East County Youth Collective
We all want our young people to experience true belonging, to have spaces where they can be themselves and know they are not alone. As teens navigate a youth mental health crisis, the pressures of social media, bullying, and the challenges of our world, the need for inclusive spaces is more urgent than ever.
The East County Youth Collective (ECYC) is committed to creating that belonging for all youth, including LGBTQ+ youth, immigrant youth, Black and brown youth, and neurodivergent youth.
In 2025, Together Lab and four anchor congregations, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham, came together to co-create the ECYC.
ECYC offers play and purpose for middle and high schoolers through youth-shaped gatherings grounded in listening, connection, and care for teens and their families. Young people can support neighbors, participate in community outreach, and experience faith in action.
A full-time Together Lab organizer, Cris Saldivar, grows and supports this Collective, activating a wider network of adult leaders. ECYC is also connected to Oregon’s Youth Solidarity Movement, expanding access to statewide gatherings, volunteer training, and a broader network rooted in belonging.
We warmly invite youth and families to join us and come be part of a community where every young person is noticed, named, known, and needed.
Who is Cris Saldivar?
Cris brings a deep passion for creating spaces where young people and families feel a true sense of belonging. She has worked across community, education, and faith-based settings to support teens and families through intergenerational events, youth programming, and direct support services.
Cris also brings experience in family ministries within Lutheran congregations, and her work with Portland State University, Clackamas County, and local coalitions has centered on supporting students, coordinating field trips, accompanying parents, and building bridges between community-based organizations and schools.
For more information, please reach out to Cris at cristina@togetherlab.org.