Nonprofit Writing Group to Hold Series of Fund-Raising Gatherings

For people experiencing difficulty in their lives, the power of words can have a transformative effect. Write Around Portland, a nonprofit group dedicated to aiding others through written language, helps to spread this power through the Portland community.
The organization holds volunteer-facilitated writing workshops for people affected by HIV/AIDS, people in prison, survivors of domestic violence, seniors in foster care, people in recovery, people with physical or mental disabilities, refugees, teenagers living on the street, low income adults and others who might not have access to the power of writing because of income, isolation or other barriers.
The group gathers the work created at its workshops and holds community readings to promote the exchange of stories. Periodically, it publishes anthologies of its clients' work.
During the summer, Write Around Portland is holding two benefit events to raise operating funds and will cap the season with the release of its latest anthology. The schedule of events follows:
• 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 6. First Thursday art opening, reading and fund-raiser. B-Street Gallery, 202 N.W. 13th Ave. Admission to the gallery is free, but donations of any amount are accepted.
• 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9. Tom Spanbauer reads at a fund-raiser at Design Within Reach, 1200 N.W. Everett St. Call 503-796-9224 for ticket information.
• 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31. Anthology release party and community reading, featuring writings from Iraq vets, breast cancer survivors, youths in drug and alcohol treatment and more. First Congregational Church, 1126 S.W. Park Ave. Admission is free, but donations of new journals or cash are accepted.
For more information about Write Around Portland, visit www.writearound.org.