Author Archives: jerzyshedlock

The NAYA Scholarship Fund—Changing Lives

With the rising cost of living, the idea of pursuing higher education can seem even more out of reach for many of our students. Having enough to cover tuition and expenses can prevent prospective students from taking that important step of going to college. With the community’s help, our students can realize their college andView Article >


The Many Nations Academy Class of 2022 

In an evening full of excitement, on June 10, six seniors walked across the stage to receive their diplomas at the Many Nations Academy (MNA) graduation ceremony. Congratulations, Class of 2022! Families, teachers and NAYA staff gathered to mark the special occasion, and we can’t say it enough—the community is so proud of these youth,View Article >


NAYA’s Early Head Start program reopens at Applegate Elementary School

Providing innovative and culturally-specific childhood programming is an essential part of NAYA’s mission to serve everyone from babies to elders. So, we’re excited to announce that NAYA’s Early Head Start program has reopened at Applegate Elementary School to help families and give kiddos a cultural “head start” on their educational journeys. “The classroom focuses itsView Article >


ARPA Grant Signals a Brighter and Safer Future at NAYA’s Campus

Establishing a permanent home for NAYA and our mission to serve Portland’s Native American community is a long-time dream. Thanks to the leadership of former Speaker of the House Tina Kotek, we are a huge step closer. $1.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, aka ARPA funds, has been approved for NAYA campus upgradesView Article >


New year, new leadership

Responding to the growing needs of our community, NAYA continues to expand services, adding capacity in all areas. Months in the works, we are pleased to announce the addition of two key positions as we have restructured to manage our growth. We’re pleased to introduce Josh Groesz, who took the helm as Director of HousingView Article >


NAYA 2021 year in review

Stronger Together Watch our year-in-review video here.  Another year in the pandemic, and we continue to deliver the high impact services our community needs, adding much-needed capacity across all departments to support our youth, families, and elders. We are honored and grateful to be in service to our community! While our campus has remained closedView Article >