A Local Nonprofit. Powered by Volunteers. Focused on Our Community.

Assistance League of Salem-Keizer is a local nonprofit powered by dedicated volunteers who believe in making a meaningful difference close to home.

Through hands-on programs and services, our members work together to meet the needs of children, families, and individuals throughout the Salem-Keizer community.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the funds we raise stay local—supporting programs that strengthen our community and improve lives.

Local people. Local impact. Neighbors helping neighbors.

Our Mission

Mission

Transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs.

Our Vision

Vision

Addressing identified needs of children and adults in our community.

Our Values

What Guides Our Work

Our values shape how we serve our community, work together, and welcome others into our mission.

Collaborate

We accomplish more together.

We bring people, ideas, and resources together to create greater impact.

Respect

We value every person.

We treat our members, partners, and those we serve with dignity, kindness, and respect.

Serve

We lead with compassion.

We respond to community needs with care, generosity, and a commitment to making a difference.

Welcome

Everyone has a place here.

We foster an inclusive, open, and welcoming organization where people feel valued and connected.

Our Approach

How We Engage With Our Community

We stay connected to our community so we can understand changing needs, respond where we can make a difference, and build lasting relationships.

Listen & Respond

We focus our programs and resources on the needs that matter most to our local community.

Share Our Impact

We keep our community informed about our programs, services, and the difference they make.

Engage Volunteers

We welcome people with diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives to join us in meaningful service.

Build for the Future

We develop strong community partnerships and diverse resources to ensure our programs remain sustainable for years to come.

Our Diversity Statement

Assistance League Salem-Keizer, as an organization, welcomes diverse individuals with varying perspectives and experiences. We make decisions based on the needs of the community and the needs of the recipients of our philanthropies. We treat our members, visitors, community volunteers, consigners, partners, and recipients with respect and civility.

Our History

History

Assistance League of Salem-Keizer is proud to be part of a national legacy as a chapter of National Assistance League©, the pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to serving local communities through member-volunteer action.

Our local story began in 1962, when a dedicated group of community women banded together with a shared vision to help those in need. In those early days, meetings were held in personal homes and local eateries, and our footprint has since grown to encompass vital philanthropic programs, such as Operation School Bell®, alongside our beloved operations at the historic Daue House Gift Shop and Encore Furnishings.

For decades, our community engagement and fundraising were anchored by traditional favorites, such as our long-running annual lasagna luncheon. However, like many organizations, the challenges of the pandemic prompted us to look toward the future and reimagine how we connect with our supporters. This led us to exciting new chapter milestones, including our unforgettable post-pandemic gathering at Salem's private Brothers Car Museum, followed by our elegant Wines and Vines auctions. These vibrant events not only introduced new friends to our mission but also successfully ushered in a fresh era of community-wide support.

As our footprint and operational scope expanded, so too did our organizational structure. Historically, our governance relied exclusively on internal member-volunteers drawn directly from our active ranks. Recognizing the changing landscape of the nonprofit sector and our vision for sustainable growth, we underwent a transformative modernization. Today, we are guided by a dynamic, diverse Governance Board composed of respected community leaders, paired with the dedicated leadership of an Executive Director.

This progressive leadership model blends our rich, six-decade history of grassroots volunteerism with professional strategic oversight. It ensures that Assistance League of Salem-Keizer remains agile, accountable, and deeply connected to the children and families who rely on us most, positioning our chapter to thrive and serve the Salem-Keizer area for generations to come.

Executive Leadership