17 Jun A Message from the Board of Directors

As an organization dedicated to the advancement of racial equity, Bienestar stands in solidarity with the Black community at all times. Black Lives Matter.

Our home state of Oregon and our service area of Washington County both have a history of marginalization and discrimination that continues today. We acknowledge this history and understand that its legacy continues to create disparities in life expectancy, access to opportunities, and more, and leaves Black people and people of color open to violence and exploitation.

Bienestar’s work is the work of racial justice, and we believe racial equity is not only a just cause, but also vital to the wellbeing of our region. We will continue to push our region towards greater equity at every possible opportunity.

We will continue to center the voices of communities of color and trust the leadership of our leaders of color as they advocate for a more equitable region.

We will continue to work with organizations serving communities of color through initiatives like the Racial Equity Collaborative to push the region towards greater racial equity.

We will continue to do the internal work of becoming anti-racists through trainings for Board and staff members, such as our ongoing intensive training with the Center for Equity and Inclusion.

We will continue to advocate for policies and legislation that advance racial equity in housing, services, and more.

We pledge to show up, speak up, and do the work for racial justice. The success of our mission depends on it.