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The SVP Portland 2025 Annual Report is officially available, and we're excited to share it with you! The landscape in 2025 was both tumultuous and uncertain, and SVP Portland met that uncertainty with courage and clarity. We stayed committed. We stayed collaborative. We stayed focused on community-driven solutions. We were resolute in our commitment to our Community Partners, to the preschool leaders we serve, and to our vision where every child in Portland has access to high-quality early education. That's the year this report captures. The numbers tell part of the story. But behind every one of those figures is a relationship — a partnership built on trust, showing up, and believing that quality learning experiences in early childhood is worth fighting for. We Came Together to Celebrate Earlier this month, SVP Portland hosted its 2025 Annual Report Party, and what an evening it was! We gathered to celebrate a year of meaningful impact, bringing together Investor Partners, Community Partners, and friends of SVP, all united by a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for Portland's youngest learners and the providers who serve them. The energy in the room reflected something we know to be true at SVP: the work is stronger when we do it together. These moments of connection remind us why community is at the heart of everything we do. We were especially excited to welcome Ciara Garcia , CEO of SVP International, who joined us in person for the evening. Her presence brought perspective on the global SVP network, and her insight into how SVP Portland fits into and contributes to that landscape was a true gift to everyone in the room. We are deeply grateful for her time and her belief in what we're building here. By the Numbers: 2025 at a Glance Here are just a few of the highlights from a year of impact: 14 Community Partner organizations supported 26 graduates of the Ready to Grow Business Accelerator Program 838 children served by preschool programs $72,500 in SVP direct financial investment $595,320 in leveraged funds 86 Investor Partners 4,357 skilled volunteer hours contributed 25:1 return on investment These numbers represent so much more than outputs. They represent organizations strengthened, leaders equipped, and children whose futures are brighter because people chose to invest. There's More to the Story The numbers give you a sense of scale. The report gives you the people behind them. You'll read about a preschool founder who opened her doors with four children and is now preparing to serve more than 50 — and what it took to get there. You'll meet a Native-led organization building a tiny home village with a culturally specific early learning center at its heart, navigating construction, licensing, and financing with SVP Partners by their side. You'll see what ten-plus years of partnership with a Latino-serving community anchor can make possible, including a brand new preschool and a vision that keeps growing. And you'll hear from the Investor Partners — retirees, finance professionals, equity practitioners, global development experts — who each found their way to SVP for different reasons and stayed for the same one: because this work changes our community, and being part of it changes you — for the better. The report tells all of it. We hope you'll take a look. Read the Full Report The 2025 Annual Report tells the full story, in the words of the people living it. We invite you to read it, share it, and celebrate what this community has built together. If you're not yet an Investor Partner and want to learn more about getting involved, we'd love to connect. Reach out to Ursula at ursula@svpportland.org.

To our SVP Portland Community, For over two decades, this Partnership has been defined by a simple but profound belief: that when we bring our collective resources to the table, we can tackle the most pressing challenges facing our region. Over the last several months, our Board and Staff have been engaged in a deliberate process to refresh the language that guides us. Our goal wasn’t to find "prettier" words, but to find stickier, more accurate ones —language that truly reflects the active, hands-on work you make possible every day. We are excited to share the refined framework that will serve as our North Star. Our Vision: Our North Star "We envision our diverse strengths and resources powering the solutions to our region's most pressing needs, making sure no one is held back and everyone can thrive." Why this resonates: We wanted to move away from the passive descriptions of our work. At SVP, we aren’t just observers; we are powering solutions . We also wanted a clear "Why"—the moral imperative that drives us. By stating that we want to ensure "no one is held back" , we are making a direct commitment to addressing disparities and removing barriers in our community. Our Mission: The "How" “We mobilize skills, money, and connections to build lasting community capacity for solving problems together.” Why this resonates: We eliminated jargon like “venture philanthropy” and “systems change” to be explicit about what we actually do. We added “connections” because we know that your networks are often as valuable as a financial grant. We also shifted our focus from "helping" to "building capacity" , ensuring that the leaders and organizations we support are stronger and more sustainable long after our engagement ends. Our Current Goal: The Focus “We are currently focused on strengthening early learning organizations and systems so that all children in Multnomah County have access to high-quality, culturally relevant preschool.” Why this resonates: To be meaningful, goals need to be specific and measurable, so we have refined our goal to be explicit about the most immediate milestone we are working towards. What This Means for You Language evolves, but our core work remains the same. This new framework creates a logical sequence for our impact: we mobilize your unique assets (Mission) to achieve a specific, measurable goal (Universal Preschool) so that we can eventually realize a region where everyone thrives (Vision). You are the "power" in "powering solutions." Thank you for your continued trust, your diverse strengths, and your unwavering commitment to solving problems together. With gratitude, The SVP Portland Team

