News

What: In celebration of civic engagement and social responsibility, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., will join Portland State University President Daniel Bernstine; Kristine Nelson, dean of PSU’s Graduate School of Social Work; and Kenneth Cowdery, executive director of New Avenues for Youth, for a free hour of scooping ice cream Friday morning. The Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop is independently owned and operated by New Avenues for Youth.

When: Friday, May 19, 2006, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Where: The Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop, 524 SW Yamhill, Portland.

Cost: Free and open to the public.

Contact: Erin Malecha Arias, Office of Marketing and Communications, at 503-725-8794 or 503-807-7503.

Background: Jerry Greenfield is appearing at the Scoop Shop as part of a two-day stop in Portland to visit with Portland State University and New Avenues for Youth. In the spirit of civic engagement and community-based learning, Portland State partnered with New Avenues for Youth to bring the ice cream giant to town for several events. Portland State has been actively engaged with New Avenues for Youth almost since its inception in 1997. From providing Social Work interns to running senior capstone projects at the facility, Portland State and New Avenues have had a long and fruitful partnership.

The Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop in downtown Portland is run by New Avenues as a social venture partnership where previously homeless youth staff the ice cream shop near Pioneer Courthouse Square. The shop provides homeless youth real world experience and opportunities to build skills through job training and education.

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For Immediate Release #06-081