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"Leadership is an action, not a position."
- Donald McGannon

LEADERSHIP

Squires values the representation of fathers we serve and has a long-standing commitment to seeking out speakers, facilitators, support organizations, and points of contact that reflect the community we server. This is an important component of our work and are dedicated to ensuring lived experiences are valued. As such we have a leadership program to help elevate the dads we serve into leadership at Squire, This program is call Knight Project

BOARD

Our board is a diverse group of individuals who share a common passion supporting young parents. With former teen dads, Squires Knights, and experienced professionals in our team, we bring a unique perspective to our mission. Our long-time volunteers also play a crucial role in helping us achieve our. Together, we committed to making a positive in the lives of young dads"

PRESIDENT

Anthony Brian Alexander Avila - The Dalles, OR

Property Maintenance- Chenowith Rim Apartments

Graduate- Milwaukie High School, Squires Knight, Teen Father

TREASURER

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Renee Marie Taylor - Happy Valley, OR
Retired Teen Parent Daycare Provider- NCSD

Rotarian

SECRETARY

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Elizabeth Sowards - Milwaukie, OR
Staffer- Kaiser Permanente

Squires Volunteer

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Dean Cramer - Milwaukie, OR
Business Partner- New Horizon Tek

Squires Volunteer

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David A. Carvajal - Gresham, OR

Truck Driver- Penske

Graduate: Centennial High School, Squires Knight, Young Father

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Jerome Smith - Portland, OR
Retail- Nike,

Graduate Roosevelt High School, Participant at The Portland Fathering Center, Teen Father

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Squires was originally designed around the information available and personal experience of our founder and Executive Director who became a dad at 15.

The limited information available, showed that the programs that found success were congruent with his experience. These programs provided non-judgmental support that included  education, tools, and opportunities for being a better provider.

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PRESIDENT

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Executive Director & Founder - Shanne Sowards

Teen Father Mentor - Portland Public Schools,
Early Childhood Specialist - Impact NW

Graduate- Milwaukie High School, Teen Father

STEERING COMMITTEE 

PRESIDENT

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The communities we serve are also represented through our Steering Committee which is made up of young dads who have completed the Knight Project to become Knights, some board members, and community members.

KNIGHT PROJECT

Upon completion each Squire will have completed 50 hours of reading to their child, 2 financial literacy classes, 2 parenting education classes, attended 2 major Squires events, and at least 5 of the 6 special Knight Project meetings. Each meeting with a different theme reaffirming parenting with intentionality.Upon completion of the Knight Project, young fathers are eligible to be part of the steering committee. 

PRESIDENT

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This achievement also recognizes our Knights as a peer mentor. With the opportunity to participate in our steering committee. As well as any open board members positions.  Knights are a visual part of leadership, planning, educating, and dreaming.

 

Our internal leadership will have opportunities for personal growth, and be a part of what Squires is to become.

Many mainstream services do not account for adolescence and are not typically utilized by young dads. Young and teen dads are seen as hard to reach, or disengaged, and not pursued. Resulting in an underserved population. However, when you meet dads where they are at, emotionally, physically, and biologically you increase program engagement. This engagement reduces isolation and opens doors of opportunity to elevate the father, child, and family. This is Squires sweet spot; this is what we do and who we are.

CONTACT >

 PHONE & TEXT: 503-421-0933

 EMAIL: info@squireseyd.org

 MAIL: PO Box 22421

            Milwaukie, OR 97269

SOCIALS > @squireseyd

 #adventuresinmentoring

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Squires Empowering Young Dads is a 501(c)(3)​ Tax Identification # 93-3907585 

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