United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is advancing the common good and creating a better life for all. Our focus is on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life.
We serve Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties in Oregon and Clark County in Southwest Washington.
Members and friends of the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette Young Leaders Society gathered for a holiday celebration at Seven Planet, a "green" general store located in Portland's stylish Pearl District. YLS asked guests to bring new toys, scarves and socks. All donations collected were given to the Salvation Army.
The United Way Young Leaders Society (YLS) is a group of young professionals ages 21-40 in the Portland-Vancouver metro region that aims to develop the community's next leaders in both the business and civic arenas. Members want to grow professionally and personally and are committed, compassionate and generous individuals who want to make a difference in our community. learn more
Each year, Target stores in the Portland metro area donate their display holiday trees to local nonprofits. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has been coordinating with Target stores in getting the trees to agencies and the families they serve.
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), one of the United way's partner agencies, received nine trees, which they gave away to families during the Parenting Program's annual holiday celebration, held Dec. 21. The trees -- complete with garlands, lights, ornaments, and other trimmings -- were entered in a drawing. IRCO staff members helped the winning families take down the trees so they can bring them home in time for Christmas.
Thanks to the hard work of James Dillard, United Way Community Account Executive, for his work in coordinating pickup and delivery of the trees from area Target stores.
Pictured above are IRCO staff and families who gathered for the annual Parenting Program celebration
NW Natural’s Gas Assistance Program (GAP) is an important initiative that helps low-income customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington keep the heat on. NW Natural shareholders cover all administrative fees so every single penny donated goes directly to the program.
In an effort to really help those struggling customers, NW Natural has already contributed $50,000 this year, and will match up to $25,000 more for a total of $75,000. The donation comes out of the company’s Corporate Philanthropy Fund. NW Natural hopes its customers and the general public will support this program as this is a key initiative the season.
If you're in donwtown Portland this weekend, stop by the NW Natural Warm Zone, enjoy a warm fireplace and shelter from the Oregon weather while learning about the Gas Assistance Program. Learn more about GAP
(Pictured above are NW Natural's Jenna Cooper Gross and Robin Dady, with Christy Caplan, from Sundrop Media)
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette was once again named to the Portland Business Journal's list of Most Admired Nonprofits in the state of Oregon.
More than 120 nonprofits most admired by Oregon CEOs. According to Publisher Craig Wessel, the intent of the awards is to recognize companies and organizations "that CEOs deem to be the very best organizations in the region."
Pictured above is Marc Levy, United Way CEO and President, who accepted the award at a luncheon held at the Hilton in downtown Portland. This is the third year in a row that United Way has received the prestigious award.
To identify award winners, the Portland Business Journal sent out surveys to more than 2,000 CEOs throughout Oregon, and asked them to select the three companies they most admire in eight industries: technology, agriculture, nonprofits, health care, financial services, professional services, commercial real estate and traditional manufacturers. Nonprofits named by responding CEOs received points based on if they were identified as a first, second or third choice. The points were then tabulated.
Community Housing Resource Center in Clark County is among the agency partners of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette in implementing free tax preparation help to low-income people who may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Thanks to Teri Duffy for highlighting the partnership in CHRC's latest newsletter.
The EITC program is an important component of United Way’s focus on financial stability. Many taxpayers do not know that they may be eligible to get tax refunds through EITC, and millions of refund dollars go unclaimed each year. In addition, barriers to access to mainstream banks and tax help providers steer many low-income families to tax preparation services that charge high fees.
For the 2010 tax season, a large majority of United Way EITC programs in the four-county area will begin around February. Stay tuned for more details about participating agencies, or how to volunteer as a tax preparer.
Next Wednesday, December 16, join members and friends of the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette Young Leaders Society for a holiday gathering at Seven Planet, 412 Couch St. Bring a toy for our gift drive benefiting the Salvation Army.
Many thanks to the staff and elders at Hollywood Senior Center for hosting a visit and presentation by United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. Centered in Portland, Hollywood Senior Center touches the lives of more than 2,500 seniors annually through health, recreation, information and education, nutrition and social services that support independence and produce healthier lifestyles.
In addition to serving as a social and resource hub for area elders, the Hollywood Senior Center is also a designated District Center under contract with Multnomah County’s Aging and Disability Services. The center provides assessment and care coordination for seniors wanting to remain living independently in their homes.
United Way is proud to support Hollywood Senior Center's medication management program, which is establishing collaborations among nursing schools and Multnomah County District Centers to provide local seniors a customized solution for managing their prescriptions. It is one of 25 programs that will receive multi-year funding from United Way.
