Thrive, Inspire, Succeed: Our Commitment to Youth
The PAC Community Center exists because too many young people in Marion and Polk counties are growing up without access to the care, mentorship, and stability they deserve.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built by and for the community to stand in the gap and ensure that no child is left behind due to circumstances they cannot control.
Our mission is to empower youth and families through mental health services, academic support, athletics, and social care coordination, especially those from historically underserved and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Our vision is bold: a community where every child, regardless of income, background, or trauma, has the tools to thrive in school, in health, and in life.
We are grounded in these core values:
Equity – We break down barriers, not reinforce them.
Community – We believe healing and growth happen together.
Resilience – We teach kids to rise again and again.
Accountability – We show up and follow through.
Care – Every decision is rooted in human dignity.
Each year, The PAC serves more than 2,000 youth, with over 80 percent receiving full or partial scholarships. We have become a trusted safe haven for young people facing poverty, displacement, mental health struggles, and systemic exclusion.
Our Programs
Thrive Program: A trauma-informed ecosystem for Oregon Health Plan insured youth, offering mental health screenings, counseling, tutoring, and wraparound support from trained community health workers.
Athletics and Wellness: Year-round leagues that connect physical activity to mental strength, emotional regulation, and lifelong wellness habits.
Unified Events: Oregon’s largest inclusive sports and wellness gatherings for youth with disabilities, because true community is built on belonging.
Housing and Food Navigation: On-the-ground assistance for families struggling with basic needs, including direct navigation and follow-up through platforms like Unite Us.
Workforce Readiness: Internships, job coaching, and leadership pathways for teens ready to break cycles and create new futures.
We are more than a program. We are a lifeline. In the lives of the youth we serve, The PAC is often the only place that sees their potential before the world sees their struggle.
That is what drives us forward. That is why we are asking for your support.
We have scholarships for over 1500 kids annually and now support over 2000 kids in our mental health program.
At the PAC Community Center we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to enrich the lives of young individuals. From academic support and mental health resources to sports programs that promote physical well-being and teamwork, we provide a nurturing environment where youth can explore their passions, develop essential life skills, and connect with their community. Our goal is to empower every young person who walks through our doors, helping them thrive academically, mentally, and physically, while fostering a strong sense of belonging and self-confidence.
With our partnership with JD Health, we are proud to announce PROJECT THRIVE.
PROJECT THRIVE
Through our comprehensive services and holistic approach, we aim to transform the lives of young individuals, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to become successful, resilient, and socially engaged adults who make a meaningful difference in their communities and the world at large.
T
Transforming
Lives
Our Health and Wellness offerings are designed to promote physical well-being, emotional resilience, and a balanced approach to overall health. We believe that a healthy mind and body are essential components of a fulfilled and empowered life.
H
Health &
Wellness
Our program is designed to empower young individuals with the skills and mindset needed to navigate life's challenges, setbacks, and adversities with confidence and determination. We believe that building resilience peer-to-peer support is a critical component of personal growth and well-being
R
Resilience
Academic success is a top priority. We are committed to providing young individuals with the resources, guidance, and support they need to excel in their education and pursue their academic goals.
I
Inspiring
Academic
Success
By combining these components, we create a comprehensive approach to vitalizing mental health that addresses emotional well-being from multiple angles. Our aim is to equip young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to navigate life's emotional challenges with resilience and develop into emotionally healthy and empowered individuals.
V
Vitalizing
Mental Health
We empower self-worth through positive affirmations, mentorship, peer- support, goal achievement, self-discovery workshops, and creative expression. We encourage self-compassion, teach effective communication, and celebrate diversity, fostering a strong sense of self-worth and personal empowerment in every young individual we serve
E
Empowering
Self-Worth
Project THRIVE offers a multitude of benefits, including improved academic success, enhanced mental well-being, physical fitness, and self-worth. It fosters leadership development, cultural awareness, and personal growth, all while providing a strong support network and vital life skills. By empowering youth in these key areas, the program not only sets them on the path to personal success but also positively impacts the community by nurturing resilient, confident, and socially engaged young individuals who will shape a brighter future for all.
BENEFITS
Meet Our Partners
PARTNERS