Ready to Grow participants and SVP Program Manager, Jenn Luevano-Brummett When Yuridia Meléndez Castro started the Ready To Grow program, she ran her preschool the way she'd always done; focused on caring for children, managing day-to-day challenges as they came. By the program's end, something fundamental had shifted: "Since taking this course, my tone of voice with my employees has completely changed. I want to understand their goals and set plans together." This transformation, from reactive caregiver to executive leadership, is at the heart of what Ready To Grow hopes to accomplish through its programming. The Numbers Tell a Powerful Story This year's cohort served 19 participants across 17 organizations , collectively caring for 568 children and employing 111 teachers . That's growth of 420% from our pilot program. Real Impact, Real Results: Before the program, 56% of participants operated with no formal business plan . By completion, 100% had developed comprehensive business plans for structured growth or scaling. As Leslie Ventura Hernandez of ABC University shared: "I never had a business plan before... To have a professional look at it and say, 'This looks great'—that was a huge success." The business plans participants created weren't just exercises, they became essential tools for real expansion. Ray Hekmat of Learning Days noted: "The timing of this cohort was perfect. We were buying a new business, and the business plan we built here was exactly what we needed to finalize that expansion." Why This Matters Now Oregon's early childhood education sector stands at a critical juncture. Many families in Multnomah County currently allocate 20% of their median income toward childcare — nearly triple the federal affordability benchmark. (The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines care as affordable only if it costs 7% or less of a family's income.) For single-parent families, the burden is even more acute: Child Care Aware of America estimates Oregon single parents may spend upwards of 47% of their median income on center-based care. This affordability crisis is driven largely by a staggering lack of supply. Despite recent expansions, demand for programs like Preschool for All in Multnomah County far outpaces available capacity. Without a significant increase in regulated slots, parents are forced into a bidding war for a finite resource, driving prices even higher. At the heart of this crisis is a workforce that is 90% women and disproportionately women of color . These professionals represent a deep well of community-based expertise, yet they are often the ones subsidizing the system through low wages. In Oregon, early educators are six times more likely to live in poverty than their K-12 counterparts. Ready To Grow serves as an essential bridge , working to connect early childhood entrepreneurs to the resources and growth opportunities they need to thrive. The program equips these providers with the confidence and skills to successfully navigate local resources and accelerate their expansion goals. As Jessica Wolfram from Happy Hollow explained: "The business plan is the 'front-work' that makes grant applications easier. You already have the answers to the hard questions funders are going to ask." This isn't just business training; it's about ensuring that community-based, culturally responsive providers can be the primary drivers of our early childhood education expansion, not just participants in it. The Transformation is Personal For many participants, the shift was as much emotional as it was technical. Ely Alvarez from Little Piece of Heaven captured this perfectly: "At first, I wondered if this was too much for my brain, but now I know I've got it. I feel more motivated and secure about what I'm doing." The program moved providers from financial "worry" to financial "clarity", from wondering how they'd make payroll to confidently forecasting expansion. It transformed isolation into community, as participants built peer networks that will support them for years to come. What's Next: Ready To Grow 3.0 Building on this momentum, we're launching Ready To Grow 3.0 with an entirely Spanish-language cohort and Alumni Workshops for continued growth. We're streamlining operations, sharpening our criteria to prioritize providers most ready to benefit, and deepening the hands-on, practical approach that participants found of greatest value. Thank You This impact wouldn't be possible without our Investor Partners and funders who contributed not only financial support, but also their professional expertise as facilitators and mentors. To our collaboration partners who believed in these entrepreneurs and helped connect them to Ready To Grow, thank you for trusting us with your networks. And to our participants: your courage, commitment, and vision inspire everything we do. Together, we're not just building better preschools. We're building an ecosystem where mission-driven entrepreneurs can thrive, where every child has access to quality care, and where the leaders who know their communities best have the tools to serve them powerfully. The impact is clear. The need is urgent. The opportunity is now. Ready to make an even greater impact in 2026? Connect with us to learn more. Sources Common Sense Institute. (2024). Oregon's Child Care Crisis. Retrieved from commonsenseinstitute.org U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Child Care Affordability Benchmark: 7% of family income. Child Care Aware of America. (2024). Child Care in State Fact Sheets: Oregon.

