Rockwood Preparatory Academy
"Relationships for Success"

Historically rejected by both Portland and Gresham, Rockwood is a community that has never been fully embraced.  Decades of neglect and underinvestment have led Rockwood to be Oregon's largest, under-resourced, and challenged community. 

Still, we take great pride in Rockwood!  Our diverse and talented neighborhoods are brimming with unrealized potential.  We are heartened by recent infrastructure investments (e.g., Rockwood Courthouse, Rockwood Market Hall, Rockwood Police Station, and the restored Historic Rockwood School Campus) that have planted fragile seeds of optimism about the future of our community.    

The RPA/KNOVA Board of Directors is dedicated to investing in our community by ensuring that the organization develops and sustains a collaborative and influential presence in Rockwood. In line with this commitment, the RPA Executive Director has been actively engaged in various community initiatives. Some of these include:

Rockwood Neighborhood Association (RNA) Catherine Nicewood, a board member of the RPA, and John Nelsen, the Executive Director, have played pivotal roles in the Rockwood Neighborhood Association (RNA) for over a decade. Both John and Catherine collaborate with local leaders to enhance the safety, health, and educational and economic prospects of Rockwood neighborhoods. The Rockwood Neighborhood Association aims to unite its diverse residents, encouraging community involvement and nurturing a strong sense of pride among neighbors.  

Gresham Policy Chiefs Council: Over the last two years, the Executive Director of RPA has been among a select group of community leaders participating in Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg’s advisory council. This council provides a platform for constructive dialogue between community representatives and the Chief, aiming to enhance trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding within the community.
 
Annual Toy Drive Fundraiser:  In 2025, RPA Executive Director John Nelsen teamed up with The Youth Underground and Resolute MC to kick off what they hope will become an annual event. The first gathering drew in 300 attendees and featured a delightful tri-tip steak dinner, along with a bake sale, raffles, bingo, and a costume contest, raising nearly $10,000. These funds will directly benefit children affected by addiction, alcoholism, and domestic abuse, providing them with Christmas gifts and clothing for the holiday season.
 
Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce: In the spring of 2025, RPA joined the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce, an organization dedicated to fostering a thriving economy in the East Metro region, including Rockwood. The Chamber provides its members with valuable opportunities to enhance their business visibility throughout Gresham and East County. While the specific benefits of RPA's membership remain to be seen, it is evident that the Chamber is deeply invested in supporting the Rockwood community. Looking ahead, RPA is excited to host a Chamber of Commerce Networking Meet-and-Greet in the spring of 2026, and we are optimistic that this event will open up new opportunities for our organization, families, and the broader community..

Community Clothing Resource: A few years back, the Executive Director of RPA secured a generous donation of clothing from Columbia Sportswear, which has since blossomed into a more extensive partnership. By 2025, RPA will receive over one hundred cases of products from Columbia Sportswear and its affiliated brands three times a year. This expanded collaboration will enable RPA to work closely with local organizations like Gresham Homeless Services, Rockwood Salvation Army, Adopt the Rock, and Youth Underground. Through these partnerships, RPA can provide warm, high-quality clothing to those in need within the community while fostering strong inter-agency relationships to support Rockwood.
 
Annual Relapse Prevention Event:  Addiction is a devastating issue that affects families and communities everywhere, and Rockwood is no different. Each year, Executive Director Nelsen plays a key role in Rockwood’s Annual Relapse Prevention Event. In addition to fundraising and securing in-kind donations, RPA is also provides the space and accommodation for the event. The family-friendly event has grown significantly, with the 2025 gathering featuring over 30 recovery-focused organizations that came together to share valuable resources, experiences, and hope. This year's event successfully provided essential support to more than 600 individuals and family members impacted by addiction, highlighting the community's commitment to recovery and healing.

Rockwood National Night Out:  Each year, Rockwood Preparatory Academy (RPA) partners with the Rockwood Neighborhood Association (RNA) and local resource providers to host the Rockwood National Night Out. This family-oriented event is designed to strengthen community ties, share important resources, and create a fun environment for everyone involved. John Nelsen, RPA's Executive Director, is instrumental in making this event happen by securing donations, arranging in-kind support, and providing the venue. The 2025 event was a remarkable success, drawing nearly 700 residents and serving over 500 barbecue meals, showcasing the strong sense of community it fosters.