Sharla Jones’s proposal was awarded $500 towards the LIFE: Middle School Leadership Conference, which involves students from all over the state. This was the 4th year for this 4-day conference which includes deaf and hearing impaired students from all over the state of Oregon. More than half of the participants were from regular public schools and rarely get the opportunity to socialize with other deaf students their own age. The number of participants varies from year-to-year, depending on the middle school population. The 2011 Conference hosted 72 students. The 2012 Conference hosted 45. Funds were used for gas cards for the presenters, food, office supplies and workshop materials. No stipends or gratuities were given, and 20 volunteers were involved in the Conference. Other fundraising activities (T-shirt sales, the Haunted House, etc.) supplemented the Weston Foundation contribution. Presenters at the workshops included deaf adults from a variety of professions to inspire and instruct the students. The Conference Coordinator reported that this activity was a huge success and generated many positive comments by students and presenters alike.
Friends of OSD - FOSD
Enhancing the educational experience for OSD students.
Our Mission
The FOSD mission and purpose is to support the enhancement of programs and services for students at OSD beyond the State’s funding responsibility*. The FOSD Board has identified four initiatives for which awards may be granted: education, cultural activities, innovative programs and minor capital improvement projects.
Founded by a small group of dedicated people in 2006, FOSD was established to support the students at the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD). From that beginning, Friends of OSD has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer Board of Directors. In 2014, FOSD created an Advisory Council of 15 members.
The Friends of OSD Strategic Plan provides direction as the nonprofit continues to expand. We are proud to say that 95% of all grants and donations go directly to programs that benefit students.
*The State of Oregon is responsible for operating programs and services for the students at the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD). Federal case law establishes the expectation that special education services provided by a school be reasonably designed to ensure students make progress. Friends of OSD will not replace or supplant the responsibilities of the state.