Artist Mentorship Program (AMP)

Mission

The Artist Mentorship Program (AMP) supports youth navigating the trauma of homelessness by creating community, relationships, and music and arts mentorships so that esteem is enhanced, confidence is fortified, and pathways out of homelessness are built.

Bottom Line for Portland

AMP provides vital tools to help youth navigate trauma and homelessness through art and music education, mentorship, and a supportive community. Our services foster resilience, confidence, and healing, positively impacting Portland's future by empowering its most vulnerable youth to break free from homelessness.

Quote

“As an advocate for youth navigating homelessness I believe that the work AMP does makes a huge impact in the lives of youth in Portland” -Imani Calhoun-Riley 

“As a first-generation college graduate and indigenous immigrant myself, I know that the work AMP does in the community has made and will continue to make a huge impact on the youth they come across in Multnomah County and Washington County regardless of the language barriers and cultural identities.”- Caty Lucas

“As an advocate for first generation college students, I believe that the work AMP does makes a huge impact in the lives of youth in Portland. Having partnered with AMP to create scholarship programs for first generation college students to study art has been an amazing opportunity and I will continue to lend my support, advocacy and leadership to this amazing organization.” - Geof Garner

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Artist Mentorship Program (AMP) recognizes the systemic oppression of youth experiencing homelessness and works to engage all voices to create a diverse and inclusive environment in which youth can thrive.  AMP is committed to pursuing diversity, equity and inclusion for all people inclusive of gender identity, racial identity, Indigenous status, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, and religion in all policies and practices. AMP’s commitment to this constantly evolving awareness will be held at the forefront of our organizational decisions.

Incentives

Donors who join the AMPLIFIER monthly giving program or contribute $100 are eligible to receive one of the following: 

AMP t-shirt, AMP hat, AMP 30th anniversary t-shirt with custom art by Matt Stikker or a Oak Vinyl Record Display from Wicker Wood Works.

Partner(s)

Wonderland Tattoo, Wickerwoodwork and Black Rabbit Service Co have been advocates for music and arts education for youth experiencing homelessness.  

We are also thrilled to be supported by large collection of community partners such as Grassa, Lardo, Reiker Shoes, Music Millennium, and many more. 

Street Roots- Founded in 1999, Street Roots is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization in Portland, Oregon, that publishes a weekly social justice newspaper sold by people experiencing homelessness and poverty to earn an income. We are also proudly working with Portland's Outside In.