2025-03-17T12:52:24-07:00 2024-12-31 990EZ 2024-01-01 990704758 WEST SIDE CONNECT WEST 5036608788 8630 SW Scholls Ferry Rd PMB 143 beaverton OR 97008 Tafena Timpson Executive Director 5036608788 2025-03-16 1 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z X X X X westsideconnector.com X X 23000 18000 5000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23000 0 0 0 6500 8500 1375 0 16375 6625 0 0 6625 0 6625 0 0 0 0 0 6625 0 0 0 6625 To foster bridges of care, uniting and empowering Black, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander communities in the West Portland Metro Area through education, mentorship, and cultural advocacy. In its first year, W.E.S.T. Side Connect launched the EmpowerED Mirror Project, a strategic initiative to recruit and support Black and Pacific Islander future educators in Washington County. In Year One, we successfully recruited seven future teachers, laying the foundation for a long-term solution to Oregon's critical educator diversity gap. Oregon currently faces a shortage of 10,000 educators of color, leaving students without the representation and cultural connection needed for equitable education. The EmpowerED Mirror Project works to close this gap by mentoring, guiding, and advocating for future educators as they navigate college enrollment, scholarships, and systemic barriers. This year, we focused on recruitment and foundational support, ensuring each participant is on a clear path to becoming an educator. In future years, we will expand to strengthen advocacy, increase placements, and build sustainable pathways for educators of color in Oregon. 3500 3500 In Year One, W.E.S.T. Side Connect provided direct advocacy support to six families in Beaverton, OR, ensuring parents understood their rights and had a voice in their children's education. Most of the students supported were middle schoolers navigating academic challenges. Our advocacy included: Guiding parents through their rights in the education system. Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and disciplinary hearings. Assisting families in filing formal complaints with the Oregon Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education when necessary. By providing culturally specific advocacy, we empowered families to navigate complex school systems and secure the educational supports their children need to succeed. 750 750 4250 Tafena Timpson executive director 20 0 0 0 robin herrington board chair 5 0 0 0 tyrell macon board member 2 0 0 0 michael evans secretary 2 0 0 0 mario cortes board member 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR Tafena Timpson 12450 SW LOnghorn Ln B Beaverton OR 97008 5036608788 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NONE NONE 1 X 0 18000 18000 0 0 0 0 18000 18000 18000 5000 5000 23000 X