MIKE Program

Reach up, Reach out, Reach back! MIKE Program youth need YOU!!

• Do you want to make a huge difference to youth, but feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start?
• Or, you know that youth today (or always) can be such a challenge, it’s not something you want to tackle without a support?
• Or‚ are you full of good ideas and diplomatic but direct in your feedback and love the idea of offering your critique without it being seen as criticism?
• Or‚ is it the snacks and fun activities, learning new things and meeting with a dynamite group of like-minded people that captures your interest?

Then if you can spend just four mornings, from August 21-24, 2006, to make a huge impact on youth in the Portland Metro Area, the United States, and around the World, this is a great opportunity.

Kidney disease is a worldwide epidemic with its roots in obesity and associated diabetes and high blood pressure. These problems start early and in order to reverse this tide we have to start early, too. MIKE Program mentors youth to act as ambassadors of change to better health outcomes by applying better health habits and equipping their peers, families, and communities to do the same.

We need motivated individuals to experience the inaugural mentor training for MIKE Program. There is no commitment to be a mentor. We just desire your input to critique the training and inform us about your experience; tell us what you think.

The training takes place at 9340 SW Barnes Rd., Suite 100 B, Portland, OR 97225, directly across Barnes Road from St. Vincent Hospital. Registration, networking and a continental breakfast from 8:30 AM-9:00 AM. Class begins promptly at 9:00 AM and will end at 1:00 PM.

Call Jennifer at 503 296-7705, email Jennifer or fill out the Volunteer Information form!

MIKE Program outreaches to youth from high schools in the greater Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area at NW Youth Careers Expo at Memorial Coliseum.

POIC Youth Volunteers with Dr. Neal at MIKE Program Table

MIKE Program celebrates new office

9340 SW Barnes Road, Suite 100-B
Portland, Oregon 97225

MIKE Program welcomed over thirty guests at the third annual Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Reception. Visitors toured the newly donated office space, engaging with youth volunteers, Board members, Advisory Board members, and other contributors to MIKE Program. Mentor and Board Member Lael Seitz spearheaded the party planning, tantalizing guests with treats such as a fountain of fruit kabobs, handcrafted appetizers, and smoked salmon, to name a few. Sen Speroff, volunteer and friend of MIKE Program, provided sushi with three mouth-watering sauces. A great time was had by all.

We hope to see you at next year's event!

POIC Youth Volunteers and Staff

MIKE Program and guests experienced the adventures of Carlos Montezuma in celebration of National Kidney Month. Leon Speroff, MD, a Skyline resident and a professor at OHSU, is the author of Carlos Montezuma, MD: A Yavapai American Hero: the Life and times of an American Indian, 1866-1923. Dr. Speroff shared his research on Wednesday, March 15 at the Native American Student and Community Center at Portland State University.

Montezuma was taken from his Yavapai family at age 5 and sold to an itinerant Italian photographer. He traveled throughout the United States and faced being Indian in a white society. Montezuma became one of the first Native Americans physicians. Initially he developed a firm belief in the importance of Native American assimilation into white society. Later, he reconnected with his Yavapai people of Arizona, spoke out fiercely against the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and, in the face of great adversity from the U.S. Government, almost single handedly helped his tribe preserve its land and water rights. This MIKE Program benefit is presented cooperatively by Arnica Creative, NARA (Native American Rehabilitation Association) and MIKE Program.