Quest Monthly - September
Happy September! Not only do we have one of our BEST community events at the end of the month, but we have some new groups starting up along with some important awareness dates we’d like to highlight.
September is National Recovery Month, which started in 1989 as a national observance to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible. This month provides a vehicle to increase awareness and foster a greater understanding about mental and substance use disorders and empower everyone in the recovery journey.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, share resources, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.
We also recognize Pain Awareness Month in September. Pain Awareness Month was established in 2001 through a coalition led by the American Chronic Pain Association. Today, organizations around the world use September to share reliable information, elevate lived experience, and advocate for better pain research, education, and care.
Lastly, September 15 - October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latina/e/o/x communities beyond this month, we give extra recognition to the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic & Latina/e/o/x people and communities. We face a pressing need to affirm the right and dignity of Hispanic & Latina/e/o/x people today, so this month is a great opportunity to educate, act and speak out.
More Awareness Dates to Note :
9/10/26 : National Suicide Prevention Day
9/18/26 : National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
UPCOMING CLOSURES:
Wednesday, September 2nd Open - Noon
Quest Center will be opening late on Wednesday September 2nd for our staff appreciation party! Hours will continue as usual after the event. Thank you for your understanding.
Monday, September 7th
Both Quest Center locations will be closed on Monday September 7th in observance of Labor Day. In case of a Mental Health crisis, please call:
Multnomah County Crisis Line: 503-988-4888
Washington County Crisis Line: 503-291-9111
Clackamas County Crisis Line (Riverstone): 503-655-8585
UPCOMING QUEST GROUPS & EVENTS
Community Day Fall Festival
Saturday, September 26th | 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Location : Quest Center Multnomah
Info : Our family-friendly Fall Festival invites everyone to show up as their authentic self. Our departments are thrilled to offer fun, interactive activities that highlight the work we do. We will serve food, beverages, and ice cream! This event is free for everyone in our community — we are so excited to share in the festivities.
Ecotherapy Group
Day/Time: 8 week group from 9/10 - 10/29 | Thursdays 1:30pm-3:00pm
Start Date: 9/10/26
Location: First day orientation on September 10th will occur onsite at Quest upstairs in room 222. Group will be meeting starting September 17th at the West side of Creston park, close to parking lot located at the corner of Rhone St and 43rd Avenue. Transportation via shuttle will be available.
Find More Details Here
OTHER EVENTS, RESOURCES & INFO HIGHLIGHT
The Standard Volunteer Expo
Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Location: Pioneer Square, 700 Southwest 5th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97204
Info: Quest will be hosting a table at this year’s Volunteer Expo, sponsored by The Standard. Join the movement to make our communities a better place. At the 2026 Volunteer Expo, you can meet in person with nonprofits that need your skills and support.
AIDS Walk Northwest
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 10:00AM - 12:30PM
Location : Tom Mccal Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR 97204
Info: Quest is honored to be joining as a community partner at this year’s Aid Walk Northwest: All Walks of Life, and we’d love for you to join us!
“For 41 years, this walk has brought people together to fight stigma, celebrate resilience, and demand better for our communities. It started as “From All Walks of Life,” a name that carried a simple, radical idea: that HIV affects everyone, and everyone has a role in the response. The HIV community didn’t just fight for treatment. They fought for a kind of care that sees the whole person, not just a diagnosis. That fight built CAP, built this walk, and set the standard for everything we do now.
Today, CAP provides HIV services alongside primary care, housing support, behavioral health, and gender-affirming care across Oregon and Southwest Washington. This year, we’re returning to our roots: All Walks of Life. It carries that original movement forward today. The walk remains a place to honor those we’ve lost, to celebrate those living with HIV, and to raise critical funds in support of our programs and services. And it’s also an invitation, wider than ever, to anyone who believes that caring for each other is the most important thing we do.”