Wells Fargo Employees Help Out Local Agencies

Thanks to Wells Fargo employees who took part in a three-day volunteer blitz at area agencies. A number of volunteer activities were organized by United Way of the Columbia-Willamette through Hands on Greater Portland.





Wells Fargo employees helped the Domestic Violence Resource Center move supplies from their medical office, as well as painted the exterior of Centro Cultural's building in Cornelius. In Portland, Wells Fargo volunteers helped Schoolhouse Supplies organize and tally donated supplies in preparation for school openings. A number of volunteers (pictured above) also helped Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center organize a shed on the clinic property and sprucing up the garden.

"It was such a treat to have such a wonderful group of people out to the clinic for our projects. Thank you for coming and helping out!" says Britt F. Rosenberg, MPA, Assistant Development Officer at Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation.

United Way of the Columbia Willamette's Volunteer Engagement partnership with Hands On Greater Portland makes it easy for volunteers to lend talent and energy to local nonprofit organizations and get directly involved in improving the community by connecting individuals and employee teams to year-round, flexible volunteer opportunities throughout the Portland/Vancouver metro.

Click here to learn more about planning a volunteer event or project. You may also contact Colin McCormack, Community Investment Manager, or call 503-226-9543.

Operation Cool Air II

With the mercury reaching the high 90s in the Portland area, Disability Activists Work Group (DAWG Oregon) is resuming its call for donations of air-conditioning units to be placed in the homes of people with developmental disabilities.

When the heat wave struck Portland-Vancouver metro a couple of weeks ago, the joint campaign by United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and DAWG Oregon collected and installed 14 A/C units at people’s homes. Special thanks to Standard TV & Appliance for donating six window units and providing deep discounts on three portable units.

People who received A/Cs were existing clients of the Arc of Multnomah County, many of whom also have severe medical conditions, says David McDonald, founder of DAWG Oregon.

"I’ve been in many people’s homes when it’s 85 degrees out, and it’s totally unbearable," he says. "Imagine when the temps are in the high 90s. People with seizure disorders, asthma and cardiovascular problems are among those at highest risk."

If you have an A/C unit you want to donate, you may drop it off at The Arc office, 619 SW 11th Ave. or email David to schedule a pick-up.

Danny's Story

Danny's story was filmed about a year and a half ago. Danny continues to move to wellness and stability. He’s still in his own apartment, has a job and is committed to making his ‘impossible possible.’



Danny's story was able to put someone familiar, a neighbor, a face, on large seemingly-intractable problems. His success merges data collection and outcome measurement to real-lives and real results. His story shows each of us that in demonstrable ways, we can give others a ‘passport’ to dignity and restoration.

NAYA Family Center Youth Visits United Way

Last week, United Way had the great opportunity to host several students from the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA Family Center). The students are part of the Portland Multnomah Youth Corps program.

As part of Multnomah County's goal to increase graduation rates by 50%, the Portland Multnomah Youth Corps seeks to boost graduation rates by linking academic support with college and career. Youth Corps is working with local students who will receive progressively more intensive academic support and career experiences as they move toward graduation and into higher education, training, and jobs.

Business and career site visits are an integral part of the Youth Corps during the summer months, and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is among local organizations that hosted groups of students this summer.

Click here to see photos from Self Enhancement Inc's Youth Corps group visit to United Way.

TriQuint Employees Give Back

Big thanks to Terri Evans and the TriQuint Semiconductors family for helping our community! The annual employee picnic raised dollars for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette through a raffle drawing and a host of fun, family-friendly events. The picnic was held at the scenic Cedar Ridge Conference Center in Vernonia, Oregon.

"I have been involved in the charity raffle for at least 10 years and we are going strong! It is great to provide a platform for our employees to make a difference in the community," says Terri.

Thank you, TriQuint!

Making a Difference in Community

Pat Reiten
President, Pacific Power

Our community will continue to flourish when everyone has the opportunity to succeed. In its 99 years in business, Pacific Power has a long history of civic involvement. Here in our region, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is a major part of Pacific Power’s corporate giving program. We have faith and trust in United Way’s ability to identify areas of greatest concern to our community, and directing resources to those areas where they can have the most impact.

From a personal standpoint, I’ve had the amazing privilege of being part of United Way campaigns throughout the years and witnessing the good work that local nonprofits are doing locally. Being involved in the early stages of developing the Young Leaders Society was also a great experience, because we helped set the foundation for the next generation of civic leaders and philanthropists.

Pictured above is Pat Reiten (center) with Pacific Power employees.

Photo by Laura O'Brien, United Way Graphics Designer