Dear SVP Community, As we enter 2026, I’m reflecting not only on what we accomplished together this past year - but on how we showed up in a moment that demanded courage, clarity, and partnership. We are operating in a landscape marked by rising need and shrinking public resources. Many of our Community Partners faced funding losses of 25–50% in 2025, particularly in early learning, where cuts collided with growing demand. And yet, what I witnessed again and again was not retreat - but resolve. “SVP responded to our call, helped us put the resources together, and built a strategy with us. I don’t know where we’d be without SVP.” — Abdi, Deputy Director, CAIRO That trust - that kind of partnership - is what you make possible. Because of your generosity and engagement, SVP was able to meet this moment with tangible impact: Deep, high-touch partnerships: We supported 13 Community Partners while expanding our total community investments from 12 in 2023 to 40 in 2025, including leaders, organizations, and systems-level initiatives. Ready to Grow Accelerator - scaling what works: Building on our original pilot, our Ready to Grow cohorts served 26 preschool leaders across two cohorts, representing 23 organizations currently serving more than 560 children. Informed by participant feedback, we launched Ready to Grow 2.0, going deeper on financial modeling, facilities planning, and leadership resilience. Proven long-term impact: CAIRO , an SVP Community Partner since 2018, has grown from serving 20 children in one location to 160 children across five schools, employing more than 100 staff - including the opening of a new early learning center in East Portland. Community Action leveraged $1.5M in new funding after strengthening their business and strategy with SVP’s support, expanding access to preschool and family stability services across Washington County. Building Together: We convened our Community Partners and ecosystem leaders to tackle one of early learning’s toughest barriers - access to affordable preschool space - identifying concrete opportunities for SVP to play a catalytic role. In 2025, our Investor Partners leaned in with more than 4,500 skilled volunteer hours - whether working directly alongside Community Partners or strengthening SVP's organizational capacity to support them. That depth of engagement - strategic, relational, sustained - is what transforms investments into lasting change. Strengthening SVP for the Future Internally, we have been equally intentional. In 2025, we: Maintained strong financial stewardship with over a year of cash on hand Diversified revenue sources and secured new foundation support, including a multi-year grant from Meyer Memorial Trust and a Sponsorship Fund established by So Hum Foundation Sustained 88.5% Investor Partner retention and welcomed 8 new Investor Partners who are already deeply engaged At the same time, we are paying close attention to shifts in individual giving - locally and nationally - and are taking this moment seriously. In response, we are evolving our partnership model in 2026 to improve clarity, predictability, and long-term sustainability, while preserving what makes SVP special: meaningful engagement, trust-based relationships, and shared accountability for impact. Looking Ahead In 2026, we will: Sustain a portfolio of 12-14 deeply supported Community Partners Double the reach of Ready to Grow through two cohorts, including our first in Spanish Advance facilities and systems solutions through our Building Together Initiative Refresh our Strategic Plan and clarify what success looks like for our preschool-focused work This is not a moment to pull back. It’s a moment to lead - together. Your investment of time, expertise, and resources fuels resilient organizations, trusted leaders, and brighter futures for our community’s children. Thank you for staying engaged, for leaning in, and for believing in what’s possible when we work side by side. With gratitude, Lauren Johnson Executive Director, SVP Portland

Every year, SVP Portland recognizes a handful of Investor Partners who have stepped up, hyped up, leaned in, put their shoulders to the wheel …and somehow made it all look easy. They raised their hands (often more than once), asked the thoughtful questions, did the unglamorous work, and showed up when it mattered most. In short, they embodied the best of SVP Portland—generous with their resources, sharp with their thinking, and always ready to move the work forward together. This year's Superstars are: Abby infused SVP Portland’s 2025 marketing plan with creativity and enthusiasm, elevating our social media storytelling and strengthening our PR presence. Thank you for your contributions, Abby! - Merlin Kister, SVP Marketing Consultant Bill is the epitome of a mountain mover! Since joining, he's tackled complex