Our mission

Sarah Lopez grew up east of the 205, where the original WBPDX site began. She is a former elementary teacher who spent six years in the classroom. During the pandemic, she went and knocked on doors of apartment complexes to offer academic support in the parking lot. Within a matter of weeks, the degree of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation became evident. She pivoted to a simple goal of lowering stress levels and bringing joy back into the children's lives. This was the beginning of a movement that has now served over 100 children and 60 families in the Centennial and Rockwood neighborhoods. We Belong PDX began with painting and playing games in a parking lot and has grown into a program that is satiating the hunger for healthy community for children throughout the neighborhood.