Soroptimist Hood River, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting education and training for women and girls in the Gorge, annually grants three honorees their Women of Distinction award. This recognition celebrates women in Hood River County who make a difference in the community by positively impacting the lives of other local women and girls. This year’s Women of Distinction honorees included The Next Door Inc.’s Executive Director, Janet Hamada, alongside fellow community members, Gladys Rivera and Silvia Maciel.

May is National Foster Care Month, a time to acknowledge and appreciate the work of the families and parents who provide support, safety, and stability to youth in foster care. On May 14, The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) will host a special event to honor these incredible individuals who open their hearts and their homes to youth in our Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) program.

Like many who immigrate to the United States, Guillermo left Mexico in search of a better life for him and his family. Given his dire circumstances, there wasn't time to obtain the resources needed to cross the border legally and Guillermo had to leave his wife and three children behind. Unfortunately, he was stopped by Border Patrol and was later transported to an immigration detention center in Tacoma, Washington.

On Saturday, April 27th, Senator Jeff Merkley held his annual Town Hall in Wasco County. At each of his town halls, Senator Merkley presents a flag that was flown at the capital in Washington, D.C. to an organization that he feels has gone above and beyond to serve their community. At this year’s event, Senator Merkley chose to celebrate The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) and its work in the local community by offering a variety of programs and services in the Mid-Columbia region.

In Latino culture, mental health is rarely talked about. It's not that Latino men and women don't struggle with their mental and emotional health; it's that culturally, there’s a stigma surrounding the topic and a lot of feelings are suppressed as a result. So, when Diego heard about Valle Verde (or Green Valley), a program of The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) that works to reduce the negative feelings people have about mental health issues, he knew he needed to sign up for the 12-week course.