The goal of the program is to pair up seniors currently served in the centers with nursing students who will provide a home visit and develop a medication management plan. “Medications interacting poorly can cause a lot of different side effects. If seniors are not taking their medications safely, they are essentially putting their life in jeopardy,” says MaryHelen Clausing, a program manager at Hollywood Senior Center.
Photos by Eliza Harper, United Way Community Account Manager
OPB Radio's Beth Hyams talked to United Way CEO Marc Levy about the current fundraising landscape for Portland-area nonprofits. The segment aired on Friday, Nov. 27.
To honor the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Hands On Greater Portland are gearing up for another great weekend devoted to service and volunteerism.
For the third year in a row, United Way and Hands On Greater Portland are organizing volunteer projects throughout the four-county Portland-Vancouver metro area for the 2010 MLK Weekend of Service, to be held Friday thru Monday, Jan. 15-18.
United Way CEO Marc Levy and NW Natural's Jenna Cooper Gross were interviewed recently by KINK.fm about the NW Natural Gas Assistance Program, an initiative that helps low-income customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington keep the heat on. NW Natural shareholders cover all administrative fees so every single penny donated goes directly to the program.
Employees of IKON Office Solutions have been so generous in the past. To thank them, the IKON Office Solutions Downtown office hosted a delicious lunch and info session. Each employee wore a United Way T-shirt to show their support.
Front from left to right: Yun Choi, Gretchyn Duval, Robin Wolf, Sandy Duell, Julie Currier, Susan Bailey. In the back row are: Steve Fitzpatrick, Terry Wagner, Tony Delano, Doug Palmer, Jeremy Weed, Justin Ballweber, Casey Shields, Jared Hoisington.
Thanks to Clackamas Women's Services for highlighting its Beyond Shelter Initiative program, funded by United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.
Survivors of sexual and domestic violence can face a variety of barriers to rebuilding a safe life. One of the most significant, unfortunately, is housing.
CWS's program brings together the expertise of NW Housing Alternatives, Clackamas County Social Services and faith-based groups to help survivors of domestic violence find or retain stable housing.
By Steve Papp, United Way Community Account Manager
Harris Group, Inc. ran a fun and successful campaign by showing off their creativity. The employee team showed positive and creative energy by hosting three special events: a Chili cook-off, a pumpkin-carving contest and Change wars. These events brought the team together, infused fun in the workday and raised over $5,000 for the community.
More about the chili cook-off. There were six chilis in the cook-off, ranging from the traditional flavors (just like Mom made) to a meaty five-alarm chili that was packed with flavor and is a sure fire way to warm you up on those cold rainy days.
The winner, John Arscott (pictured above) made a chili with a variety of ingredients that made everyone wonder…what’s in this?!?! The flavors were familiar yet inventive and now he will own the traveling chili cook-off trophy for one year…until next year’s challenge.
From left: Chris Groskopf, Sean Duffy, Ian Townsend, Steve Papp (United Way), Shirley Veltkamp, and Sheila Stai
Harris Group has been a strong supporter of the community all year round. In addition to their United Way workplace giving campaign, they have been giving basic necessities (e.g. toilet paper, food, plates, toys and monetary donations) to a local women and children's shelter. Employees also collected blankets and other knitting items from friends and provided them to those in need.
Most people across the Northwest have already turned on their furnaces this year. However, with high unemployment and a still-struggling economy, staying warm for many, will be a luxury over the 2009-2010 winter season.
“Oregon and Washington families have been directly impacted by the recession and unemployment is at an all time high in our region,” said Stephen Feltz, NW Natural Controller & Treasurer. “We hope our GAP campaign will provide some relief for our customers struggling in these tough economic times.”
NW Natural’s Gas Assistance Program (GAP) is an important initiative that helps low-income customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington keep the heat on. NW Natural shareholders cover all administrative fees so every single penny donated goes directly to the program.
“Last year, GAP provided just over $200,000 to help more than 1,600 NW Natural customers in need of assistance,” said Jenna Cooper-Gross, NW Natural spokesperson. “This year, we are hoping to exceed that number, so we’ve issued a challenge to our communities in the form of a matching campaign.”
