Springdale Job Corps students and staff make their talents count!  On October 12th, Springdale hosted its first Make A Difference Talent Show and fundraiser.  In between watching student and staff talent acts, the audience will learned about some important organizations that contribute to our community.  Representatives from Snowcap Community Charities and My Father’s House shared information with the audience about their organizations.  Students also highlighted the I Have a Dream foundation, The Family Room, and New Avenues for Youth. 
Talent acts included breakdancing, musical performances, a theatrical dance number and the grand prize went to Culinary Arts student, Toshina John, who performed a traditional Native American  song accompanied by drumming on a hand-made drum.  Toshina is from the Yakima, Nez Perce and Navaho tribes.  Toshina’s song was passed down from Native American drumming groups.  It was a traditional “honor” song to honor those in our community who give back.  Toshina says, “I was so happy to be able to share my thanks with those who care and help our community.  In our culture, any kind of song or rhythm that comes from the heart is medicine for healing.”  When Toshina is complete with Springdale, she plans to study business and management at Mount Hood Community college.  She hopes someday to own her own restaurant so she can share with the people in her own way.
Toshina selected Snowcap Community Charities to receive the money that was raised by staff and students during the show.  Snowcap provides food baskets, clothing and other resources to economically disadvantaged members of the East Multnomah County community.