CONNECTING
CULTURE &
COMMUNITY
About PICO
The Pacific Island Community of Oregon was founded in 1998 by Ace Salu to support and uplift Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island (NH/PI) youth and families through culturally grounded programs centered on community, education, and opportunity.
PICO’s work grew out of the PICO Instructional 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 entry point for mentorship, leadership development, and life skills for Pacific Islander youth. The success and impact of the camp inspired the creation of PICO to expand this vision beyond athletics.
Today, PICO serves communities throughout the Portland and Vancouver areas with a comprehensive range of programs.
Youth football camps remain a cornerstone of our work, while our after-school programs provide academic support, mentoring, and cultural enrichment. PICO has also expanded to include employment and workforce development services, as well as housing support programs, designed to promote stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success for individuals and families.
Using sports as a gateway and Pacific Islander values as our foundation, PICO creates safe, inclusive spaces where youth build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their cultural identity. Our commitment remains focused on strengthening families, empowering community voices, and creating pathways to opportunity for future generations.
Our Pillars for Progress
PICO builds trust through respectful listening and authentic relationships. We engage families, youth, and community members in shaping programs related to employment, housing, athletics, and youth development. Our work begins with community voice and lived experience.
Community Centered and Engagement
We create safe, affirming spaces where Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth and families feel valued and connected. Strong cultural identity supports confidence, resilience, and success in education, employment, and leadership.
Cultural Identity & Belonging
PICO believes the path to leadership is through service. Through sports, mentorship, academics, and workforce development, we prepare young people to lead with humility, discipline, and responsibility. students with adult mentors from the NHPI community who can offer guidance, encouragement, and support throughout their educational journey.
Youth Empowerment & Leadership Through Service
PICO works in partnership with schools, housing providers, workforce agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. Shared leadership and coordinated services strengthen outcomes across all programs.
Collaboration & Partnership
We support the whole family by coordinating housing stability, employment services, academic support, and wellness resources. Strong families create strong youth and strong communities.
Family Strength & Wraparound Support
We advocate for fair access to opportunity and meaningful representation in systems that affect housing, employment, education, and public policy. Our work ensures community voices are respected and included.
Equity, Representation & Advocacy
We use data, transparency, and continuous improvement to measure impact and strengthen programs. Our focus is building lasting systems that benefit current and future generations.
Accountability, Impact & Sustainability
PICO will collaborate with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to amplify its impact in schools and communities while creating lasting, meaningful, sustainable change.
Community Partnerships
Our Focus
ACADEMICS
Strong academic foundations empower youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed in life and contribute positively to their communities.
ATHLETICS
Athletics help youth build discipline, teamwork, confidence, and healthy habits that support their physical, mental, and social development.
HOUSING
We provide housing support to individuals and families in need, helping them find stability and security.
EMPLOYMENT
We support individuals in need by connecting them with job opportunities, career training, and resources that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Meet the Board
Maggie Heno-Ellis
Board President
Paula Salu
Co-Founder
Gemma-Noelani Somol
Board Vice President
Troy Reddick
Board Member
Erin Stepanek
Rainther Sancher
Board Member
Connecting Culture & Community •
Connecting Culture & Community •
Invest in
Stability. Opportunity.Community Impact.
Your donation will create a lasting Impact
Your support helps PICO deliver practical, culturally responsive services that strengthen youth and families across our region. Contributions directly fund:
Rental assistance that keeps families housed
Employment supports such as IDs, bus passes, work clothing, and tools.
Youth sports sponsorships that remove financial barriers to participation
After-school classroom sessions that sustain academic and mentorship programs
Corporate, private, individual, and institutional partnerships allow PICO to expand reach, maintain program continuity, and deliver long-term, community-driven outcomes.
Contact us today!
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