Port City Development Center

Port City participants are proud to make a contribution to the community through their work as woodcrafters, artists, farmers, production and janitorial employees.  Port City employment programs are win/win.  When the community purchases Port City products or hires its workers, they tap into a pool of reliable, enthusiastic, and well-trained individuals.  Participants gain something equally important: independence, self-direction, and a sense of dignity that comes from earning a paycheck for a job well done.

Port City understands that many paths lead to self-sufficiency and independence. That’s why we offer such variety in our work and recreation programs.  Activities in six departments — Wood Studio, Port City Screen, Project Grow, Enrichment Center, Production, and two campus-wide programs – Job Development and Port City Volunteers — offer participants many engaging ways to gain meaningful work and life skills as they work, learn, and create.

What sets Port City apart?  Quite simply, we honor and respect the people who work here. We support the individual’s right to be him- or herself and to be heard. We accept individual preferences and encourage personal growth. From big dreams to everyday life decisions, our programs empower people with disabilities to get in touch with what they really want for their lives, to tap into their potential and grow into the person they are meant to become.

At Port City, work is balanced with numerous opportunities to learn and grow because we believe lifelong learning is an investment in the whole person. Our calendar of events includes art classes, lectures, dances, cooking classes, book clubs, game nights, and social skill development coaching.

Port City takes care to match participants with programs, that’s why we have so many different work areas and teach so many different skills. We explore individual interests and preferences, and support many different learning and work styles to determine if a job is a good fit for the person.  As a result, Port City is a richly diverse community of woodworkers, fabric artists, farmers, screen-printers, production workers, and artists.

Whether through our volunteer service with local non-profit organizations or by opening our doors for in-house lectures, concerts or gallery events, making connections with the greater Portland community is vital to Port City programs.  We believe communities are made stronger with a healthy cross-pollination of people with diverse abilities.

We are committed to building an inclusive community that values the contribution of all of its members.  When Port City participants volunteer at local non-profits, they gain valuable skills and community connections. Volunteers who come to our North Portland facility enrich our programs by sharing their time and talents.  We encourage you to get involved. Visit us soon!

Port City believes everyone deserves a supportive environment, regardless of one’s challenges.  Caring, patient, and professional are just a few of the words to describe the trained and certified staff members who provide daily support to Port City participants.  We understand that healthy learning and work environments are created through cooperation, teamwork, mutual respect, and dedication.  By modeling these positive qualities, Port City staff effectively teaches important work and learning skills.

Whether screen-printing t-shirts, constructing bee houses, or planting tomatoes, we get the job done.  Port City’s facility spans three city blocks, and is comprised of .75 acres of chemical-free, biodynamic gardens, sheds for garden tools and supplies, chicken coops, a goat pen, and five large onsite departments for sewing, woodworking, screen-printing, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, and production projects.  Including our gallery space, kitchen and dining area, Port City is truly a city within a city.

Port City is a beehive of creative expression, where energies are channeled into many mediums to create art that reveals the artists’ inner life. Art is a valued activity at Port City, and participants are free to explore their creativity through painting, sculpting, fabric arts, woodworking, screen-printing, ceramics, film making, performance, fiber, and textile arts.  The vibrant and dynamic art scene at Port City’s is supported by an active lecture and art show schedule.  These events provide opportunities for collaboration with other artists, and foster meaningful connections with the community.