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Community Wayfinder Network

Guiding families. Equipping youth. Strengthening communities.

We bridge the gap between education and real life — helping students and families move from learning to doing, from information to opportunity.

Students and mentors collaborating during a community learning session

Who We Are

We are a community-based nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between education and real life. We partner with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and the private sector to help students and families move from learning to doing — from information to opportunity.

Our work is hands-on and experience-driven. We teach practical classes that build real-life skills, connect students to job shadow opportunities, and invite professionals and speakers to share insight into different career paths.

We also develop character through action. Students participate in meaningful service — caring and spending time with elders, supporting local communities, feeding those in need, and learning to treat people, animals, and the environment with respect and responsibility.

We provide students with after-school classes, academic support, and tutoring to close learning gaps, stay on track, and successfully graduate. We walk alongside students through critical steps after high school — helping them apply for scholarships, complete FAFSA, and navigate college, trade school, and career pathways with confidence.

We support families by helping them understand how the future works. We guide parents and students through college and career pathways, explain what opportunities are in demand, and provide hands-on help with applications, planning, and next steps. We connect students with organizations, mentors, and real pathways that align with their goals and dreams.

We are educators, artists, speakers, guides, and connectors who work to develop young people to become leaders who serve others, not just themselves. We teach them to care deeply about their communities, to support those around them, and to take responsibility for the well-being of others. We instill a mindset of thinking beyond the present — being mindful of the future, using resources wisely, and living with purpose and intention.

Our Mission

Our mission is to equip families and young people with the knowledge, skills, and community connections they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through educational programming, community outreach, written resources, and direct support, we translate complex systems — education, career pathways, and civic life — into clear, accessible guidance for families navigating school, work, and future opportunities. We help parents understand the education system, advocate for their children, and access pathways to long-term success.

We mentor youth in practical life skills, career readiness, leadership, and community service — connecting them with hands-on learning, job exploration, volunteer opportunities, and real-world experiences. By partnering with schools, organizations, and the broader community, we bridge the gap between education and opportunity, strengthen families, and prepare young people to succeed, lead, and serve.

Our Vision

A future where students and families, equipped with education and access, move forward with confidence, joy, and a clear sense of purpose.

Our Programs

Eleven hands-on programs that turn guidance into action.

Parents learning school navigation strategies in multilingual education workshop

1. Multilingual Education Support

  • Produce weekly radio segments explaining school systems in multiple languages
  • Translate school policies, grading systems, and requirements into plain language
  • Write and publish articles on how U.S. schools and institutions work
  • Answer parent questions via email/phone about school rules and communication
  • Teach parents how to email teachers, read report cards, and track credits
Students reviewing college and career options with mentors

2. College & Career Guidance

  • Walk students through college, trade school, and certification options
  • Help students create resumes and complete job applications
  • Sit with families and fill out FAFSA forms step-by-step
  • Identify scholarships and help complete applications
  • Conduct job market research and show students which careers are in demand now and projected in the next 5–10 years
  • Compare career paths using salary data, growth projections, and required education
  • Assist youth with filing basic taxes
Youth life skills training session with instructors and studentsStudents practicing practical activities in youth life skills trainingGroup activity focused on communication and civic participation skills

3. Youth Life Skills Training

  • Teach cooking, sewing, and basic household skills in classes
  • Run writing workshops (essays, storytelling, public speaking)
  • Mentor students in leadership through structured group activities
  • Train students to participate in civic processes (voting basics, local systems)
Students presenting artwork and creative writing

4. Creative Arts Programs

  • Teach drawing, painting, and sculpting in guided sessions
  • Run poetry and writing workshops with submission to contests
  • Organize student showcases and presentations of their work
Students participating in environmental stewardship field activitiesYouth taking part in cleanup and habitat restoration work

5. Environmental Education & Stewardship

  • Lead field trips to rivers, forests, and the Oregon coast
  • Teach plant ID, birding, and ecosystem observation
  • Run tree planting and habitat restoration projects
  • Organize litter cleanups on trails, parks, and waterways
  • Lead invasive species removal and creek cleanup days
Community session on local history and cultural knowledge

6. Cultural & Local Learning

  • Partner with Indigenous educators for land and plant knowledge sessions
  • Teach Oregon history, geography, and local ecosystems
  • Facilitate discussions on cultural traditions and community knowledge
Youth volunteers supporting elders and neighborhood projects

7. Character & Service Development

  • Place students in volunteer roles with elders and community groups
  • Organize service days (cleanups, outreach, support work)
  • Teach responsibility through structured service expectations
Students and volunteers coordinating local service initiatives

8. Community Service Programs

  • Coordinate volunteer placements (soup kitchens, nonprofits, outreach)
  • Organize graffiti removal and neighborhood cleanup projects
  • Run intergenerational service visits with seniors
  • Plan service-based group trips
Hands-on experiential learning trip with students outdoorsStudents participating in collaborative experiential learning activities

9. Experiential Learning

  • Organize museum visits, performances, and educational trips
  • Run hands-on classes (gardening, cooking, art)
  • Lead outdoor learning experiences and group projects
One-on-one mentoring and tutoring support for students

10. Individual Student Support

  • Provide tutoring for all grade levels, all abilities, and all subjects
  • Help students recover credits and stay on track to graduate
  • Create flexible schedules for students balancing work or family responsibilities
  • Support early graduation planning for advanced students
  • Provide one-on-one mentoring for school and career decisions
Enneagram training and coaching session for teams and professionals

11. Enneagram Training and Coaching

  • Provide professional development for companies, schools, small businesses, and nonprofits
  • Deliver Enneagram trainings for teams and individuals
  • Conduct typing sessions to identify Enneagram types
  • Facilitate workshops on traits, motivations, and behavior patterns
  • Teach practical tools for communication, leadership, and growth
  • Offer one-on-one coaching sessions
  • Trainings led by certified The Narrative Enneagram (TNE) instructors
See the full list of programs →

Get Involved

Volunteer

Send us an email to get connected and brainstorm ideas.

Email Us

Partner

Become a mentor, speaker, service provider, business, or civic leader to our youth.

Fill Out Application

Donate

Community Wayfinder Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. A tax-deduction receipt will be provided. Contributions can be mailed to:

Community Wayfinder Network
14100 SE Sunnyside Rd.
Happy Valley, OR 97086

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