projects and kept them moving forward. He was key to completing our Volunteers Initiative, planning Building Together, launching Data Governance, and contributing thoughtful insights as part of the Portfolio Management Team. He consistently shows up enthusiastic, collaborative, and committed. Thank you for your dedication, Bill! -Jenn Luevano-Brummett, SVP Community Impact Program Manager Bob in three words: vision, drive, gentleman. Throughout his time serving on the Board, he consistently advocated for meaningful progress, challenging the status quo with the goal to move SVP forward. Bob never settles for just "okay," but always communicates that expectation with kindness and clarity. A truly outstanding Board Chair! Thank you for your leadership and commitment, Bob. -Larry Fox, SVP Board Member Chris has stepped up in so many ways this year - facilitating Real Estate sessions for Ready to Grow, providing expert guidance to Community Partners and Lead Partners, and sharing industry perspective at Building Together. Like Tom Hanks, he has appeared in everything that is good at SVP! We appreciate everything you do, Chris. Thank you! -Jenn Luevano-Brummett, SVP Community Impact Program Manager Doug is not only an active Board member, but he also leads the Finance Committee, participates in task forces, and served as a facilitator in our Ready to Grow program this year. Across all these different areas, he shares valuable insights while listening thoughtfully to others, fostering inclusion and strong outcomes. Working with Doug is a pleasure, and we're fortunate to have him as an SVP Partner. Thank you for all you do, Doug! -Rob Aslett, SVP Board Chair You don't come across curiosity and humility like Ed's very often in life. Ed has supported SVP as a Ready to Grow evaluator and stepped up to be a Lead Partner to two early start-up organizations this year. His commitment to understanding challenges from all angles and his openness to new perspectives make him the perfect embodiment of the Avid Learner award. Thank you for inspiring us all, Ed! -Carolina Castañeda del Río, SVP Director of Community Impact Elaine's contributions were as impactful as she was humble. She began with the Volunteers Initiative team, drawing on her experience as both a preschool provider and in nonprofit fundraising, and later joined the Community Action team and supported the Childcare Facilities Initiative work. In her final year, she chaired the Portfolio Management Team (PMT). Elaine remained committed to our mission through her last months, facilitating PMT meetings with steady expertise and grace. Her legacy lives on in the work she championed and the community she helped strengthen. SVP is better because of her, and we will carry her spirit forward. -Carolina Castañeda del Río, SVP Director of Community Impact Feargal deserves this award because he cares deeply about this work and doesn't accept the status quo. As a Ready to Grow facilitator and through his work with CAIRO, he has brought expert knowledge and high standards that elevate everyone around him. Feargal always shows up as his best self, creating an environment of strong relationships and high impact. Congratulations, Feargal, and thank you! -Lea Ann Grannum, SVP Investor Partner Lea Ann is one of those Partners we can't imagine being without. Always ready to say yes, she's generative in her inputs, gracious in her contributions, and highly collaborative. During 2025, Lea Ann has worked in her area of deep expertise, improving team and organizational effectiveness across multiple projects, while also being the "hostess with the mostess" for the Summer Social. Thank you for all you bring to SVP, Lea Ann! -Ursula Garcia, SVP Director of Resource Development Marty has been a superstar business plan development coach for Ready to Grow, diving right in with deep expertise, yet maintaining a humble, helpful and committed presence. He turned a deliverable that was intimidating for many participants into an insightful milestone for their expansion. I attribute this to Marty's willingness to jump in, his patience, persistence and reliable support. Thank you for making such a difference, Marty! -Jenn Luevano-Brummett, SVP Community Impact Program Manager Roxanne has shown up for our community in so many ways! As a leader on the Data Governance project and a Ready to Grow facilitator, she has brought skilled, collaborative, and creative approaches to everything she's done. Roxanne has invested tremendous time and energy into SVP, always willing to help and championing our work. Your contributions have made a real difference. Thank you, Roxanne! -Polly Luttrell, SVP Development & Events Coordinator Shannon radiates joy and generosity, and has inspired many others to do the same by matching donations to a new Partner Sponsorship Fund. As a philanthropist, Shannon exemplifies curiosity, humility, learning and meaningful collaboration in order to catalyze broader impact through her giving. Thank you for investing in SVP's future, Shannon! -Lauren Johnson, SVP Executive Director

