Northwest Family Services (NWFS) is a culturally-responsive agency dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering stronger communities by addressing the social determinants of health. Since 1983, our mission has been to combat poverty and promote well-being through a range of comprehensive services centered around health, education, employment, and social justice.

Our programs encompass a broad spectrum of support, including health and social service navigation, youth prevention and intervention programs, and outpatient alcohol and drug treatment. Recognizing the power of unity, we provide coalition support for drug-free communities and lend our aid to youth and families impacted by incarceration. NWFS is also a proponent of restorative justice, offering mental health services and job readiness and placement programs.

We are proud to offer the only culturally specific shelter in Oregon for Latina women and children who have endured violence, echoing our commitment to victims of crime. Our efforts also extend to housing stability, helping families and individuals secure the foundation they need to rebuild and flourish.

Our approach to family stability is holistic, incorporating couple’s classes, parenting, and healthy relationship education. Our services, available in both English and Spanish, extend throughout the greater Portland-Salem metro area.

At NWFS, we believe in the ripple effect of empowerment – one act of kindness, one life changed, can emanate and transform an entire community.

Northwest Family Services believes in treating all people with fairness, dignity, and respect.

The programs and services of Northwest Family Services are available to everyone regardless of ethnicity, nationality, disabilities, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.  Our programs and services are appropriate according (e.g., age, geographic location) to Northwest Family Services’ funding streams.

Northwest Family Services (NWFS) has adopted a policy of non-discrimination and affirmative action in conformity with applicable federal, state, and local laws, to provide equal and open employment opportunities in all aspects of the employer/employee relationship, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, training, educational reassignments, discipline and termination of employment to all personnel without discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, color, national origin, physical or mental handicap or disability, or any other classification protected by law.

As a covered entity under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, NWFS does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. For example, NWFS’ main office adheres to the ADA and maintains it’s facility in compliance with this law.

NWFS believes that performing in a culturally responsive manner is not just good for the people we serve but it also reflects our core beliefs.  To that end, NWFS has adopted a cultural competency plan. Our plan addresses Culture, Cultural Competence, Cultural Responsiveness and Sensitivity, Cultural Formation and Cultural Context.  Our plan calls for the following actions: The Executive Director and management team personally lead the cultural competence initiative, NWFS will have mechanisms to ensure commitment by staff in all programming, self-assessment of staff’s cultural competency, and provide culturally responsive service delivery.

NWFS has a diversity committee to assist the organization in improving our cultural responsiveness.  The committee works with the Diversity Manager to develop opportunities to increase the level of cultural competency among our staff.  Also, NWFS has contracted with Diversity Resource Group, as an ongoing consultant in all efforts to introduce and support diversity work at NWFS.