African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO)

Mission
To settle the past, engage the present, and hope for the future.
Bottom Line for Portland
AYCO's Dream Center is a beacon of light for immigrant and refugee communities in East Portland, serving thousands of youth and families.
At this crucial time in history, we are counting on your support to help bring our Dream Center to life via targeted tenant improvements designed to transform our building into a Community Resilience Hub, a culturally-specific and -responsive one-stop-shop for East Portland's diverse communities.
Complete with solar panel array and backup battery system, multipurpose community event and training space, community garden, and dedicated spaces for our UPLIFT Youth & Education Services, BRIDGE Community Health & Engagement, and SHIFA Behavioral Health & Healing programming, our project will build climate resilience through emergency preparedness, promote food security through nature-based solutions, and advance overall community resilience at AYCO's Dream Center.
Quote
WE ARE RESILIENT. WE ARE BRILLIANT. AND TOGETHER, WE THRIVE!
Incentives
$10 - $250
Personalized Thank-You Letter: Receive a handwritten card from an AYCO student, sharing gratitude and a personal story of impact.
$250 - $600
- Custom Student Artwork: Receive a digital or small physical artwork created by one of our youth.
Exclusive Donor Merchandise: A limited-edition AYCO tote bag and T-shirt designed just for campaign supporters.
$600+
- AYCO Dream Center Experience: Enjoy a private tour of the AYCO office and lunch with our staff team.
- Public Recognition: Shoutouts on AYCO’s social media and other platforms celebrating your generosity.
AYCO Donor Pack: Receive special AYCO-branded merchandise as a keepsake of your impact.
Partner(s)
Cascadia Health
Cascade Health has been a trusted partner in advancing health and wellness for our community, and this year we’re joining forces in the Give!Guide campaign to maximize our impact.
Together, we’ll highlight the importance of youth empowerment, prevention, and health equity, while inviting the community to take part in a giving season that truly gives back.
AMayes international restaurant
Amayes International, a longtime business partner of AYCO, is stepping up to support this campaign with community-driven incentives:
- ♥ Shop & Support: During the campaign, 5% of every purchase made at Amayes International will be donated to AYCO’s Give!Guide campaign when customers mention AYCO at checkout.
- ♥ Double Impact Days: For the final two weeks of the campaign, Amayes will match the 5% contribution, turning every purchase into 10% back for community programs.
Mocha Express
Mocha Express, a community-based coffee shop, is brewing change alongside AYCO for this year’s Give!Guide:
- ♥ Sip & Support: During the campaign, 5% of every coffee or pastry purchase will be donated to AYCO when customers mention AYCO at checkout.
- ♥ Double Impact Days: For the last two weeks of the campaign, Mocha Express will double its contribution to 10% of purchases.
Best Fresh Supermarket
Best Fresh Supermarket, a trusted grocery store for local families, is helping AYCO strengthen communities through Give!Guide:
- ♥ Shop & Support: During the campaign, 5% of every purchase at Best Fresh Supermarket will be donated to AYCO when customers mention AYCO at checkout.
♥ Double Impact Days: For the final two weeks of the campaign, Best Fresh will match customer-driven contributions, bringing the impact to 10%.

African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO) is in the Education category .
They're a medium-sized organization with activities in Multnomah Co. and Washington Co.