Did you know that the Portland area has the ninth largest Native American population in the country? NAYA Youth and Family Center released a report on the state of Native American youth and families (PDF reader required). An excerpt from the report:
Currently, Native people count disproportionately among the urban poor. We experience the highest rates of homelessness, poverty and unemployment of all ethnic groups; depression, addiction and diabetes impact us in numbers far exceeding the norm. We constitute 24% of all children in foster care in Multnomah County, and only 37% of our high school students living in Portland graduate on time.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is funding two programs that focus on building Native American community strengths:
Native Student Literacy Project: Native American Youth and Family Center seeks to provide Provides culturally specific literacy and social skills to Native American middle/high school age youth to increase literacy, reduce disciplinary referrals and increase high school completion. See complete list of partners Discovering Our Story Project: Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) will utilizes audio/video oral history collection and tribal storytelling to create culturally specific and relevant multi-media health curricula for Native American rehabilitation and prevention programs. Learn more
If one has to come up with a theme for Mulvanny G2 Architecture's United Way campaign, one word comes to mind: blades. Which is quite fitting, since Mulvanny G2 campaign activities -- a pumpkin-carving contest and a moustache-shaving challenge occurred during Halloween week. Thanks to Kruger’s Farm Market at 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road for donating the pumpkins for the carving contest. It was a great event that showcased the creativity of staff.
Beyond the pumpkin artists, mucho thanks go out to Bob Kabusreiter, Senior Associate, for his important contribution to the campaign. Bob agreed to shave his moustache if employees would raise $300. Pictured with the newly shaven Bob is Shannon Blair, administrative assistant. Thanks to Mulvanny G2 Architecture for a fun campaign!
Nothing brings employees closer together than a United Way campaign. Working toward a common cause, year after year, campaign events provide great team-building activities for workplaces throughout the region.
Pacific Continental Bank's pie-throwing fund-raiser is a case in point. Thanks to Caleb Johnson for sending us the pic. We look forward to "after" pics of Mr. Reese after the jar has filled up.
The Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross is running its first United Way campaign since 2006. "It's wonderful getting this campaign started," says Nia Gray, Community Account Manager. "We kicked off the 2009 with pumpkin pie and a candy gram fundraiser. Go campaign red!"
Pictured are Nia Gray and Darcie Spar, Grants Manager of the American Red Cross, Oregon Trail Chapter
The local chapter of the American Red Cross is the lead agency for the United Way Project Innovation Grant "Building Safety Skills Among Hispanic Families." Partnering with Hacienda CDC, Sacagawea Head Start, and the Mexican Consulate, the Red Cross is leading the initiative to pilot a series of training programs to ensure that Latino children and families have resources and skills to be prepared in an emergency.
Curricula will include training on first aid/CPR and disaster preparedness. Local youth will have access to "When I’m in Charge" Babysitter’s Training. The programs will be offered free or at reduced cost. Collaboration with culturally-specific organizations will ensure materials and presentations are culturally appropriate.
Click here for more info on programs currently funded by the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.
Tanya Jewell (above), who works in the call center, was among Pacificorp employees who helped set up the auction benefiting United Way.
PacifiCorp's online auction drew wonderful prize packages, ranging from Seattle Mariners and Seahawks tickets, an OMSI birthday party, sun and ski packages, hotel stays at top-rated hotels in town, and even family and pet photography. To launch the auction, employees displayed a table of items along the Skybridge between the Pacificorp building and Lloyd Center Mall. Auction items were made available on an online portal, open to employees, their family and friends. The auction, concluded recently, raised $39,000 for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and United Way Utah County in Provo, Utah.
Thanks to Jacobs Engineering Group for a great community campaign! A technical professonal consultancy, Jacobs' Oregon operations is headquartered in Lake Oswego. Sporting the LIVE UNITED t-shirt are (from left) Jacobs Human Resources Director Debbie Duka, United Way's Jayne Shaw, and Jacobs Engineering's Gil Hulden and Curt LaCount.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is honored to be part of the 26th anniversary celebration of the Asian Health Service Center (AHSC), held Oct. 22 at Legin Restaurant. In Founded in 1983, AHSC was the first social service center serving immigrants of Chinese and Korean descent in the Portland area. With its initial focus on meeting mental and behavioral health needs of newcomers to the area, the center has evolved to provide a wide variety of services for low-inome Asians. Senior services include a "Meals on Wheels" progam, health and wellness support groups, art classes and much more.
Pictured above, from left: Marc Levy, CEO/President, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette; Dr. Erik Szeto, Founder and Board Chair, AHSC; Judy Shiprack, Multnomah County Commissioner; and Commissioner Nick Fish, City of Portland.
AHSC's "Asian Wellness Connection" is one of 25 Community Impact projects being funded by United Way. The project seeks to improve the quality of health care and health outcomes for Asians by combining the strengths of a culturally specific community-based organization, community health clinics and a research institution. Building on the integrated medical home model, program elements include bilingual/bicultural Community Health Workers, coordinated care system between the nonprofit and the clinics, cultural competence training for providers, interpretation of health information, and health education workshops.
In 2007, United Way funded an AHSC study that sought to understand health attitudes and perceptions among diverse Asian groups. “Our intent with the survey is to offer direction to health care providers and patients about how best to work together to reduce service gaps,” said Holden Leung, executive director of AHSC. “We want to nurture community partnerships to reduce health disparities in the Asian community.”
