About Life by Design NW

The mission of Life by Design NW is to support people as they age in discovering their passion and purpose so they engage their wisdom and skills to strengthen the community and achieve personal fulfillment.

We are a resource to Individuals.

Life by Design NW is a portal to what’s happening in the Portland metro area for people age 50+ in life planning, working, volunteering, creating community connections, learning, and living an active life. Through our unique partnerships we are able to connect people with the resources they need to create their life by design.

We are a resource to businesses.

Life by Design NW provides customized workshops to meet the specific needs of businesses as they face the changing workforce demographics and retirement trends that directly impact their bottom line. We also offer customized educational offerings for employees on life planning topics, such as self-discovery, navigating change and transition, and re-careering.

We are a resource to nonprofits.

Life by Design NW is developing a toolkit of best practices that will help build the capacity of nonprofit organizations to engage people age 50+ as volunteers and paid staff in meaningful service to the community.

We are a resource to our community.

Our unique partnerships enable us to play a key ‘connector’ role within the Portland metro area. Our home at Portland Community College is accessible to all. Our new website is positioned to be the go-to-resource that streamlines access to information and services that support people in the second half of life. Our whole person approach and educational outreach mission make it possible for us to serve a wide cross-section of the community.

We are a model of innovation and collaboration.

Part of Life by Design NW’s charter is to pilot this unique model of community partnerships connected by service to mid-life adults and to share lessons learned with other cities that may be interested in replicating this model.

Examples of Innovation and Collaboration:

The Boomer Initiative at Hands On Greater Portland, a local partner, is taking innovative approaches to designing boomer volunteer opportunities with creative design teams, affinity groups, and a ‘Books to Action’ program.
Another partner, the Multnomah County Library, is expanding offerings targeted for boomers by introducing mini-sessions on life planning through its lifebydesign@yourlibrary programs.
Life by Design NW is collaborating with Springboard Innovation, a local nonprofit organization, to establish a social entrepreneurship course targeted at people age 50+ called Encore Agenda.
We continue to collaborate with all of our partners and community organizations across the country in fostering innovative and cutting-edge programs in the Northwest.