Organizational Profile

The Mother & Child Education Center, a non-profit organization located in Northeast Portland, has been serving families from throughout the Greater Portland community since 1971, primarily families who are low-income or experiencing a family crisis (such as divorce, teenage pregnancy, houselessness or unemployment). Our center is open five days per week for quiet conversation, in addition to our 24/7 pregnancy & parenting crisis line available in three languages: English, Spanish & Russian. We offer our services at no charge.

We offer classes and workshops taught by volunteers such as prenatal health, labor & delivery, newborn care, parenting, nutrition, and budgeting. An on-sight certified counselor is also available for individual counseling sessions. We also provide emergency clothing, diapers, food/formula, and other supplies to hundreds of families each month. Our gentle care of parents is highly respected in the local community, including two colleges that work with Mother & Child as a maternal/child care training site for their student nurses.

Our vision is to create a world where children and parents feel comfortable and welcomed in their community. We embrace this vision through our mission which is to build a community of competent, confident parents. We are a direct-service agency that partners with many others including Insight Teen Programs, Multnomah County Health Services, Sunshine Division, and churches throughout the area. Our core values include supporting motherhood, family, community, education, and service.

Board Service

All Board members serve for one year, with an option of renewing up to three years. The Board, which is comprised of 6-10 members, meets on a monthly basis.

Our Board of Directors is committed to: determining mission & purpose; supporting & evaluating the Executive Director; ensuring effective planning; monitoring & strengthening programs & services; ensuring adequate resources; protecting assets & providing proper financial oversight; building a competent board; ensuring legal and ethical integrity; and enhancing Mother & Child’s public standing.

We are always interested in getting to know individuals who might be interested in serving as board members so please contact us.

Contact us for more information:

Jess Rengo, Interim Executive Director, Mother & Child Education Center, 1515 NE 41st, Portland, OR 97232. Phone: 503-249-5801. Email: jessicar@momchildpdx.org