Supporting Our Society (SOS) is comprised of a founding core membership consisting of
six strong and independently unique advocates.
Our members are: Michelle Davis, Jeri Kelly, India Hall, Beth Blumklotz,
Rashonda Washington and Kirby Jackson.
The main characteristic that knits our various skill sets together is our genuine desire
to help others in need and our willingness to do our part in
making a positive difference in our community.
I was born in Jackson, Michigan and relocated to the Pacific NW 17 years ago. As a teenage mom I was fortunate enough to have found my way because of those who cared. I started my career in retail management. After working in retail for more than 20 years, I decided to pursue my MBA in healthcare administration at OHSU. While caring for both my mom and grandmother, I realized healthcare inequity was a serious issue that needed to be addressed. It was then that my friends and I formed SOS. Our mission was to provide coats and winter wear for those who were houseless and underserved. This was all volunteer work. During this time, I began working for Aging and Disability of SW Washington, providing education and resources for the elderly, disabled and underserved. From there I utilized my MBA and became a Health Center Administrator for a community health center. After tirelessly working with those who are houseless, overlooked and neglected, in 2019 SOS became a 501c3 nonprofit. We continue our work within the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. I love football, traveling and hanging with friends. I have 3 Grandchildren and a Grand Dog.
I was born and raised in Portland Oregon, where I graduated from Grant High school. I enlisted in the US Navy and spent four years working as a nuclear repairman. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in business management from University of Phoenix and completed an Appraisal Trainee License in both California and Washington State. Currently, I work as a Case Manager with Aging and Disability of SW Washington. I have a wonderful husband, three amazing kids and three beautiful grandkids. SOS has provided a rare opportunity to practice my lifelong philosophy to see the good in others through supportive actions. As a young adult, I made a personal commitment to live this life in honor of so many family members and friends that have gone before me. I define and measure that honor through selfless and deliberate action to help others; that unexplainable feeling I experience inside my soul lets me know I am doing the right thing. To navigate through this rewarding journey with five of my closest friends creates unforgettable memories with meaning…Mission Complete!!
I was born in Portland Oregon to Alvin Hall and Mary Camel. I attended Catholic schools from the 1st to 9th grade, first at Immaculate Heart for my elementary years and then St. Mary's for my freshmen year. Ulysses S. Grant is where I earned my high school diploma. I received an Associate’s degree in Computer Science from Pioneer Pacific College. At age 19, I joined The US Navy and completed a 4yr term from 1991-1995, as an Auxiliary Machinist Mate. Joining the military was the gateway to my joy of helping people and our country. Now I continue to devote my time helping the community by volunteering and donating to a charity monthly. I currently work for a large non-profit medical organization that has the same passion for helping the community as I do. I have been working with the organization since 2010. In my free time I love spending time with my son, Ion, watching sports and spending time with friends and family doing a variety of things from walking trails to traveling.
Relationship and Life Coach, Special Education School Bus Operator, Contract Negotiator & Union Organizer.
I am a happy, well-adjusted, kind-spirited, compassionate, super proud mother, who is a solution focused motivator. I love to enjoy my life and to find things, people and experiences to feel thankful for. I love to feel good, and when others feel good, I feel even better. I have always felt passionate serving others. Teaching is my background, which has felt fun and exciting for me. From babysitting and individual tutoring, to teaching in the classroom and group settings at church, to summer camps and coaching soccer, swimming, softball and track. It has felt fun to work with kids through adults. I love that I have taught nearly all my friends' children how to swim and/or be safe around water. I love sports, traveling and hanging out with my family and friends. I love my relationship with God and do my best to extend the love to others that He has given me.
I am a native of Portland Oregon, growing-up in the North East area, respectfully known as the “soul district", born to Roy Washington and the late Peggy Bradley Washington. During my formative years I was exposed to community service, as my family were known pillars in the community. My parents humbly opened up their hearts and home to many displaced youth in the community, and provided a safe and loving environment. And that’s what birthed my passion for community involvement. I grew up in the Portland area attending church and school; I am a graduate of Jefferson High School, Class of 1989. Shortly after high school I began my career at Oregon Health Science University, where I have served in a very diverse health community for the last 25 years, spreading a sense of hope through a smile or a kind word no matter the color or social status of the client. I have a passion for cooking. I enjoy feeding those I love and those in need of a hot meal. I am a mother of one and grandmother of one. I have two beautiful sisters and one brother that I love dearly. I am a proud member of SOS. Serving our community has been a blessing to me. I honor my mother through giving back because she was definitely a giver to all.
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. I attended Irvington Elementary, Fernwood Middle School and I am a proud Jefferson High School graduate. I also attended Mt Hood Community College, where I worked towards a journalism degree. Currently, I am 30+ year veteran at United Parcel Service. My length of employment shows my loyalty to the company, as well as our customers, as they come first. The desire to serve has always been within. My mother was the Vice President of Human Resources of the Portland Chapter of a national nonprofit. From a young age I watched, shadowed, and admired her and her work, with hopes of doing the same one day. When I became of age, I wanted to get busy. I worked alongside her at the campaign headquarters. My job was constructing campaign packets and assisting with numerous community outreach and fundraising events on the weekends. Here I learned firsthand how giving is a blessing and also a fulfilling act of service. It wasn't a job, but more of a lifestyle. In keeping with the service model and personal joys, I had a party design business, Celebrations Unlimited. In this role, it was my pleasure to make others happy by creating small or grand vignettes. It’s always about the smiles. Being a core founding member of Supporting Our Society, affectionately known as SOS with my girlfriends feels full circle. It's a natural progression for me. I know my Mother is guiding me! Doing what I know and love, feels like home.