We are excited to continue our collaborative Equitable Early Education Grant for its third year, leveraging the resources of both SVP Portland and Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR)  to have a larger impact on organizations serving Oregon and SW Washington. This collaboration aims to increase access to high-quality early learning for children facing the greatest number of barriers to accessing preschool. As SVP's Director of Community Impact, Carolina Castañeda del Río, puts it, "This partnership demonstrates how philanthropy can achieve greater impact by combining resources and amplifying collective strength." SVP and BUF-OR will jointly award two mission-aligned organizations (that are already SVP Community Partners) unrestricted grants. This will be a one-time award with invitation-only applicants. The awards will be announced in January 2026. The mission of the Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR) is to assist in the social and economic development of Oregon's underserved communities and to contribute to a broader understanding of ethnic and culturally diverse groups. As one of the only Black-led foundations in Oregon, as well as one of the few remaining Black-led organizations in historically-Black Northeast Portland, BUF-OR has spent over 40 years increasing post-secondary education success for youth and providing philanthropic support to historically marginalized or underserved populations. Learn more about the Equitable Early Education Grant here .

The story of partnership between KairosPDX and SVP Portland started more than a decade ago. SVP was among the early supporters of KairosPDX’s vision to transform education for Black children. Through a customized capacity-building accelerator, SVP worked closely with KairosPDX’s team to strengthen their strategy, infrastructure, and operations - helping lay the groundwork for an organization that would evolve into a leader of culturally-sustaining education. During that early collaboration, a seed was planted - one that would later grow into a groundbreaking workforce development model. As SVP Executive Director Lauren Johnson recalls,  “I met with Kali, one of the co-founders, back in 2012. She said, ‘I have the seedling of an idea,’ and I knew if anyone could realize the vision for what KairosPDX has become today - fundamentally changing the narrative around what’s possible in education - it was Kali and her team.” Today, that idea continues to flourish through SVP and KairosPDX’s joint focus on cultivating the next generation of early childhood educators. “The biggest piece for us is figuring out the workforce,”  says Marsha Williams, Executive Director of KairosPDX. “That means having providers who are trained and educated - and that’s really what our goal is.” One of the ways KairosPDX is advancing this goal is through its Black Excellence in Early Learning Certificate Program, accredited by Portland State University and supported by Preschool for All. The program’s second cohort includes 24 students, five of whom are returning for a second-year seminar to deepen their Action Research Projects. As these educators grow, their influence extends beyond their classrooms, shaping the broader landscape of early learning in our community. SVP’s Director of Community Impact, Carolina Castañeda del Rio, notes that the partnership exemplifies SVP’s commitment to investing in both ideas and leaders. “When we see visionary leadership tackling systemic challenges - like building a pipeline of culturally responsive early educators - we know it’s time to lean in,”  she said. “KairosPDX is addressing a community-wide need and creating a model that can ripple across the ecosystem.” Looking ahead, SVP - led by Investor Partner Diane Haughton - is exploring new ways to scale KairosPDX’s impact, including innovative funding strategies that not only strengthen workforce development efforts, but also enhance the organization’s long-term sustainability. By investing in this vital work, SVP is investing in a future where all children have access to high-quality, culturally relevant early education - and KairosPDX sees that future coming into view. “We actually have an opportunity here that’s really unique,” Marsha added. “We can reach every Black child in the state of Oregon. We can do it - and it could be a model, a pretty powerful one too.” Find out more about KairosPDX here .  And if you’d like to support KairosPDX’s next chapter, consider joining their annual fundraising gala. It’s a powerful way to invest in their vision - click here  for more information.

