Metropolitan Family Service

Some stories stop you in your tracks. 🚐💛

Deann started volunteering with Ride Connection — one of our partners at MFS Project Linkage — after they helped her own parents get to medical appointments. Now she's behind the wheel, giving that same gift to others.

"They have amazing stories," she says of the riders she meets. And clearly, so does she.

This National Volunteer Month, we're grateful for people like Deann — and for partners like Ride Connection who make sure our neighbors can get where they need to go.

Meet Deann 💚🚐

After retiring from a career as a software engineer, Deann decided it was time to give back. Ride Connection had helped her parents get to medical appointments when she couldn’t leave work, and after losing her sister and later her parents, volunteering felt like a meaningful way to honor them.

Now a year into driving a ProjectLinkage van, Deann volunteers about 10 hours a month. She loves when riders sit up front so they can chat. “They have amazing stories,” she says.

One recent rider’s smile reminded her of the way her own mom used to light up when she saw her - a full-circle moment she’ll never forget.

Inspired by Deann? We’re always looking for more volunteer drivers. Even one day a month makes a huge difference. Sign up here to get started. 💚 https://rideconnection.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Get your tickets! Proceeds benefit MFS!

Only 11 seats left for a special evening at Noble Rot! 🍷

Join us on Tuesday, March 31, for a celebration of Oregon wine and culinary craft. We are partnering with Illahe Vineyards and Noble Rot to bring you an exclusive winemaker dinner overlooking the Portland skyline.

🔹Date/Time: Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30 PM
🔹Location: Noble Rot, 1111 E Burnside St, Portland
🔹Impact: Your seat helps support local children and families through our 2026 nonprofit partners.

These final seats will not last through the week. Grab yours now! https://www.classicwinesfoundation.com/event/noblerot/