Cassiel Thom

Grand Prize Winner -
Oregon Fair Housing Council Poster Contest 2011

The 13th Annual Fair Housing Poster Contest took place on April 28, 2011.  The contest, sponsored each year by the Oregon Fair Housing Council, celebrates “fair housing” the name given to civil rights laws that protect people’s right to live where they choose. Each year, the Council invites school-aged children to submit unique artwork illustrating a fair housing-related theme. This year, entries came in from all over the state of Oregon, producing an all-time high of 487 submissions.

Drum roll please…Cassiel Thom was named the Grand Prize winner!  Cassiel is a sixth grader in Portland, loves studying art and math at school, and lives in REACH housing. REACH has partnered with the Oregon Fair Housing Council for years, promoting the poster contest.  This year’s theme was Won’t You Be My Neighbor?  Fair Housing for Everyone! And it was one of the most competitive and talented groups of artists the Council has ever seen. 

Cassiel said that participating in the poster contest really made her realize that everyone is happier when they live together in a diverse community.  She believes that all kinds of people living together as neighbors fosters true community.  In Cassiel’s words, “Fair housing means one family…” and she believes this is what fair housing is all about.  As you can see from her beautiful artwork, this theme is reflected in her poster. 

Aside from the poster contest, Cassiel likes listening to music (all kinds), doodling, making art, and of course playing with friends.  After finishing up with middle school and high school, Cassiel would like to attend Julliard where she wants to continue work on her art career.  Next year, Cassiel will be enrolling in REACH’s Youth$ave program – perhaps she’ll start saving for that Julliard education!

Perhaps it’s serendipity that a REACH resident won this contest.  Over the last several months, REACH has initiated the creation of a diversity plan for our organization, focused on the dual goals of increasing our company diversity and our ability to work effectively with multiple cultures and communities. With the dramatically changing demographics in our country, REACH recognizes the importance of offering culturally appropriate services.

Thanks to you, Cassiel, for all of your hard work.  And CONGRATULATIONS from your friends at REACH!  Check out pictures of the ceremony here!