MFS Receives 2025 Portland Business Journal Philanthropy Impact Award
Metropolitan Family Service (MFS) is honored to be a recipient of the Portland Business Journal’s 2025 Philanthropy Impact Award. The award was presented at the inaugural PBJ Philanthropy Summit at the Hilton Portland Downtown on November 20th—a gathering created to celebrate nonprofits and social impact organizations transforming lives across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Judy Strand, MFS CEO and Nikki Hunt attended the PBJ event honoring awardees, and attended by peers, partners, and businesses recognized for their philanthropic leadership.
Left to right, MFS CEO Judy Strand and MFS Director of Development Nikki Hunt at the PBJ Awards Ceremony
The PBJ Impact Award
A Recognition Rooted in Community
For 75 years, MFS has been a steadfast anchor for Portland-area children, families, and older adults. Our mission remains simple and enduring: to help people gain prosperity, promote equity, and build a connected community for all ages.
Each year, MFS partners with over 24,000 neighbors across the region. The Portland Business Journal highlighted several areas of impact:
Nearly 75% of MFS participants live below 200% of the federal poverty level, with an average household income of $32,000
Over the past two years, CASH Oregon prepared more than 16,000 free tax returns, securing $31 million in refunds for low-income families
MFS distributed nearly 1 million pounds of food through school-based pantries and community sites
We provided 22,000+ free rides to older adults and people with disabilities through Project Linkage
We helped low-income households access clean-energy auto loans through partnerships with credit unions and community lenders
Today’s award affirms the strength of these partnerships—and the belief that communities thrive when people have access to the tools and support they need.
About the Philanthropy Summit
This was the Portland Business Journal’s first-ever Philanthropy Summit and Impact Awards. The event brought together nonprofit leaders, corporate partners, and community advocates to shine a light on measurable impact across the region. Honorees represented a wide range of missions—from food security and youth success to health equity and community resilience.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized for work that begins and ends with community,” said MFS CEO Judy Strand. “Our impact is possible because families, volunteers, staff, and partners trust us to walk alongside them. This award belongs to all of them.”
Looking Ahead
As MFS continues into our 75th anniversary year, we are grateful to have an opportunity to partner with the many community members who access our programs.There are people from many generations and cultures who inspire all that we do. Today’s recognition is both a celebration and a reminder: the work continues, and our community is stronger when we move forward together.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
If you have a PBJ subscription, you can read about it here at Portland Business Journal.
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