June 2015
 

Summer is finally here! June's Innovative Connections is all about how to save money now that the school year is over. First we have a special invitation to our fundraiser next week! Next we have some hot tips on activities for the summer months that will fit into your budget! Last we have guide to free and reduced price meals for kids all summer long. Have a blast this summer!


 

All the best,

Innovative Changes


 Save the Date!funraiser

 

Fundraiser, you think, what me? Well yes, we really want you to come! You are the heart of our success, so come celebrate with us. You'll get to mix with folks who are learning about us as they consider making a donation to support our work. You might want to share one of your Innovative Changes stories with one of our new friends, and who knows, it just might inspire them to make us their charity of choice! You don't have to make a donation, your attendance is a gift you are giving us. RSVP so we know you're coming!

  

RSVP here!
Credit Tip

 

Did you know that not all bills build your credit? When you make on-time payments for utilities, insurance, rent, cellphones, and more, the creditor does not report those positive payments to the credit bureaus. To build credit, make sure you are making on-time payments on a financial product from a financial institution such as a credit card, secured or unsecured or an installment loan.

 

 Learn more about building, repairing and protecting credit at one of our workshops, or through our credit builder loan!

 

Summer Activities: great for the budget, great for the soulsummer

  

by Andrea Kerwin

 

Looking to spend some time in the sun this summer? Here are some budget friendly outdoor activities to enjoy with your family while the weather holds out!

 

Fountains! You are never too old to cool off in one of Portland's many swim-friendly fountains.

 

Movies in the park: Enjoy popular, family friendly films each week this summer in the parks. Pre-movie entertainment begins around 6:30 for movies that begin at 7.

 

Concerts in the park: If you're not in the mood for a movie, enjoys these varied musical performances!

 

Free Open Swims: Many local pools offer free open swims at specified hours.

 

More great activities here!

 
Summer eats for the kids!lunches

 

by Stephanie Sampedro

 

As the summer time quickly approaches and the school year ends, many families will experience financial strain now that their children are not attending school and receiving free or reduced breakfast and lunch. Having the time to cook is not always feasible and sometimes we need to dine out.

 

The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service offers free meals for children and teens under 18 at many elementary and high schools. Locations in Portland include Benson High, Dishman Community Center, Boise/Eliot Elementary, SEI, Unthank Park, King Elementary, Beaumont Middle School, Alberta Park- Portland Parks and Recreation, Vernon Elementary, The Salvation Army. Find information about each location here.

 

 

We also compiled some resources of places where your kids can eat free (or on the cheap) listed by day of the week:   

 

 

MONDAY

Ernesto's Italian Restaurant
8544 SW Apple Way
Portland, OR 97225
Phone: 503.292.0119

1 free entree from kids menu per adult entree purchase.

Raccoon Lodge & Brew Pub
7424 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy
503-296-0110

$1 kids meal per paying adult.

Raul's Family Mexican Restaurant
4820 SW 76th Avenue
Portland, OR 97225
Phone: 503.203.2999

Kids eat free with adult meal purchase.

Hawthorne Fish House
4343 SE Hawthorne Blvd

Kids eat free all day on Mondays with the purchase of an adult meal.

 Read about more great spots here!

 
 
Upcoming Workshops & Orientationscb
 

The next Financial Household Resiliency workshops will be:

  

- Tuesdays 5:30-7:30pm 

-July 7th: Making Ends Meet

-July 14th: Budgeting and Savings

-July 21st: Hands On Banking

-July 28th: Building, Repairing, and Protecting Credit

 

All workshops take place at our office, 2010 Lloyd Center Mall.

You can register for the classes here.

Our next Credit Builder Orientations will be:

 

 

- Wednesday, June 17th 5:30-6:30pm

- ESPANOL, viernes 26 de junio 1-2pm

- Wednesday, July 1st, 5:30-6:30

- Friday, July 10th, 1-2pm

- ESPANOL, miercoles 15 de julio 5:30-6:30pm

- Friday, July 24th, 1-2pm

- Wednesday, July 29th, 5:30-6:30pm
 

  All take place at our office, 2010 Lloyd Center.

Register here.

  
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