News Release
Native American Youth and Family Center
The Portland-based Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is pleased to share the findings of a case study carried out by the Institute for Economic and Racial Equity (IERE), Balance and Belonging: Empowerment Economics and Community Development at Native American Youth and Family Center. This was the third case study in a multi-year, research partnership exploring empowerment economics, a multigenerational, culturally-responsive approach to financial wellness originally developed by and for low-income Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other communities of color.
The project was expanded to investigate Native American Youth and Family Center’s approach to building Portland’s Native community through its Individual Development Account (IDA) program. The Institute for Economic and Racial Equity found that each of the core elements of empowerment economics were reflected in the Individual Development Account program, and Native American Youth and Family Center’s leadership agrees that the program aligns with the organization’s long-standing approach to community development.
“At Native American Youth and Family Center, we strive to create a thriving urban Native community with opportunities to flourish and be self-determined. The Individual Development Account program is one of our longest-running community wealth building programs, and through it, we’ve seen Native people buy homes, start businesses, pursue higher education, and stay housed. We’re proud to create a sense of place and belonging for Native people through our efforts, and connect community members with their Native identity,” said Babtist Paul Lumley, Native American Youth and Family Center CEO.
As part of Oregon’s Individual Development Account Initiative, Native American Youth and Family Center’s Individual Development Account program served 66 participants between 2020–2021, providing the resources needed to create asset-building opportunities for multigenerational prosperity. The program prioritizes deep relationships, grounding itself in Native culture, emphasizing the community’s strengths, and advocating for upstream change. The researchers noted that “Native American Youth and Family Center serves as a community center, cultural hub, and Native policy advocacy champion, offering the Native community in Portland a greater sense of balance and belonging.”
One Individual Development Account participant moved to Portland to attend college. Through college connections, they learned about Native American Youth and Family Center and came looking to reconnect with their Native roots and to find a community. A disability they face made it difficult to work and simultaneously attend school full-time. They found out about the Individual Development Account program and enrolled, taking Native American Youth and Family Center’s financial wellness course and completing a self-guided rental curriculum. Without the matched savings of the program and crucial staff support, they would not have been able to afford rent during the summer. They were able to stay in Portland, continue their education, and invest in new community relationships. Having successfully completed their degree, this person is now looking at enrolling in a master’s program.
Institute for Economic and Racial Equity Researcher Sneha Gantla stated, “”It has been a real honor to work with Native American Youth and Family Center’s Community Development department to uplift their approach to building wealth and power in the urban Native community in Portland, Oregon. From study design to report release, this case has been a true labor of ambition, love, and great humility. This project has highlighted significant connections between Native American Youth and Family Center’s relational worldview approach to community development and the Empowerment Economics framework. We are grateful, through and through, to share this chapter of the urban Native American community’s story of balance and belonging.”
Read the full report here. Find out more about Native American Youth and Family Center’s Individual Development Account program at https://nayapdx.org/services/community-economic-development/ida-program/.
About Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)
Founded by the community, for the community, Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is rooted in sustaining tradition and building cultural wealth. Native American Youth and Family Center provides culturally specific programs and services that guide our people in the direction of personal success and balance through cultural empowerment. Our continuum of lifetime services creates a wraparound, holistic healthy environment that is youth centered, family driven, and elder guided. Native American Youth and Family Center obtained their 501(c)(3) status in 1994.
About Institute for Economic and Racial Equity
The Institute for Economic and Racial Equity (IERE) is a research institute that advances economic opportunity and equity for individuals and families, particularly households of color and those kept out of the economic mainstream. Our work furthers the understanding that assets and wealth are critical to household well-being and all families should have access to the resources and opportunities needed to participate fully in social and economic life. Working at the intersections of academia, policy, and practice, the Institute for Economic and Racial Equity partners with diverse communities to transform structures, policies, and narratives. Grounded in a social justice tradition, our research informs strategic action for racial and economic justice to achieve an inclusive, equitable society.
