p:ear Director to Receive Catlin Gabel Alumni Award
The Alumni Board of Catlin Gabel, a nationally recognized Portland, Ore. progressive independent school (pre-K to 12), has chosen Pippa Arend, class of ’90, as the 2012 recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Service Award. The award annually honors alumni of the school whose life work and accomplishments have enabled them to fulfill their promise, as stated by founder Ruth Catlin, in qualities of “character, intelligence, responsibility, and purpose.” Recent recipients of the school’s award include Roz Babner in 2011 for her dedication to the Community Warehouse, and Jordan Schnitzer in 2010 for his work with the CARE Foundation.
Mayor Sam Adams says of Arend, “As a creative and resourceful problem solver, Pippa has focused her life with unselfish dedication to establishing long-term solutions to the issues surrounding youth homelessness – ensuring that equity and access are imbedded p:ear’s mission.” He continues, “She has the ability to inspire and motivate others including members of the community and the young people whom she serves as mentor.”
“Besides fundraising, my job is to love homeless teenagers,” Arend says. “Working at p:ear has been the single most challenging yet rewarding adventure of my life and I am thrilled to spread the word about the innovative ways p:ear interacts with post-risk youth and supports them as they navigate to healthy, trusting relationships with themselves and others.”
p:ear’s innovative programs focus on one-on-one mentorship, life-skill building with emphasis on arts education and experience. Youth artwork, made independently or through workshops with guest artists, is displayed at the p:ear Gallery, 338 NW 6th Avenue in Portland. Each month, the youth work is shown as part of Portland’s 1st Thursday Art Walk. In October, the youth will show with guest artist, Josiane Keller, who has crafted sculptures of street youth based on written interviews with them. For those interested in working with these youth, the next volunteer training is Saturday Sept 22nd.