Strengthening Pathways Recap:
A Night of Community, Commitment, and Hope
This past Thursday, Anthony’s Circle hosted Strengthening Pathways, a powerful evening dedicated to uplifting Oregon’s foster youth and celebrating the community partners who make this work possible. Guided by the belief that our foster youth need a circle of support, the event brought together educators, advocates, donors, foster parents, and supporters united around one mission: ensuring that every foster youth in Oregon has a pathway to graduation and a future filled with opportunity.
A Program That Reflected the Heart of
Our Mission
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Rhonda Meadows, Vice President & Director of Anthony’s Circle, who set the tone with a message of hope, urgency, and gratitude.
Guests then heard from a remarkable lineup of speakers who brought depth, honesty, and firsthand experience to the conversation:
Adam Skyles
Principal, McDaniel High School
shared the impact of consistent, school-based support for students navigating the foster system.
Marissa Moon
Portland District Manager, Oregon Department of Human Services, highlighted the state-level needs and the critical role of community partnerships.
Judge Xiomara Torres
Family Law Judge and Anthony’s Circle Board Member, reflected on the lived realities of foster youth and the importance of support.
Anthony’s Circle Educational Navigators
Fred Lopez, Jessica Norton, and Noel Weinzinger
illuminated the daily work of guiding students through school, life skills, and self-confidence building.
And in one of the evening’s most moving moments, recipients of Anthony’s Circle services shared what consistent support has meant in their paths forward.
The night concluded with an inspiring Paddle Raise, where donors stepped forward with extraordinary generosity to expand the reach of our program.
A Community Effort: Thank You to Our Partners
Strengthening Pathways would not have been possible without the support of our generous partners:
Venue Sponsor: Simple.Local.Coffee — for opening your beautiful space and welcoming our community with warmth and hospitality.
Food & Wine Sponsors — for nourishing our guests and supporting the mission behind every shared meal and every raised glass.
To the supporters, donors, and attendees who showed up with open hearts and a commitment to Oregon’s foster youth: thank you. Your contributions directly strengthen the pathways our young people walk every day.
Together, We Surpassed Our Goal — But the Work Continues
Thanks to the incredible commitment of our community, we exceeded our fundraising goal, raising over $25,000 for Oregon’s Foster Youth. This milestone reflects what we can achieve when we stand together. And yet, the need remains urgent.
More than 8,640 foster youth are navigating the system in Oregon today. Only 42% graduate from high school, and too many face adulthood without the stability, skills, or support they deserve.
As we look ahead to 2026, Anthony’s Circle remains steadfast in our mission to expand our programming, place more Educational Navigators in schools, and serve even more foster youth across the state.
What’s Next
Strengthening Pathways showcased what’s possible when schools, state agencies, nonprofits, and community members come together:
A stronger, more equitable Oregon where foster youth thrive—not by chance, but by design.
Now, we build on that momentum to ensure every foster youth in Oregon has a pathway to graduation and a future full of possibilities.
We’re thrilled to share that Anthony’s Circle is part of Willamette Week’s 2025 Give!Guide, featured in the Education category of nonprofits making a difference across Portland.
This annual campaign highlights local organizations driving meaningful change — and we’re honored to be recognized for our work supporting foster youth through education and community connection.
Throughout the giving season, we’ll share stories, celebrations, and Big Give Day updates. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay inspired and get involved.
Together, we’re shaping brighter futures through education, mentorship, and community.
Segment with AM Northwest & KATU TV
August 25, 2025
KATU TV AM Northwest Emmy award-winning host, Helen Raptis, sat down with Rhonda Meadows, Co-Founder of Anthony’s Circle. Click the link below to learn how Anthony’s Circle is empowering foster youth through education in Oregon.