Building Community Through Radical Inclusivity: Radness Ensues’ 2024 Journey and Vision for 2025

Since opening our doors on July 27th, 2024, Radness Ensues has transformed from a vision into a vibrant reality, serving 2,831 community members in Keizer, Oregon. As we step into 2025, we’re excited to share our journey, celebrate our successes, and invite you to be part of our growing community.

Our Impact

In just five months, we’ve created a unique space where families spanning four generations gather to enjoy music, art, and community together. Our commitment to accessibility means offering low-cost or no-cost activities, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of financial circumstances.

What We Offer

• A safer, sober space for youth and families
• Weekly all-ages music events
• Community support groups
• Cultural celebrations
• A unique gift shop featuring local artists
• Regular family-friendly activities
  

2024 Milestones

First Annual Rad Monster Mash Halloween & Concert Bash

Our signature event united over 200 families and served more than 700 community members. With expanded parking access from Keizer Plaza, we created an unforgettable celebration featuring performances by Maderas, Wire Monkey Mama, and Reptile Love Child.

We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors who made this possible:

Presenting Sponsors

• The Grand Hotel in Salem
• Salem Convention Center
• The Hotel Salem – Oregon

Costume Level Sponsors

• Recycling Relief
• Becka Makes Buttons
• BeBlac Foundation
• Uptown Music
• West Keizer Neighborhood Association

Treat and Trunk Sponsors

• Adventures With Autism
• Hope Enterprises
• Renaissance Roofing Inc
• Tigress Beauty
• ROCC Recovery Outreach Community Center
• Kroc Center Salem
• Miller’s Bbq & Cafe
• Summit Wealth Management
• Pretty Good Printing

Additional Community Supporters

• Gino Ward (Farmer’s Insurance)
• Cindy Bowling
• Victoria (Soaring Heights Recovery Homes)
• Joe Guerra (State Farm)

Regular Programming

• Youth First! Open Mic & Karaoke nights (1st & 3rd Thursdays)
• Vintage Movie Nights (2nd & 4th Thursdays)
• Make Sum Noiz Sundays
• Button Shoppe
• Prehistoric Findings Gift Shop (Mix of Dinosaur Items and Creations from Local Oregon Artists)
• Peer-led grief support groups
• Late-night AA meetings
• Community discussions and workshops

Exciting Developments

We’re thrilled to announce that our 501(c)3 status is in its final stages with the IRS, with approval expected next week. This milestone will help us expand our impact and create more opportunities for community engagement.

Looking Forward: 2025 Initiatives

We’re launching several new programs to better serve our community:

• Clothing Closet
• Food Pantry
• Youth Internship Program (ages 14-25)

Upcoming Events

Join us this Saturday, January 4th, 2025, for a special bilingual event featuring Children’s Author Dago Benavidez. He’ll be reading his book “Rusty and Me/Rusty y yo,” which explores the five stages of grief, in both English and Spanish. Light refreshments will be served. Click Here For Event Info

Community Recognition

Our work has been supported and recognized by local media partners (see our press page for links):

• Salem Business Journal
• KeizerTimes
• Salem Reporter
• Statesman Journal
• CCMedia

Special thanks to Summit Wealth Management for selecting Radness Ensues as one of their supported nonprofits in December, and to Matthew Miller for his dedicated fundraising efforts. Our Volunteers Stephanie and Justis hung out to meet and talk with donors just before Christmas.

Become a Monthly Sustainer

The heart of our success lies in our community’s ongoing support. While one-time donations are always appreciated, becoming a monthly sustainer helps us create lasting change. Your recurring support enables us to:

• Plan long-term programming
• Maintain our facilities
• Keep events accessible to all
• Launch new community initiatives
• Support local artists and performers

Click Here To Donate or Become a Monthly Sustainer

Our Growing Impact

Every contribution, from art supplies to snacks, music gear to monetary donations, helps create this inclusive space. Our community continues to show up with incredible generosity, making every new program and initiative possible.

Ways to Get Involved

• Become a monthly sustainer
• Volunteer at events or during regular programming
• Donate supplies for our upcoming initiatives
• Spread the word about our programs and services
• Attend our events and bring friends

Looking Ahead

As we enter 2025, we remain committed to our mission of creating an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone belongs. With our expanding programs and growing community support, we’re excited to continue building spaces where radness truly does ensue.

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Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on events, programs, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we’re building more than just a community space – we’re creating a movement of inclusivity, support, and creativity in Keizer.

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