News Release: 5/21/2025

MFS marks milestone 75th year with move to new Gresham headquarters

GRESHAM, OR — May 2025 — Metropolitan Family Service (MFS), a nonprofit serving the Portland
metro area for the past 75 years, has officially relocated its headquarters to Gresham’s Civic Plaza in the
Gresham Station area.

The move deepens the organization’s presence in East Multnomah County, where several of its 15
programs are already located. MFS programs focus on early childhood development and youth success,
economic empowerment, and community-based health and wellness, reaching more than 24,000
people annually across the tri-county area.

“This move reflects a long-standing commitment to the people and partners of East County,” said MFS
CEO Judy Strand. “Being rooted here allows us to better support the families, schools, and
neighborhoods we’ve worked with for decades.”

MFS hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house on May 1, welcoming more than 40 guests. Among those
in attendance were Gresham civic and community leaders, funders, volunteers, and partners, including
Mike Harris, founder of the Schools Uniting Neighborhoods program, which MFS has supported since
2006.

Strand was joined by past MFS executive directors Ron Yoder and Krista Larson, each of whom led the
agency for 19 years. Local speakers included Thea Enos of the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce;
Jerry Hinton, Gresham City Council president; John Koch, interim superintendent of the Gresham-Barlow
School District; and Kevin Spooner, MFS board chair.

“Partnerships are at the heart of MFS,” said Enos. “Whether it’s pairing a student with a senior to
practice reading, helping a neighbor access reliable transportation, or supporting families through tax
season, MFS is a model for collaborative community care.”

Founded in 1950, MFS collaborates with more than 400 public and private partners and coordinates
over 2,000 volunteers who contribute an estimated 70,000 hours of service annually. Programs are
offered at no cost and are embedded in schools and neighborhoods where resources are often lacking.

“We know that equity, access, and community matter,” said Strand. “In a time when many people are
feeling isolated or left behind, our programs connect people of all ages to the tools and support they
need to thrive.”

Learn more about MFS at www.mfspdx.org.