We asked Investor Partner Bibiche Geuskens why she joined SVP Portland, what she’s worked on, and what makes the experience meaningful to her. Here’s what she had to say. Why did you join SVP? “I wanted to find a meaningful way to get involved and give back to the community, while also learning more about the nonprofit world. SVP’s focus on early learning really resonated with me. I believe that having a strong foundation early in life shapes everything that comes after, and I appreciate that SVP works to make that opportunity available to all kids. Another thing I’ve really enjoyed is the community itself. The chance to meet and connect with Partners from all kinds of backgrounds has been incredible. Everyone brings something different to the table, and it’s been fun to learn from each other.” What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on at SVP? “So far, I’ve been part of the Ready to Grow program, which helps early learning providers expand their preschool capacity. It’s been rewarding to see how Investor Partners can use their professional experience to support these organizations as they grow. The pilot program was a great learning process for SVP, and it’s exciting to see how the feedback is already helping make the next round even stronger. Being part of that evolution, and knowing it’s helping more families access quality early education, feels really meaningful.” How has joining SVP impacted your life? “I’ve really enjoyed being able to use my skills in a completely different space. It’s been eye-opening to learn more about the amazing work happening in Portland’s nonprofit community. The SVP network is such a positive, welcoming group of people. Everyone genuinely wants to make a difference, and that energy is contagious. It’s given me a new sense of purpose and connection to my community.” If you have a friend or colleague ready to make a difference, send them our way! Contact Ursula at ursula@svpportland.org  to learn more about joining SVP Portland.

After a very busy year for owner Laura Paz-Whitmore - and amidst significant challenges posed by the political climate threatening smooth operations - SVP Community Partner Casita Azul is celebrating a major milestone: the opening of a beautiful, expanded campus in Washington County. The new facility adds more than 70 preschool seats, with an official grand opening on Friday, November 7th. Event details and an RSVP link can be found below. SVP Portland’s partnership with Casita Azul is centered on supporting their rapid growth through strategic organizational development and operational assessments designed to ensure sustainable expansion. Earlier this year, Lead Partner Noel Menezes and Partner Rob Aslett met with Laura to lay the groundwork for a strategic planning session. Along with Partner Anusha Sunderam, the team recently completed an evaluation using SVP’s new organization assessment methodology, developed by SVP summer intern Deenie Choong. The assessment identified both key strengths and opportunities where SVP’s support can make an impact. Noel shared,  "Casita Azul is making great strides in capacity building with the new Hillsboro campus. SVP is uniquely positioned to help their growth with our strategic planning, HR, finance, and marketing strengths." This next phase marks an exciting chapter for Casita Azul - one that reflects both their unwavering commitment to early learning and the power of partnership in expanding access for children across our region. SVP looks forward to continuing to walk alongside Laura and her team as they build on this momentum and shape a strong foundation for years to come.

