PAC-NW is moving into a new phase.
Over the past several months, much of the work has been focused on building the foundation. Developing the model, listening to community partners, identifying gaps, building relationships, pursuing funding opportunities, and figuring out what PAC-NW can realistically and responsibly grow into.
The timeline has shifted some as opportunities have developed, and PAC-NW is now moving forward with plans to become an incorporated nonprofit. The next several months will focus on building the Board of Directors, completing the nonprofit structure, continuing grant and funding applications, developing community partnerships, and preparing for future clinical and community-based services.
The long-term goal has not changed. PAC-NW was created to help bridge gaps between behavioral health, legal, and community systems for people who often find themselves navigating all of them at once.
As part of that transition, some services that were originally housed under PAC-NW will be moving to Ravenwood Consulting, my sole proprietorship. This allows PAC-NW to remain clearly focused on its nonprofit mission while also allowing me to continue providing individual professional services and financially support my family as the nonprofit is developed. Creating that separation now is an important step in protecting the future organization, keeping roles and funding streams clear, and building PAC-NW on a sustainable foundation.
As the organization grows, programming may include a mix of specialized clinical services, forensic care coordination, system navigation, competency-focused support, transition planning, community education, and workforce training. The hope is to build services that are flexible enough to meet people where they are while also helping the systems around them communicate and work together more effectively.
Moving forward, I will continue meeting with community partners, pursuing funding opportunities, developing services and training, strengthening the organizational foundation, and listening closely to the people already doing this work across Oregon.
There is also a role for the community in what comes next. Share PAC-NW with people who may want to partner, collaborate, serve on the Board, offer expertise, identify unmet needs, or help connect the organization with resources and opportunities. If you work within behavioral health, the legal system, housing, healthcare, public safety, advocacy, or another connected system, I want to hear what you are seeing and where you believe the gaps still exist.
PAC-NW is not being built to duplicate work that is already happening. The goal is to strengthen connections, fill meaningful gaps, and build something that is useful to both the people navigating these systems and the communities serving them.
There is still a lot of work ahead, but there is also a lot of possibility. Every conversation, connection, partnership, and shared idea helps move this work forward. I am hopeful about what can be built together and excited for the next phase of PAC-NW.
Appreciate you,
Kate
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