How time flies! Starting in 2005, DBSA Portland Metro has grown from a support group meeting once a week in Julie’s home to a full DBSA chapter with three support groups as well as joining various community partners. Thank you to all our facilitators, members and supporters for allowing us to provide community, support and resources to everyone who need it.
Let’s ROCK another 20 years or more!
A brief history of DBSA Portland
2005
Julie Williams begins DBSA Portland Metro in 2005 as part of DBSA Portland Eastside.
2008
- Jean takes over as Board President and keeps DBSA Portland going for another 17 years.
- DBSA Portland took part in six NAMI walks between 2008 and 2017.
2010
The first edition of the annual “Walk in the Park” that for 6 years ran between 2010 and 2016.
2018
The start of the annual stand-up comedy show “Laugh and Learn” that would have 4 editions running up to 2021.
2020
The start of our Zoom journey along with the Covid-19 pandemic which led to online meetings taking over DBSA Portland.
2021
Danielle starts the Nairobi Support group where we end up recruiting our future Board President, Robert Njoroge.
2023
DBSA Portland Eastside, DBSA West Portland and DBSA LGBTQIA+ combine to create DBSA Portland.
2025
Sherri launches creative writing workshops using writing to help manage mental health.
The journey continues…