PORTLAND, Ore. — In Northwest Portland sits one of the city's oldest community centers. Friendly House dates back to 1930, and today keeps its doors open to everyone from seniors to preschool kids, low-income adults and even those experiencing homelessness.
Mya Chamberlin, the executive director of Friendly House, lives that legacy. Almost 50 years ago, she was a preschooler at Friendly House herself.
"What is spectacular about Friendly House is that the families who bring their kids here is because they want their children to experience a diverse upbringing, a diverse community," Chamberlin said. "We've never had any safety issues to speak of."
"For me it's a safe place," agreed Shawn, who receives services at Friendly House. "There's cameras, there's staff, there's people that are rig