About Us
Our MissionThe mission of the Pacific Islands Community of Oregon (PICO) is to provide the leadership necessary to support the Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander families and communities of Oregon and SW Washington, enabling them to empower and advocate for themselves to preserve and promote their cultural heritage and all way prosper through social, economic, and political opportunities.
Our History
The Pacific Island Community of Oregon (PICO) is a Pacific Islander–led, community-based organization dedicated to empowering Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) youth and families through culturally grounded programs that promote education, leadership, and long-term stability.
Founded in 1998 by Aitaoto “Ace” Salu, PICO grew out of the PICO Instructional Football Camp & Big Man Football Camp—a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Ace, Ina Talalemotu, and Tafito Salu. What began as an instructional football camp became a trusted space where youth learned discipline, teamwork, leadership, and pride in their cultural identity. The success and impact of the camp inspired the creation of PICO to expand this work beyond athletics and address broader community needs.
Today, PICO serves youth and families across Oregon and Southwest Washington, particularly in the Portland and Vancouver areas. While youth football camps remain a cornerstone of our work, PICO now offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to support the whole person and the whole family. These include afterschool programs with academic support and mentoring, workforce and employment services, housing navigation and stabilization support, mental health circles, college preparation and financial aid assistance, and family and community engagement activities.
PICO uses sports as an entry point, culture as its foundation, and strong community relationships as the pathway to lasting impact. Our programs are designed to be culturally responsive, inclusive, and community-informed—ensuring participants feel seen, supported, and empowered.
For more than two decades, PICO has worked to strengthen families, uplift youth voices, and create pathways to opportunity for NH/PI communities. Our commitment remains rooted in service, accountability, and honoring the values that connect us as a community.
Our Impact Story
For more than 20 years, the Pacific Island Community of Oregon (PICO) has served Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) youth and families by meeting them where they are and building pathways to long-term success. What began as the PICO Instructional Football Camp—using sports to teach leadership, discipline, and positive identity—has grown into a trusted, community-led organization addressing education, employment, housing stability, and family well-being.
PICO exists because NH/PI communities continue to face disproportionate barriers to opportunity and limited access to culturally responsive services. By delivering integrated, wraparound programs—including afterschool support, workforce development, housing navigation, mental health circles, college preparation, and youth sports—PICO addresses root causes, not just symptoms.
Our impact is measurable and community-driven. Youth show improved school engagement, confidence, and leadership skills. Participants increase job readiness and employment outcomes. Families gain access to critical housing, education, and support services through one trusted organization. These outcomes are driven by programs led by community members with lived experience and sustained through strong partnerships with schools, cities, and nonprofits.
Grounded in Pacific Islander values of family, respect, service, and collective responsibility, PICO is committed to expanding culturally responsive services, strengthening partnerships, and deepening data-driven impact—ensuring NH/PI youth and families have equitable access to opportunity today and for generations to come.