Merkley celebrates Next Door Inc. at town hall

THE DALLES — On April 27, Sen. Jeff Merkley held his annual Town Hall in Wasco County. At each of his town halls, Merkley presents a flag that was flown at the capital in Washington, D.C., to an organization that he feels has gone above and beyond to serve their community. At this year’s event, Merkley chose to celebrate The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) and its work in the local community by offering a variety of programs and services in the Mid-Columbia region.

“The Next Door was honored to be chosen as the recipient of Sen. Merkley’s flag,” said Janet Hamada, TNDI’s executive director. “We were especially thrilled to have U.S. Army veteran, Timothy Shampoe, our school administrator, receive the flag.” 

Hamada and Shampoe were joined at the Town Hall by Heather Howard, department manager of Youth Services at TNDI; Alex Goertler, youth care specialist at TNDI’s Youth Drop-In Center; Anna Gatton, a teacher at TNDI’s Kelly Avenue School; and Lyndsey Matney, a Kelly Avenue School student.

While The Next Door continues to collaborate with community partners to respond to the community’s needs, the organization extends its thanks to Merkley for also reserving space for young voices to share their concerns and be heard.