HOW WE LIVE UNITED FALL 2009
News in Brief from Our Community
Working Toward a Great Campaign
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| Community Account Managers and Speakers are vital to the success of the annual United Way community campaign. Working with campaign coordinators at area workplaces, their knowledge and expertise help campaigns run smoothly. Pictured from left, back row are: Paul Solomon, Katie Wilkes, Eliza Harper, Joan Corella, Casey Farm, Steve Papp, Matt Wold, Russ Albertson, Jayne Shaw, Nia Gray, Carol Young, Kate Clinton, Heather Wilson, and Julie Suedmeyer. In the front row are: Insil Kang, Mikala Cunningham, Elizabeth Knake, Katie Baum, Amanda Miller, Jeanette Griffin, Pamela Bates, Lana Sappa, Steven “Dream” Weaver, and Zeno Latin. |
Operation Cool Air
When the worst heat wave in recent history struck Portland this past summer, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Disability Activists Work Group (DAWG Oregon) joined together to collect air-conditioning units for people with developmental disabilities.
Tagged “Operation Cool Air,” DAWG Oregon and United Way mobilized the community to get donations of A/C units intended for clients of The Arc of Multnomah County: most of whom are older adults with developmental disabilities. In many cases, they also suffer from severe medical needs.
“I’ve been in many people’s homes when it’s 85 degrees out, and it’s totally unbearable,” says David McDonald, founder of DAWG Oregon. “Imagine when the temps are in the high 90s. People with seizure disorders, asthma and cardiovascular problems are among those at highest risk.”
United Way staff made calls to local businesses. Twitter and FaceBook updates helped reach a wider audience. A total of 14 new and used A/C units were donated, six of which were given by Standard TV & Appliance.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
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| Janus Youth’s Village Gardens is an urban agriculture program that has been successful in building community connections and teaching valuable leadership skills. The “Seeds of Harmony” garden in New Columbia provides residents access to fresh, organic produce, while young people learn how to market and sell their harvest at local farmers’ markets. This year, the program will focus on training “health connectors” to share vital health information with the community. Pictured from left are volunteers Ahoefa Ananouko, Angela Martin, Egbevado Ananouko, along with Roserria Roberts, Community Investment Manager, United Way. |
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Helping People, Changing Lives
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette funds programs that focus on education, income, and health. Your donations have helped more than 100,000 people in the region, including :
- 2,731 people without health insurance who accessed health care services
- 2,105 preschool children who participated in early care and education.
- 447 seniors who received home visits to ensure health and safety in their home
- 1,092 people who received mental health services
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