A Three-Generation Institution Continues Its Historic Work of Empowering Black Excellence

Multitude of Mercies Foundation (MOM) has been chosen as a recipient of Oregon’s African
American/Black Student Success (AABSS) Program, affirming what communities across
Portland have known for decades: MOM is one of the most trusted, culturally rooted,
academically focused forces for Black student achievement and family empowerment in the
state.

The AABSS Program—created through Oregon statute to eliminate racial disparities and elevate
identity-affirming learning environments—invests in organizations that have demonstrated the
capacity to not only support students, but transform systems. Multitude of Mercies stands at the
top of that list.

With a legacy spanning three generations, MOM has produced pastors, educators, civic leaders,
entrepreneurs, artists, youth advocates, and community organizers who continue to shape
Portland and beyond. Its influence is not theoretical—it is historical, measurable, and undeniable.
From grandparents who participated in early literacy circles, to parents who served in youth
leadership cohorts, to today’s children learning in culturally responsive classrooms, MOM’s
work represents a living lineage of Black excellence.

The AABSS-funded initiatives—such as the Early Roots culturally responsive preschool, literacy
and numeracy tutoring for K–3 students, Black Parent Empowerment workshops, youth
leadership councils, educator professional development, cultural heritage storytime programs,
and restorative justice pilots—reflect a sophisticated, community-grounded strategy that MOM
has refined over decades.

This is not simply programming. It is cultural preservation, academic acceleration, and
leadership formation.

For the 2025–27 cycle, MOM’s continued partnership with AABSS will deepen its capacity to
expand across North Portland and the region, scaling models already proven to elevate
achievement outcomes for African American/Black students.

Each funded activity amplifies MOM’s generational mission: to build strong, confident,
culturally anchored Black children who will become the leaders of tomorrow.

As described on its website, Multitude of Mercies exists to “nurture the whole child, strengthen
families, and cultivate learning spaces that honor culture and faith”
(multitudeofmerciespreschool.com). The AABSS Program not only recognizes this work—it
invests in it because it works.
For over thirty years, MOM has been shaping minds, lifting communities, and building leaders.
This award ensures that the next three generations will be even stronger.