Neighbors Turn Crisis into Community: A Heartfelt Thank You from NWMH

Michael Merrill
Oct 7
2 min read

Neighbors, staff, and community members came together to celebrate resilience and gratitude.

What began as a frightening event turned into a powerful reminder of what community truly means. In early August, a vehicle being pursued by police lost control and crashed into one of the residential homes operated by Northwest Mental Health Management Services (NWMH) in Oregon City, OR. The car drove through the garage and into the dining room — but miraculously, no clients or staff were injured.

Neighbors Stepped Up Without Hesitation

Community members jumped into action to support residents and staff.

In the immediate aftermath, the neighborhood came alive with generosity and teamwork. As emergency responders secured the scene, neighbors grabbed saws, plywood, and tools to clear debris, board up the structure, and make sure residents were safe and supported.

“Our staff remained calm and professional in a crisis, and our neighbors immediately rolled up their sleeves to help,” said Jennifer McFee, Executive Director of NWMH. “It was the epitome of what the word community truly means.”

Big fans of Mike Bennett! We picked up some of his very cool sloth “Slow Down” yard signs — and even invited the sloth to the party.

Celebrating Together at the Block Party

To honor that incredible support, NWMH hosted a Community Appreciation Block Party on September 20. The event brought together neighbors, staff, and local supporters for an afternoon filled with food, music, free ice cream, and heartfelt connections on the front lawn.

Sweet treats and shared gratitude made for a special afternoon.

“This block party was our way of saying thank you,” McFee shared. “We wanted our neighbors to know how deeply their kindness impacted us and our clients during such a difficult moment.”

A Moment Worth Sharing

This story is more than just about a single day—it’s about the power of community to show up when it matters most. We’re proud to be part of such a compassionate and connected neighborhood.