Pictured above, from left: Marc Levy; Commissioner Nick Fish; and Howard Klink, United Way Vice President of Community Investment.
If you ride the Blue Line MAX, you may have seen the train (pictured above), featuring Wells Fargo employees Kimber Young, Michael Thier-Hawke, and Aimee Peterson. Thank you for lending your beautiful smiling faces to the cause. For the second year in a row, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is utilizing Tri-Met advertising, both on the MAX and on buses.
Photos and design by United Way graphic designer Laura O'Brien (pictured below, right), who also is an accomplished artist and photographer. Creative direction by Carolee Lee, United Way Vice President, Marketing and Communications.
United Way's Community Health Issues Forum gathered a wide range of community leaders and experts in the areas of youth mentoring, prisoner re-entry, and community-based health strategies. The breakout sessions followed Dr. Adewale Troutman's presentation on the importance of focusing on social determinants to advance health equity in all communities.
Sharon Gary-Smith, Director at Cascadia Beahvioral Healthcare, led the session on "Mentoring Strategies To Build Strong Communities," which featured panelists Carolyn Becic, Executive Director, Oregon Mentors; Judy Strand, LCSW, Chief Operating Officer, Metropolitan Family Service; Nancy Ochoa, Program Director, Adelante Mujeres; and Gerald Deloney, Director of Program Advancement Self Enhancement, Inc.
Discussing "Rethinking Re-Entry: Pathways Away from Prisons," Jill Fugilister, co-director of the Coalition for a Livable Future served as facilitator. Panelists include Doug Cooper, Assistant Director, Mercy Corps Northwest; Erica Strachan, Loan and Reentry Program Support Officer, Mercy Corps Northwest; David Rogers, Executive Director of Partnership for Safety and Justice; and Debby Dover, Executive Director Second Step Housing.
Tricia Tillman, MPH, Director, Office of Multicultural Health and Services, State of Oregon facilitated the session on "Community-Based Health Strategies: The Promotores Model." Panelists are: Tera Couchman Wick, Program Development Advisor, Village Gardens - Janus Youth Programs; Helen Nash, Program Assistant, Village Gardens - Janus Youth Programs; Holden Leung, MSW, Executive Director, Asian Health and Service Center; and Ann Blaker, Board Member, Bienestar.
How often does one get the chance to throw a pie at the boss? Nordstrom Rack employees had their fun recently at the pie-throwing during Nordstrom's annual United Way community campaign. Managers "suited up" in trendy large plastic sheets to take the pie.
Thanks to Staci Currer for sending us the pics!
Pictured above: Sadie Haddad is in the foreground. Amy Guffey is sitting prepping for the pie and Angela Haddad is helping Amy.
Henry Ruiz had just thrown the pie. Also pictured is Angela Haddad.
Carla Slater has the pie and Bobby Caldwell was the manager to get the pie in the face.
Guest Post By Rebecca Brown, Community Relations Manager Comcast, OR & SW Washington
For a few weeks in October, Comcast has our United Way employee giving campaign. I have to say, each year that we do this campaign, I am increasingly impressed and overwhelmed by the generosity of our employees. We are on pace to reach our participation goal, and are already close to beating last year’s total pledges.
What I find most interesting is what motivates our employees to give. For some it’s that United Way has helped a friend or family member. For others it’s the fact that United Way helps out such a variety of organizations in our communities, or that the dollars given stay local. Still others say it’s just a chance to give back because it’s the right thing to do.
Why do you give to United Way? That’s a question we asked our employees recently. Here’s what a few of them had to say...
RACE UNITED is back at Intel Oregon! Formula 1 racing simulators were a big hit during the lunch hour all week, as employees satisfy their need for speed testing out the racecar sim.
A magical challenge among the top "wizards" at Pacificorp was the highlight of a lunchtime campaign event. The company's 2009 campaign theme centered on theHarry Potter series. Top leadership donned robes, wizard wands and lightning bolt tattoos on their foreheads. They teamed up in pairs to form three teams and played Jeopardy as a campaign event. Employees were invited to watch the showdown of the wizards.
Pictured above, from left: Erich Wilson, Director of Human Resources; Natalie Hocken, Vice President and General Counsel; John Cupparo, Vice President, Transmission; Pat Egan, Vice President, Customer and Community Affairs; Pat Reiten, President of Pacific Power; and Randy Landolt, Managing Director, Hydro Operations "Team Hufflepuff" -- which includes Pat Reiten and Randy Landolt -- took the top prize.
Thanks to Lisa Zukin, Pacificorp Internal Communications, for sharing these wonderful pics of a truly enchanted event!
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