Best Women's Programs in Oregon — 15 resources

About Women's Programs for Women

Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.

Women's Programs in Oregon

Oregon circuit courts handle family law in each of its 27 judicial districts. The Division of Child Support operates under the Department of Justice. Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, and Hillsboro are the largest metros. Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence provide statewide civil legal aid and safety services for women.

15 Resources

1. YWCA of Greater Portland — Free

Programs empowering women through housing, career services, and racial justice in Portland. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

503-294-7400 · 1111 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Dress for Success — Oregon — Free

Professional attire and career development for women seeking employment in Portland. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

503-249-7300 · 1532 NE 37th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Women's Foundation of Oregon — Free

Statewide foundation investing in women's economic security and leadership. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

503-227-3091 · 921 SW Washington St Suite 460, Portland, OR 97205 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

4. Hacienda CDC — Latina Women's Programs — Free

Programs supporting Latina women with housing, education, and economic development in Portland. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

503-283-2680 · 6700 NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97211 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Oregon Women's Business Center — Free

SBA-funded center supporting women entrepreneurs with training and mentoring in Portland. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

503-595-4889 · 43 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. IRCO — Immigrant and Refugee Women's Programs — Free

Services for immigrant and refugee women including career and family support in Portland. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm.

503-234-1541 · 10301 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97220 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Womenspace — Eugene — Free

Programs supporting women's empowerment and safety in Lane County in Oregon. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Available 24/7.

541-485-8232 · Eugene, OR 97401 · 24/7 Hotline · Visit Website

8. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

American Association of University Women advances equity through education, advocacy, and research. Women can join a local branch, apply for fellowships, and access free salary negotiation training at aauw.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

NOW is the largest grassroots feminist organization in the US, advocating for reproductive rights, workplace equity, and an end to violence against women. Local chapters take action nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. League of Women Voters — Free

Nonpartisan organization with chapters in every state encouraging women to register, vote, and engage in civic life. Provides voter guides and candidate forums at lwv.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. YWCA USA — Free

National YWCA works to eliminate racism and empower women through local YWCAs offering emergency housing, childcare, job training, and DV services nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Women's Funding Network — Free

Global coalition of women's foundations and funds investing in programs addressing economic security, safety, and leadership for women and girls. Member directory at womensfundingnetwork.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Junior League — Free

International organization of women committed to voluntarism, leadership development, and community improvement. Local chapters across the US offer training and community projects.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Soroptimist International — Free

Global volunteer organization of business and professional women that improves lives of women and girls through Live Your Dream Awards and local service projects.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Zonta International — Free

Zonta International is a global service organization of professionals empowering women through service projects, scholarships, and vocational training grants at zonta.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in Oregon?
Women's Corner tracks 15 women's programs resources for women in Oregon.
Are women's programs resources in Oregon free?
15 of the 15 listed women's programs resources in Oregon are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Oregon have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Portland, Eugene.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in Oregon?
Featured entries include YWCA of Greater Portland, Dress for Success — Oregon, Women's Foundation of Oregon, Hacienda CDC — Latina Women's Programs, Oregon Women's Business Center.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
7 of 15 Oregon women's programs listings include phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.