SVP Portland’s Ready to Grow program is in full bloom this fall, with 19 local early learning providers moving steadily toward graduation. These businesses range from in-home to center-based, collectively serving more than 568 children across the region and employing over 100 teachers. Program sizes vary widely - from smaller programs serving five children to larger centers supporting up to 146. The diversity of these programs reflects the diversity of families they serve, highlighting the strength and reach of Portland’s early learning ecosystem. Since the program’s kickoff in August, participants have completed four intensive modules - Leadership, Strategy & Planning, Finance, and Real Estate - each designed to strengthen the foundation of their organizations and support their long-term goals. Over the four months, each participant is supported by a coach to develop a comprehensive business plan tailored to their preschool’s unique growth path. “This year's cohort is an outstanding group of preschool providers committed to growth, with many actively pursuing expansion,” shares Jenn Luevano-Brummett, SVP Program Manager. “Supporting that momentum has been our new Business Plan Consultant role, led by Investor Partner Marty Ramirez. This direct, hands-on guidance has boosted participants’ confidence to turn their vision into reality. It’s a joy and a privilege to facilitate these vital connections that are driving the future of early childhood education.” Up next are the final two sessions, focused on Management and IT & Marketing. Throughout the program, participants have not only gained practical tools for success but also built lasting relationships with fellow providers, Investor Partners, and community experts. The cohort’s shared learning and collaboration have created a supportive network that will continue long after the final session concludes. Reflecting on the experience, Investor Partner Feargal Moorhead notes, “As a facilitator of the Leadership session, I was humbled by the remarkable dedication of the Ready to Grow cohort. Each participant is deeply focused on developing the skills and strategies needed to strengthen their organizations and build capacity. I can’t wait to see the results of their work.” We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Ready to Grow Graduation Ceremony  on November 14, where we’ll honor the dedication, vision, and hard work of each participant. Ready to Grow is one of the ways SVP Portland invests in early learning by equipping leaders in our community with the tools and confidence to expand. Together, we’re helping build a stronger future for our kids - and that’s something to celebrate.

This fall marks the fourth year of Preschool for All (PFA), and the program continues to expand in both reach and impact. Nearly 4,000 children are enrolled across more than 200 locations this school year - a 70% increase in seats from last year.  The majority of these are full-day programs, meeting the needs of working families and strengthening our region by helping parents re-enter the workforce while educating our future workforce. Equity remains at the heart of Preschool for All’s growth. Among recent applicants: 71%  are from families with incomes at or below 350% of the Federal Poverty Level 65%  of enrolled children identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color 30%  of families speak a language other than English, representing 61 different languages This work is moving us closer to universal coverage by 2030, with a strong focus on reaching historically underserved communities. It also requires sustained investment in workforce development, facilities, and the creation of new  seats (in addition to converting existing). At the same time, PFA is navigating complex questions about long-term funding and sustainability. In August, program leaders voted to postpone a proposal that would have indexed PFA’s income tax thresholds to inflation. Instead, this decision will be considered as part of a more comprehensive review, with recommendations expected in early 2026. The months ahead will involve deep economic analysis, community engagement, and careful consideration of equity impacts. These debates are not without tension. Some community members and stakeholders have voiced concerns about the pace of implementation, fairness of funding structures, and the balance between urgency and stability. At SVP Portland, we see these challenges as opportunities to lean into our unique role: staying data-driven, pragmatic, outcomes-focused, community-centered, and solutions-oriented. That means advocating for continuity of implementation toward universal pre-K while also influencing key partners to collaboratively solve problems that will lead to a stronger program.   SVP Portland Executive Director Lauren Johnson reflects: "We're encouraged by the program's remarkable growth and its dedication to children who face the greatest barriers to accessing preschool, but we also recognize the complexity of building a sustainable, universal system. These challenges require thoughtful, collaborative solutions. SVP’s role is to advocate for the use of accurate data along with community input, and stay outcomes focused, to ensure PFA is both sustainable, and achieves the goal of every child having access to the high-quality early learning they deserve.” It’s heartening to see these discussions becoming more transparent, with community voices part of the conversation. Preschool for All was approved by voters with a two-to-one margin, and thoughtful dialogue is essential to ensuring the program delivers on its promise. SVP is committed to walking alongside community, partners, and policymakers as they work to build upon what’s been accomplished to date, as well as co-create solutions to early stage implementation challenges. Because every child deserves access to high-quality, culturally relevant early learning experiences.