At Rivermark, we’re committed to strengthening our community by partnering with organizations that empower families and create brighter futures. One of those exceptional partners is Parenting With Intent (PWI) — a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth and families involved with Oregon’s Child Welfare system build stability, confidence, and long lasting connections.
PWI lives out its mission of “Building Strong Connections for Healthy Communities” through relationship-focused services that help families grow, heal, and thrive. They believe healthy relationships are the foundation for positive change, and they work every day to remove barriers so youth and families can access the support they deserve.
Who is Parenting With Intent?
Founded in 2011, Parenting With Intent has grown into a trusted nonprofit serving youth and families in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. Their programs are built around one core belief: every child and family deserves the chance to feel supported, connected, and empowered.
Supporting Youth Through Mentorship
In 2017, PWI launched the Youth Empowerment Services (YES!) Program, which offers long term, professional mentorship, foster placement support, and stability and resource navigation. What began with support for 20 youth has grown into the largest ODHS funded mentorship program in Oregon, now serving more than 200 youth.
Rooted in Relationship-Based Care
PWI was founded by Ashley Woodcock, whose career in Child Welfare revealed the deep need for authentic, empowering relationships for families navigating the system. Her vision continues to shape the organization today.
PWI’s approach is guided by four principles designed to help youth:
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Discover an authentic sense of self
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Build and sustain healthy relationships
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Connect with safe, supportive communities
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Live with intention and confidence
These values center on establishing strong, trusting relationships where youth can advocate for themselves and take steps toward their goals.
How Rivermark and Parenting With Intent Partner Together
Our partnership with PWI is rooted in a shared belief in financial empowerment as a pathway to stability. In 2024, Chellie Dering, PWI’s Development Director, secured a grant with a vision: to offer financial education to youth and adults in the PWI community. Rivermark had already been providing financial coaching through a relationship developed by Khari Applewhite, Branch Manager of the Rivermark Hollywood Branch, so expanding the partnership was a natural next step.
Together, we co created two four session financial education series — one for youth, one for adults — each offering participants an incentive for completing all sessions. As of November 2025, we’ve coached nine cohorts of 8–9 participants each, helping families build confidence in budgeting, banking, and planning for the future. Chellie shared: “Rivermark has welcomed us with open arms and been so supportive of the work that we do. They are not only supportive of our mission, but they also actively cheer for us, share our work with others in the community, and consistently reach out to us to see how we can grow and deepen our partnership.”
Why This Partnership Matters
Parenting With Intent equips youth and families with the tools, resources, and skills they need to advocate for themselves and create lasting change. Their work aligns beautifully with Rivermark’s commitment to transforming lives and communities together.
By combining PWI’s relationship-based support with Rivermark’s financial education resources, we’re helping families gain confidence in their financial decisions, tools to navigate difficult transitions, and greater long term stability. We’re proud to walk alongside PWI as they continue to strengthen families and foster resilience throughout our community.
Want to discover more about Parenting With Intent, their programs, or their mission?
Visit their website: parentingwithintent.org
