As a program of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Russian Oregon Social Services (ROSS) began providing vital services to Oregon’s and southwest Washington’s expanding Russian-speaking population in 1994.
More than 100,000 Russian-speaking refugees and immigrants from the Former Soviet Union currently reside in the Portland metro area, and the numbers are expected only to increase. Census figures show no place in the nation has had more of an influx from the Soviet Union than the Northwest. Oregon is number two in the nation for Russian-speaking new comers.
Our main goal has been to help the Russian-speaking refugees/immigrants in overcoming the many barriers in their adaptation to life in the United States and in achieving economic self-sufficiency. This is done through advocacy, services of educational programs and direct services.
ROSS is the only agency that works exclusively with the Russian-speaking population. Since 1994, ROSS has served thousands of Russian-speaking refugees/immigrants through various services including ESL, Citizenship and Nutrition classes, in-home tutoring, case management, cross-cultural and community orientation, agency referrals, educational seminars and presentations. Free dental care and legal consultation are available to ROSS clients on a regular basis. ROSS also offers translation, interpretation and notarization services for a small fee, as well as free tax assistance with the help of AARP volunteers.
Since 1998, ROSS began providing domestic violence services and mental health services to the Russian-speaking community. In August of 2006, Russian Oregon Social Services, together with Lutheran Community Services Northwest, received a United Way community impact partner grant and initiated a mentoring program, New Youth Perspectives, for Eastern European youth.
ROSS works collaboratively with agencies, businesses and organizations conducting outreach, cross-cultural training, translation and other types of educational projects. These services help newly arrived Russian-speakers acculturate into work environments as well as the community at large. At the same time, cross-cultural education to Americans allows for a much better understanding of Russian-speaking refugees and immigrants when hiring them as employees or dealing with them as clients.
ROSS is always looking to develop new partnerships and to work with others that serve, work and/or interact with the Russian speaking community. If you are interested in learning more about ROSS’ program and how we can work with you to achieve your goals, please contact our program manager, Yelena Hansen.
Yelena Hansen, Program Manager
Nichole Trone, Program Development Assistant
Evelina Kurilenko, Domestic Violence Client Advocate
Natalia Brewster,Sexual Assault Client Advocate
Karina Rutova,Domestic Violence Case Manager
Elena Skillicorn, Domestic Violence Client Advocatet
Lilya Yevseyeva, Community Outreach Specialist
4033 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202
phone: (503) 777-3437
fax: (503) 777-6545
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