Every year the foundation supports amazing nonprofit organizations in the community. The Impact Award recognizes the efforts of one of those organizations, its talented staff, and board members as they collaborate within their community. This year the Impact Award recipient is HOLLA!
HOLLA is a mentorship movement that connects with families, administrators, teachers, and nonprofits to recognize the power and potential of Black and Brown youth.
Their mission is to change the narrative of youth of color through culturally responsive relationships and education.
HOLLA mentors engage relationally with students both in and out of school. They provide opportunities for representation, enrichment, education and exposure through athletics, arts, outdoors, college preparation and their HOLLA school.
HOLLA was founded in 2013 by Executive Director, Eric Knox. Eric moved back to Portland after some time in LA and discovered gentrification had significantly impacted NE Portland and that displaced students of color lacked role models of color within the school systems. HOLLA was founded in response to this lack of representation in order to provide mentors of color to engage relationally with students.
HOLLA exists to empower students of color in Portland. Their priority is to change the narrative of youth of color through culturally responsive relationships. The programs provide representation, equity, and a wide range of supports for mentees and their families. Beneficiaries of their program are connected to educational supports, mental health, athletics, food, clothing, housing, and more.