture of all people in high regard.
Read MoreJohn approached Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) after having battled a substance abuse problem and homelessness for over five years. Desperate for help because he now had a child on the way, he connected with a coordinator in our Community and Family Programs (CFP) department in order to begin a treatment program because he wanted to break the family cycle of drug abuse.
Read MoreFor Emerald, by doing the “small things” for the kids she now serves, she hopes to continue sharing her giftings with others so that she can be a guiding light, just like SEI was for her.
Read MoreOnce paired with her coordinator, June, Sierra began a long but rewarding journey towards graduation. June worked with Sierra daily, implementing tools for success along the way that started to shift Sierra’s idea of academic achievement. She began completing assignments, socializing in healthy ways with her peers, and participating in extracurricular activities.
Read MoreThrough the support and guidance of SEI, Jasmine is now linked with a support system that is empowering her through her healing journey. She has received rental assistance from our agency so that her family will have a roof over their head and has attained another full-time job!
Read MoreKnowing that Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), through our Community & Family Programs (CFP) department has programs specially designed for children just like David, his DHS caseworker approached our agency hoping to find resources that would stabilize him and return him to a safe home. At SEI, our wrap-around services not only serve individual young people but their entire family.
Read MoreIn early September 2020, the Pacific Northwest was ravaged by devastating wildfires that burned over one million acres of land in the state of Oregon alone. As a result, the air quality in the region increased to such hazardous levels that our skies were orange, and the air outside was almost unbreathable. Recognizing the urgent need at hand, Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) partnered with The Joint Office of Homelessness (JOHS) to help reduce the impact of poor air quality on our most vulnerable community members
Read MoreShy and self-conscious, Rosalyn, a Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) student since the 6th grade, modeled good behavior in school but struggled academically in math and science. Her difficulties in these subjects continued into high school, affecting her progress toward graduation -- until she partnered with an SEI coordinator to create an Individual Success Plan (ISP).
Read MoreThe Center is a safe haven for me. A place I know I can always come home to, no matter where I go next, or how long I’ve been gone. The SEI standards and culture is so strongly woven into who I am that it’s almost like an armor of confidence and strength because I am confident in who I am, and I am strong because of the village that poured into me.”
Read More“SEI is a platform in which each of us has been given the chance to showcase ourselves. SEI has introduced me to people, places and opportunities that I’ve turned into even greater and more enriched experiences.
Read More“Being a part of the SEI has caused immense growth within my character and has translated throughout my life. I only knew myself in relation to my grades and meekness, but now I have found and exercised my voice, to elevate myself and the people around me. I see myself today as a leader, an advocate and a team player, because of SEI providing me with the platform to tap into my potential.
Read More“When I joined SEI, I automatically felt a connection because of how welcoming everyone was. I was a student who was always involved in drama or in trouble, but when I realized my privilege of being in the SEI program, that all changed. I struggled throughout middle school and every step of my hard times, SEI was always there.
Read MoreSEI introduced me to a community of people who look just like me, and this has helped me become more comfortable with myself. Being outspoken was never a word to describe me, but SEI motivated me to speak up for myself and have the confidence in my beliefs and individuality—which is something I have been struggling with all my life.
Read More“SEI introduced to many successful people of color, which is something you don’t see enough of in Portland. I enjoyed listening to many talks from Nike and Jordan Brand representatives about their paths to success. It was good to see people who looked like me share their stories because it inspired me to seek my own success without limiting myself.
Read More“The adults that I have met through SEI have made a tremendous impact in my life, from advocating for me and showing they believe in me, to inspiring me and helping me realize my potential. I’ve become a self-driven, strong, and confident leader, with a multitude of life skills where I feel confident taking the next step of my education.”
Read More“SEI has always been there for me. SEI stood up for me in situations where I’ve been mistreated. SEI has even paid for trips, clubs and events just so I wouldn’t have to worry about the financial cost.”
Read More“SEI turned out to be a four-year support system that provided me with social connection, academic support, financial assistance, and a sense of belonging. Ultimately, it connected me with mentors that always believed in me.”
Read More“With the help of SEI, I now realize that I have the potential to be great at whatever I do and have the options to achieve it. I now live by one of SEI’s slogans, “Youth Potential Realized” and will accept nothing less than what I deserve and one day when I’m successful, I will help young black kids realize their potential.”
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