Stories

Disaster & Crisis Resilience

2020 Wildfire Report

Monday, Mar. 8, 2021

In September 2020, Way of the Columbia-Willamette (UWCW) launched a Wildfire Response and Recovery Fund, to help families suffering devastating loss caused by the wildfires in our region. In times of disasters, we’ve heard from our nonprofit partners on the ground that communities of color are disproportionately affected.

Disaster & Crisis Resilience

Building Brighter Futures Through Childcare

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021

Like so many families across our region, Tracy and Jeremy existed in a gray area where they made just enough to be disqualified from many safety net programs, but not enough to be able to pay for all their basic needs like rent, healthcare and especially childcare. 

Culture

Celebrate Black History Month

Monday, Feb. 1, 2021

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role they played in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event was the brainchild of noted historian Carter G.

Culture

United Way Announces Substantial Gift from MacKenzie Scott

Monday, Dec. 21, 2020

The transformational gift from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott will allow United Way of the Columbia-Willamette to further advance racial equity as our community and families continue to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.  

Culture

End of Year Message from Our CEO

Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

This extraordinary moment we all find ourselves in requires that I am especially thoughtful in the reflections I share with you — our supporters, partners and community — about United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s response to 2020 and what we learned in the process.

Culture

Critical Moments of the Year

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020

This year saw an unprecedented number of challenges across our region. Here are some critical moments of 2020 that your generosity and support helped make possible.

Disaster & Crisis Resilience

COVID-19 Report: Building a Path from Relief to Resiliency

Tuesday, Jun. 9, 2020

Thanks to you, families hit hard by COVID-19 were able to access critical services, including short-term housing assistance, utilities assistance and access to food. Read how your support made a difference.  

Volunteerism

Celebrating Global Volunteer Month in the face of COVID-19

Monday, Apr. 27, 2020

April 2020 is the first-ever “Global Volunteer Month” to recognize the thousands of people around the world who serve their own communities – and in light of COVID-19, as a galvanizing moment to inspire and activate the next generation of volunteers who will help support the most vulnerable populations in the weeks and months ahead. During difficult times like we are facing now, I look to the dedicated individuals that support hundreds of nonprofit organizations and provide valuable service for inspiration. The beautiful thing is that volunteerism has never been easier to take part in.

Disaster & Crisis Resilience

COVID-19, resources and ways to help

Thursday, Mar. 19, 2020

Our country has faced many difficult situations over the years – disasters and economic crises – but nothing quite like this one. It’s why we prepare. For 100 years, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has been the place where our community joins together to help one another.

Early Learning

Community Voices Count: A Promise Neighborhood Initiative

Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2020

As a Lead Community Researcher, Carolina shares her experiences going door-to-door to better understand how the Albina Rockwood Promise Neighborhood Initiative (ARPNI) can serve kids and families.

Volunteerism

Inspired by MLK Weekend of Service

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020

Hello and Aloha!   I am delighted to be in Portland having recently joined United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (UWCW) as its President and CEO in mid-December of 2019. Previously, I was with Aloha United Way in Honolulu.  

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