Young Leaders Holiday Party

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

Target Christmas Trees at IRCO

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 Warm Zone Dec. 19-20

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)

Most Admired Nonprofits

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.

Read the Portland Business Journal article on the award winners.

Free Tax Preparation

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.

Read a success story from last year's EITC outreach.

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.

NW Natural Gas Assistance Program on KOIN 6

Young Leaders Society Holiday Party

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.

Email Pamela Weatherspoon to RSVP for the event.

Learn more about YLS actvities.

Hollywood Senior Center

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

Fundraising in a Recession

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.

Listen to the interview: